Obituaries

We now have over 7,000 obituaries collected about the interred here at Silverbrook Cemetery.

The obituaries are transcribed by the volunteers of the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery from various sources.  If you see an opportunity for an addition or a correction, please email our obituary editor at obits@friendsofsilverbrook.org.

Euler, Arlene Ruth (Downs) 1938-2023

Arlene Ruth Euler
May 18, 1938-May 30, 2023

Published on website of Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Arlene Euler Obituary

Arlene Ruth Euler, 85, of Niles passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

Arlene was born on May 18, 1938, to the late Homer and Dorothy (Fink) Downs in LaPorte, Indiana. After graduating from high school Arlene married the love of her life, Norman Euler.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings.

Arlene is survived by many nieces and nephews including Ron Barnhart, jeffrey Hagenow, James Hagenow and Linda Armijo.

Arlene has been cremated and will be interred next to her husband at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Schweinzger, Lynn 1954-2023

Lynn Schweinzger
June 16, 1954 — June 20, 2023

 

Published on Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home website

OBITUARY

Lynn Schweinzger died peacefully on June 20, 2023 at 9:28am at Green Acres Assisted Living where she resided for the past year.  Lynn was born on June 16, 1954 to Jack and Charlotte Schweinzger.  She lived her whole life in Niles and was known by many people.  After graduating from Niles High School she attended Andrews University for one year in the food service department.  Lynn held various jobs over the years, that included hotel housekeeping, a helper of the elderly, and a McDonald’s food service worker.

Lynn was faced with many challenges throughout her life.  She had cognitive challenges, scoliosis, was a breast cancer survivor, and most recently endured a lung disease over the last five years.  She was able to live independently until she needed to move into Brentwood of Niles in February of 2022.

Last July she moved to Green Acres Assisted Living of Allendale, in the greater Grand Rapids area, to be closer to family.  While Lynn never drove, she walked and rode her bike all over the Niles area.  She enjoyed being a member of the Eagles Lodge where she spent many hours and always looked forward to her birthday mug of beer.  She had fun participating in hometown festivities such as the raft race, and even ran for Apple Festival Queen once.  She participated in the Special Olympics many times.  She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and later moved to the United Methodist church, where she engaged in many activities.  Lynn graduated with the class of 1974 and loved being a part of the reunion planning committees and attending the reunions.

Lynn was preceded in death by her mother and step-father, Charlotte and Al Southworth, her father and step-mother, Jack and Phyllis Schweinzger, and her step-sister Debbie Southworth.  She is survived by her brother Eric (Jane) Schweinzger, sister Sara (Daryll) Atkinson, step-brother Mike Southworth, step-sister Genna Southworth, half-brother Bill Schweinzger and half-sister Kelley Schweinzger.  Lynn had 11 nephews and nieces and 12 great nephews and nieces.  She dearly loved them and cherished the time spent with them.  She frequently wore the sweatshirt that had all their hand prints on it.  They fondly remember her great laugh, times spent with her playing games, going to movies, and receiving her annual Christmas cards with money or McDonald’s certificates.

The funeral service for Lynn Schweinzger will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 26, 2023 at the New Journey United Methodist Church, 302 Cedar Street in Niles with Pastor Michael Southworth, retired of Cornerstone Community Church in Hobart, Indiana, and step-brother of Lynn officiating.  Committal will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles.  Contributions in memory of Lynn may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook Street SE, Suite 100, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49546, https://faithhospicecare.org/; or to Green Acres Allendale, 11289 Commerce Drive, Allendale, Michigan, 49401, https://www.rlmgmt.com/green-acres-allendale/.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Lynn will be remembered for her fun loving sense of humor, her joyful spirit, and her kindness to all.  No matter what life threw at her, she always maintained a positive attitude and endured with grace.  She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Johnson, Mary Louise (McKinney) 1921-2023

MARY LOUISE JOHNSON
June 24. 1921—May 21, 2023

Mary Louise Johnson of Edwardsburg, Michigan, died May 21 at the age of 101 surrounded by her family.

She was born June 24, 1921, to William McKinney and Aura (Barr) McKinney, and lived in the Niles and Edwardsburg area for most of her life. On November 27, 1944, she was united in marriage to Theodore Johnson in Anaheim, CA, where he was stationed on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Ted passed away on May 6, 1987. Surviving are their children: Mary Kathleen Addis of Amsterdam, NL; Theodore Gregory Johnson of South Bend, IN; Kenton Johnson of Brighton, MI; Kevin (Kathy) Johnson of Stevensville, MI; Jeyn Johnstone of Niles, MI; and Carol Johnson Elliot of Mishawaka, IN. She also is survived by eight devoted grandchildren: Beth Massa (Michael), Sara Barany Davis (Tony), Ryan Johnson, Krystal Johnson Hubbard, Kenton Scott Johnson (Olivia), Erin Elliot Rood (Dan), Robert Alexander Elliot (Brooke) and Christopher Samuel Elliot. Mary had seven great-grandchildren.

Family members preceding her in death include her parents, her beloved husband Ted, sister Aura Marjorie Robbins, sister Ella Ridinger, brother Earl Worrell, daughter-in-law Janet Burke-Johnson and granddaughter, Krystal's husband, Jacob Hubbard.

Mary was employed for 19 years as the office secretary for the Edwardsburg Elementary School. As" Mrs. Johnson", she was regularly warmly greeted around town by former students, teachers and colleagues for many years after her retirement. Unfailingly kind, selfless and a patient listener, she especially adored her grandchildren who will remember her love of reading, family get-togethers, Lake Michigan, watching tennis, cheering for Michael Jordan, Ked sneakers, spice drops and a never-empty candy jar.

There will be no services or visitation. The Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home in Edwardsburg, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary's Johnson's memory to the Cass County District Library Edwardsburg Branch, 26745 Church Street, Edwardsburg, Michigan 49112.

Haney, Clement 1944-2023

Clement Haney Jr.
Feb. 7, 1944-June 13, 2023

Niles Daily Star, Published 11:02 am Tuesday, June 13, 2023 

Clement Haney, 79, of Niles, passed away Monday, June 12, 2023. Arrangements are pending and have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles. www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Published on Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services website:

Clement Haney Jr., a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2023, in Niles, Michigan. Born on February 7, 1944, in Toledo, Ohio, he was the son of the late Clement and Eleanore (Fisher) Haney.

Clement is survived by his devoted wife of many years, Judy (Purucker) Haney of Niles; his cherished daughter, Lisa Haney of Niles, son, Brian George; and his three adoring grandsons, Michael and Austin Przybylinski, and Johnny George. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Kimberly Przybylinski, and his three brothers.

Throughout his life, Clement was known for his kind and gentle nature. He was a man who valued the simple pleasures in life and enjoyed quiet days at home, watching television, and spending time with his family. His warm smile and caring demeanor will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

As we say goodbye to Clement Haney, we celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. May he rest in peace, knowing that his legacy will live on through the lives of those he touched.

 

 

Crawford, Carol Mae 1938-2023

Carol Mae Crawford
October 23, 1938 - October 7, 2023 

Published on website of Hoven Funeral Home

Obituary

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Carol Mae Crawford, lovingly known as "Carrot" to her doting great-nieces and nephews. Born on October 23, 1938, Carol lived a full, spirited, and creative life until her peaceful passing on October 7, 2023. 

Raised in Watseka, Illinois, Carol was a radiant figure in her youth, crowned homecoming queen and recognized as a star volleyball player at Watseka High School. Following her high school years, she moved to Evanston, Illinois, where she served the community as a thoughtful and dedicated secretary in the field of education. Upon retirement, Carol relocated to Buchanan, Michigan, where she indulged in her hobbies of knitting, jewelry making, and antiquing. Carol had an artistic eye, often seen in her knack for refinishing antique furniture, which she pursued with a passion. Her creative endeavors were never just about the product but the process – a testament to her thoughtful and spirited approach to life. As Maya Angelou once said, "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." This was certainly true for Carol, as her creativity was boundless, and she used it to bring joy and beauty to the world around her.

Carol is survived by her niece Julie Capron, nephew Mark (Elizabeth) McCray, and her cherished great-nieces and nephews Lauren Capron, Bailey (Danielle) Capron, Cameron (Cheyenne) McCray, Mason McCray, Macie (Robert) Wagner, Lindsey (Chase) Miller, and Ethan (Teagan) Rogers. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent and Lillian Munson, her sister Connie Kiger, and her nephew Michael McCray. The graveside service will be held at the Silverbrook Cemetery, 1400 East Main Street, Niles, Michigan, 49120, on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 10:30 am EDT. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan, MI. 

We invite those who knew Carol to share their memories and upload photos to the memorial page, to join us in remembering and celebrating the creative, loving, and spirited life of Carol Crawford. As we remember her, let us keep alive her spirit of creativity and love that touched so many lives. Carol was a firm believer in the words of Albert Schweitzer: "The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve." Her memory lives on in the hearts of those she served and loved.

 

Perkey, Dorothy Elaine (Stark) 1928-2018

Dorothy Elaine Perkey
July 8, 1928-February 17, 2018

Published on website for Allred Funeral Home

Obituary

Dorothy Elaine Perkey, 89, of Benton Harbor, died Saturday morning, Feb. 17, 2018, at A Place Called Home in Dowagiac, following a long illness.

A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date. Allred Funeral Home is serving the family, and online messages may be left at www.allredfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations may be made to Caring Circle Hospice.

Dot was born July 8, 1928, in Galien, the daughter of Henry and Mary (Rudell) Stark. She worked for many years as a bartender at Red Arrow Tap in Benton Heights, as well as answering phone for her son Terry’s A&A tree service business. Her leisure enjoyments included watching her son Randy and grandsons race their stock cars, playing bingo, and playing the slots once in a while. And she loved spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids.

Dot is survived by her husband, Teddy Perkey, whom she married December 23, 1974; three sons: Ronald Pressler Sr., Randy Pressler, Terry Pressler; son-in-law, Bruce Stover; grandchildren: Michele Bowen, Tonia (Tim) Williams, Kristina (Corey) Burks, Kimberly (Doug) Boal, Ronald (Tamara) Pressler Jr.,
Ronica Pressler, Cory (Lisa) Pressler, Nickolis Pressler, CJ Pressler, Ahron Myatt Pressler; 22 great-grandkids; and two great-great-grandkids.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, David Pressler; son, Russell Pressler; daughter, Barbara Stover; parents, six brothers, and two sisters.

 

Egmer, Carol A. (Peel) 1942-2023

Carol A. Egmer
December 24, 1942  -  October 26, 2023

Published on website for Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services
 

Obituary

Carol Ann Egmer, a beloved mother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2023, in Niles, Michigan. Born on December 24, 1942, in Moss Creek, Pennsylvania, to Clair and Jennie (Butterworth) Peel, Carol was a beacon of kindness and warmth to all who knew her.

Carol was the sister to Harold Peel and the late Chris and Leon Peel. She graduated from Niles High School in 1964. After graduation, Carol embarked on a fulfilling career at Simplicity Pattern Co., where she dedicated 40 years of her life before retiring. Carol was married to the late Thomas Egmer for 49 years.

In her retirement, Carol found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved taking road trips with her family, exploring the country's diverse landscapes, and creating lasting memories, especially her trip to the Grand Canyon. Her love for travel also extended to cruising, a pastime she cherished and looked forward to each year. When at home Carol loved spending time with her cats, going to the casino, and she always looked forward to her Friday night card games with the family.

Carol was a loving mother to her three children, Sherri Egmer, Thomas Egmer, and Jennifer Archer. She was also a cherished sister to Harold (Sally) Peel. Grandmother to Jessica, Daniel, Thomas, Desiree, and Tyler and great-grandmother to Rylee, Eliza, Adrian, and Isabelle.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. until Noon and funeral services will begin at Noon. Pastor Ryan Lutz will be officiating. Carol will be laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery next to her husband.

Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan located at 5400 South Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085.