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.

Bressler, Lester J.

Lester J. Bressler
Jan. 30, 1876-June 5, 1926

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, June 5, 1926, page 1, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library

L.J. BRESSLER IS TAKEN BY DEATH

RAILWAY MAN PASSES AWAY AFTER LONG ILLNESS WITH HEART TROUBLE

 

Lester J. Bressler, 50, died at his home at 903 Sycamore street at 12:15 o'clock this morning.  He had been in failing health for about two months, but his illness had not been considered serious until a week ago. He had not been confined to his bed, but it was known that he was in a critical condition. Death is attributed to heat trouble. [sic]

Funeral services will be held at the . . .[illegible] . . . 2:30 o'clock by Rev. John Shurman, pastor of the Evangelical church. Burial will be made in Silverbrook cemetery.

Mr. Bressler was born January 30, 1876, in Indiana.  He moved to Niles with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bressler, about 35 years ago.  He never married and has made his home with his mother all his life. He had been in the employ of the Michigan Central railway for several years.  His father preceded him in death several years ago. The surviving relatives are his mother, Mrs. Barbara Bressler, one sister, Mrs. Grant Bolton, and one brother, Orena Bressler, all of Niles.


Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, June 8, 1926, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

FUNERAL TODAY

Funeral services for Lester J. Bressler, who died at his home at 903 Sycamore street, Saturday morning, were conducted this afternoon at the home by Rev. John Shurman, pastor of the Evangelical church. . .Silver Brook Cemetery.

Bybee, Isabelle

Isabelle Bybee
Feb. 8, 1910-Nov. 17, 1980


Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, November 19, 1980, page 2, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library

Miss Isabelle Bybee, 70, of 251 Cass Street, died at 9:30 p.m. Monday in Bledsoe, Kentucky after a two-year illness.

A former waitress, she had resided here since 1940 after moving from Chicago. She was born on Feb. 8, 1910.

Funeral arrangements are being completed at the Halbritter Funeral Home.

 

Deutsch, Mina

Mina Deutsch
Jan. 1848-Apr. 28, 1926

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, April 28, 1926, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

MISS DEUTSCH DIED


Miss Mina Deutsch died at her home, 618 S. St. Joseph avenue, about 9:30 o'clock this morning after a week of illness, an announcement which brings sorrow to a wide circle of friends of the deceased. She is survived by a brother, Charles Deutsch, and by five sisters, Mrs. David Gitchell, Mr. Hugh Dean and Miss Addie Deutsch, of Niles, and Mrs. D.F. Reid and Mrs. Martha Paddleford, of Chicago.  The funeral plans will be announced later.

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, April 29, 1926, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

FUNERAL FRIDAY


Funeral services for Miss Mina Deutsch will be held at the home, 618 St. Joseph avenue, tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. M.W. Ross, rector, of Trinity Episcopal church will officiate. Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star, Friday, April 30, 1926, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

COMMUNICATED

_____


A Testimonial

 

By the death of Miss Mina Deutsch her many kinsman and friends are made aware that a noble, pure and loving woman has entered into the land of fadeless day. For many years she was afflicted with asthma, but her last illness extended over a brief period of seven days and she died April 28, 1926.

Miss Deutsch was a daughter of George and Hannah Deutsch and was born in Niles in a small frame house that stood on N. Front street, about where is now situated the business place of late Joseph S. Tuttle.  When a young child she, with her parents moved in the house built by her father on St. Joseph avenue, where she has resided hitherto. She was a member of Trinity Episcopal church and was a devoted member.

Miss Deutsch was a woman of uncommon truth, fairness and character. Nothing was too arduous for her to do if it was right; nothing was done by her if it was wrong or contemptuous.  Her good deeds were done in silence and came from a clean heart.

To her, death had no fears and it never does for those whose faith is strong and whose lives are guided by truth. Death should not be scorned; it is a door that leads to light and is wonderful. It is a necessary end and is nothing.

We are always mindful of the passing of our dear ones and cannot . . .[illegible]. . .our faith grows stronger and our griefs are overcome by the healing power of hope and love.

Miss Deutsch was a follower of her Maker. She was true. She was loyal. She was steadfast. Let this be her epitaph.

 

 

Gates, Lillie Belle

Lillie Belle Gates
Oct. 22, 1905-Nov. 17, 1980


Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, November 18, 1980, page 2, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library

Lillie Belle Gates, 75, formerly of 1014 N. 9th St., died at 5:20 p.m. at the Michigan Skill Care Center after a lengthy illness.

Born on  Oct. 22, 1905, in Marranna, Arkansas, she had been a resident of the area since moving here in 1944 from Union City, Tenn. She was married on July 17, 1937, to Stanley Gates, who survives.

She is survived by one daughter, Verneice Fulce, of Niles; one step-daughter, Anna B. Alexander of Chicago, and one brother, James Braden of Helena, Arkansas.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. Rev. W.L. Daniel will officiate. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Friends may call between 4-9 p.m. Thursday at the Pifer-Smith Funeral Home.

 

Kaser, Loah I.

Loah I. Kaser
March 16, 1894-Nov. 5, 1980

Niles Daily Star, Friday, November 7, 1980, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library


BLOOMINGTON, Ind.--Mrs. Loah I. Kaser, 86, of Bloomington, Ind., formerly of Niles, died at 10 pm. Wednesday in the Bloomington Convalescent Center.

She had retired in 1967 after working for Brandywine Schools.

She was born on March 16, 1894 in North Liberty, Ind. and had spent most of her life in the Niles area.

She was married in 1922 in South Bend to Arthur L. Kaser. He died in 1956.

Survivors include two sons, David of Bloomington and Kent of South Bend; a daughter, Mrs. Barbara Standiford of Seattle; seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete. Friends may call from 2 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Welsheimer North Chapel, 52803 Business Route U.S. 31, South Bend.


Niles Daily Star, Saturday, November 8, 1980, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


BLOOMINGTON--Funeral services for Mrs. Loah I. Kaser, 86, of Bloomington, Ind., and formerly of Niles, who died at 10 p.m. Wednesday, will be at 11 a.m. Monday in Welsheimer North Chapel, 52803 U.S. 31, South Bend.

Rev. David Jenkins of the Bertrand Bible Church, will officiate and burial will take place in Silverbrook Cemetery. Friends may call between 2 and 5 and 7 and 9 p.m. Sunday.

 

Meyer, Christian

Christian Meyer
July 19, 1843-June 4, 1926


Niles Daily Star, Friday, June 4, 1926, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library


CHRIS MEYER, 82, DIES AFTER LONG RESIDENCE HERE

Had Live on Farm Northwest of Niles 67 Years.

WAS HEAD OF 5 GENERATIONS

Left 12 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great, Great Grandson

 

Christian Meyer, 82 and a resident of Berrien county for 67 years, died Friday morning at his home, 403 West Main street. Two weeks ago he suffered a stroke of paralysis. he had been unconscious since he was stricken on Thursday . . .[illegible] . .

Mrs. Meyer was born in Germany, July 19, 1843, and was the youngest of a family of six children. Accompanied by his mother, he left Germany when he was 14 years old, and came to America and directly to Berrien county where he had since resided. His mother died four years afterr they came to America and at the age of 18 he was left to make his way entirely alone.  On February 26, 1867, he was married to Mary Nieb and that year he bought 40 acres of the farm four  miles northwest of Niles which has since been the family home.

Mr. Meyer erected a log cabin on the farm and it was in the cabin that their eight children were born. Later the cabin was replaced by the present home. Mrs. Meyer died in February, 13 years ago, on November 12, 1917.

Mr. Meyer later was married to Mrs. Anna Miller, who survives him. They at once took up their residence at 403 West Main street and had since lived there.  Mr. Meyer is survived by a widow and by seven children who are: John Meyer, of Pomona, Calif.; Mrs. William Linsenmier, Edward, William who resides in the old home, Charles, Clarence and Mrs. Sophia Parks, all of Niles. Another daughter, Mrs. Ida Linsenmier, died 20 years ago. Besides the widow and children, Mr. Meyer is survived by 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and one great great grandson.  The latter is Donald Alan Burge, son of Mrs. Bernice Murphy Burge.  With the death of Mr. Meyer the head of a family of five generations is removed.

While engaging in general agriculture until he retired Mr. Meyer made a specialty of raising high grade cattle and stock. He enjoyed a wide acquaintance throughout the community and was highly respected. Until stricken with paralysis two weeks ago he was active and was keenly interested in the affairs of the community.

The funeral plans have not been made as it is possible that John Meyer, the son who resides in Pomona may be able to come to Niles for the services. It is now planned not to hold the service before Monday afternoon.


Niles Daily Star, Saturday, June 5, 1926, page 4, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

FUNERAL MONDAY

Funeral services for Christian Meyer, who died Friday morning will be conducted Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at his home by Rev. G.W. Webbink, pastor of St. John's Evangelical church.  Interment will be made in Silver Brook cemetery. It was first thought proable[sic] that Mr. Meyer's son, John, who resides in Pomona, California, would be here for the services, but it has been learned that it is imposible[sic] for him to come.

Nichols, Victoria E.

Victoria E. Nichols
Feb. 21, 1951-Nov. 5, 1980

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, November 6, 1980, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library


Miss Victoria E. Nichols, 29, of 603 N. Redbud Trail, Buchanan, died at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in St. Joseph Hospital at South Bend following a brief illness.

She was a former employee of the Holiday Inn in Niles.

She was born Feb. 21, 1951 in Rochester, N.Y. and had resided here since 1971, coming from South Bend.

Survivors include her mother, Mrs. Mary Jane Nichols of Niles; and two sister, Mrs. Jean Harmon of Northport, Alabama, and Mrs. Christine Beczkiewicz of Indianapolis.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. The Rev. Arnold O. Schaap of Edwardsburg will officiate.

Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Halbritter Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.