Obituaries

Samuel C. Thomson
July 28, 1842-Aug. 11, 1923

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Monday, August 13, 1923, page 8, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

A TRIBUTE

Samuel C. Thomson

1845-1923

"The spirit of the Lord rested upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord,"

These words are peculiarly applicable to Samuel C. Thomson, who passed into the life everlasting, Saturday evening, August 11.  It is impossible to estimate the far-reaching influence of a good life, but no community can hold as a citizen for four-score years a man of gentleness and brotherly kindness, of sagacity and courage, without being immeasurably enlightened because of the luminous qualities of such a character; such was Mr. Thomson.  Born July 28, 1842, near Glasgow, Scotland, he was brought to this country in 1844 by his parents, who settled on what is still known as the Thomson homestead, two miles west of Niles.

His education was acquired in Niles, chiefly at private schools.  In 1882 he bought a farm in Cass county, five miles northeast of this city, bringing there as his bride in 1884, Miss Caroline Gerberich, who survives him. He was supervisor of Howard township for fifteen years, and his advice was sought in affairs political and personal upon all occasions.

He joined the Presbyterian church in 1858 and was was ordained as elder there in 1877, serving continuously and efficiently ever since.  Perhaps no other member of the board was better informed upon Presbyterian church law than Mr. Thomson, and his counsel was so deliberate and his pronouncements so fair that in his church, as in his political affiliations, his advice was a thing to be heeded and acted upon.

Because of failing health, Mr. Thomson established his permanent residence in Niles in 1917, and, until the summons came for him to go to a far country, he retained his vigorous interests in all that pertained to municipal, national and spiritual progress.

Besides his widow, Mr. Thomson is survived by a son, Samuel, and a daughter, Josephine. A sister, Miss Agnes B. Thomson, a brother James B. Thomson, and a large community of friends mourn his loss.

The funeral services will be held at the Presbyterian church. Tuesday, August 14, at 3 o'clock.

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Tuesday, August 14, 1923, page 8, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services for the late Samuel Thomson were held at the Presbyterian church this afternoon, Rev. Scherer, pastor of the church, officiating. Mr. and Mrs. Rex Leach sang.  The following of the elders of the church acted as pall bearers: James E. Harder, H.D. Donmall, F.E. Powell, Z.G. Allen, C.E. Moon and J.W. Wood.  Burial took place in Silver Brook cemetery.

Benton Weiser
1853-July 11, 1923

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Friday, July 13, 1923, page 8, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

BENTON WEISER, WELL KNOWN FARMER DEAD

Benton Weiser, 69, died Wednesday evening about 6 o'clock at his home three miles southwest of Niles.  While he had long been a sufferer from diabetes, he had been confined to his bed but three days. Mr. Weiser was born in Pennsylvania.  He had for many years resided in this section and was well known and highly respected.  He is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Newton Long of Basil, Wyo., two grandsons, one sister, Mrs. Joseph Lipp of Niles and a brother, Jacob Weiser of Pennsylvania.  Mrs. Weiser died suddenly about six years ago.

The funeral . .[illegible] . .at the home Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Burial will take place in Silver Brook cemetery.

Mr.and Mrs. Charles Long reside on Mr. Weiser's farm and he had been making his home with them.

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Monday, July 16, 1923, page 8, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

Funeral services for Benton Weiser were held at the home west of Niles yesterday afternoon. Rev. Alfred Trennery officiating. Burial took place in Silver Brook cemetery. Mrs. Newton Long, of Basil, Wyo., a daughter of the deceased, who arrived on  Saturday to attend the services expects to leave for her home on Wednesday.

Rev. Robert A. Wright
Aug. 5, 1859-July 17, 1923

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Tuesday, July 17, 1923, page 8, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

REV. WRIGHT DROPS DEAD

Former Pastor of Niles Methodist Church Had Started on Vacation Trip

The announcement of the sudden death of Rev. R.A. Wright of Coldwater, at Tecumseh, brought sorrow to many in Niles, Rev. Wright having for a number of years been pastor of the Methodist church here.  His health had long caused his family and friends much concern, but lately there had apparently been an improvement in his condition and he had decided to take a vacation trip to Canada. With Mrs. Wright he left Coldwater early this morning, and they had evidently gone as far as Tecumseh when he dropped dead.  No particulars concerning his death were conveyed in the announcement received here this morning about 6 o'clock by his daughters, Mrs. Gorton Price and Miss Mildred Wright, but it is understood that he died on the train.

Mr. and Mrs. Price, accompanied by Miss Wright who came to Niles last Saturday for a visit, and Miss Vogt who accompanied her to Niles, left by motor for Coldwater upon receiving the message.

Rev. Wright after his first year here was repeatedly returned to this city by conference at the request of the local church congregation.  His influence extended far outside the circle of his own church and he was generally beloved.

Surviving Mr. Wright is his widow, two daughter[sic]x, Mrs. Gorton Price of Niles, and Miss Mildred Wright of Coldwater and two sons, Bruce of Chicago and Gerald of Coldwater.

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Thursday, July 19, 1923, page 8, col. 6, microfilm Niles District Library

Body of Former Pastor Niles Church Buried Here Today

The body of Rev. Robert A. Wright, who died suddenly last Tuesday, was brought to Niles this afternoon from Coldwater and taken directly to Silver Brook cemetery for burial. The committal service was conducted by Rev. John C. Willetts, superintendent of the Niles district of the Methodist church.

The Coldwater Reporter, in the account of the death of Rev. Wright states that he and Mrs. Wright had left Coldwater about 4 a.m. with Frank B. Kennedy, with whom the planned to motor to Detroit and from there Mr. and Mrs. Wright intended to go to London, Ont., to visit his only brother, Thomas Wright.  They had reached a point five miles east of Teconsha, when Mr. Kennedy got out of the car to adjust some minor mechanical difficulty and Mr. Wright also got out of the car and was standing by Mr. Kennedy when he fell backward dead.  It is believed that he was overcome with a sudden attack of heart disease.

Mr. Wright's heart began to fail a year ago," says the Recorder. "He had purchased an automobile but doctors soon after told him he must not drive it on account of his heart. However, he had seemed to gain of late.  He was anticipating the visit with his brother with a great deal of pleasure."

Mr. Wright was 63 years old. He was born in Ontario, Canada, August 5, 1859. he received his education at the University of Montreal and Northwestern university.  He had . . .[illegible]. ..over 28 years.

The Recorder refers at length to Mr. Wright's faithful service as a minister and his influence in the community, all of which is appreciated by his former parishioners and friends here.

He is survived by his wife, four children, and one brother. The children are Mrs. Gorton Price of Niles, Miss Mildred and Gerald of Coldwater and Bruce of Jackson.

He was a member of the Masonic fraternity.

Niles Daily Star-Sun, Friday, July 20, 1923, page 8, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. R.A. Wright and children, also Mr.and Mrs. Thomas Wright of London,Ont., and Mrs. Wright's sister, whose home is in Hillsdale, who came to Niles yesterday with the body of Rev. R.A. Wright returned to Coldwater today. Tomorrow Mr.and Mrs. Thomas Wright will return to their home.  Twenty-six ministers attended the funeral services for Mr. Wright in Coldwater and four ministers accompanied the family to Niles for the committal service.  For the present Mrs. Wright plans to make her home in Coldwater, where her daughter Miss Mildred, will again teach in the public schools and where her son, Gerald, will complete his high school course next June.

Loren J. Riddle, 89
March 7, 1923-February 28, 2013

Niles Daily Star, Published 5:26pm Sunday, March 3, 2013

Loren J. Riddle, 89, of Niles, died at 11:15 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2013, at Riveridge Manor in Niles following a brief illness.

He was born on March 7, 1923, to John Harrison and Flora Bell (Lambert) Riddle in Bell, Calif., while they were visiting family there.

He was very active in the local troop of Boy Scouts of America, earning the ultimate rank of Eagle Scout, and graduated from Niles High School in 1943.

He joined the U.S. Army, serving in the European Theater, and being awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal. He returned as a veteran of World War II.

Back in Niles, Loren farmed on Pucker Street and was employed at National-Standard for 25 years, retiring in 1982. He moved with his wife to Baldwin and then returned to Niles in 1991.

Loren was a member of the Amvets Post #1978 and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2094, both in Niles. He enjoyed riding snowmobiles and motorcycles, and deer hunting – mostly “up north” – and camping with his family throughout both of Michigan’s peninsulas and Wisconsin.

On Nov. 26, 1949, in Niles, he married the former Lucille M. McLain with whom he celebrated the 57th anniversary of their wedding, prior to her death in 2007.

They were also preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Beckwith in 1983; and Loren’s sisters, Marguerite Lagodney and Virginia “Bunny” Repine and brothers, Marcius “Babe” Riddle, John Riddle and Floyd Riddle.

Surviving family includes grandchildren, Vickie Hoffman, of Morton Grove, Ill., and Jeff Plomb, of Harrietta; great-grandchildren, Cassie Brungardt, Michael (and Carrie) Archam USAF, Jeremy Hoffman, Devin Plomb, Brandy Hilts and Hunter Plomb; and Loren’s sisters, Flora M. Riddle and Lucia Thomas, both of Niles; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Loren Riddle will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Edward H. Slate of Faith United Methodist Church in Buchanan officiating.

Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with full military honors by the United States Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post #51 of Buchanan.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Loren may be made to the Berrien County Cancer Service, 7301 Red Arrow Highway, Stevensville, Michigan 49122.

www.halbritterfunerals.com

Keith Larson, 89
Aug. 12, 1921 — Jan. 15, 2011

Niles Daily Star, Published 10:44pm Monday, January 17, 2011

Keith R. Larson Sr., 89, passed away in his home Saturday, Jan. 15 surrounded by family.

Keith was born Aug. 12, 1921 in Niles to Anna (Rau) and Edward Larson. He was the fourth of five children.

On Nov. 10, 1945, after returning from service overseas, Keith married Eva (Brown) Larson, who survives.

During World War II, he served his country proudly in North Africa, Italy, England and France as a member of the 15th Troop Carrier Squadron of the Army Air Corp. For many years, Keith and Eva were active participants in the reunion group of the 15th and have retained those friendships up to present day. Many of Keith’s fondest memories were of travels back to England with his Army buddies to revisit areas where they served and to reminisce about the efforts that made them all part of the greatest generation.

Keith worked as a service parts manager at Tyler Refrigeration for 30 years, retiring in 1976. After retirement, he remained active volunteering more than 6,000 hours at Pawating Hospital and gaining status as a lifetime member of the Hospital Auxiliary. He also generously volunteered his time with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Knights of Columbus in Niles, including serving as Grand Knight of Council 708.

Keith was a founding member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles and over the years served as an usher, lector and choir member.

His interests included square dancing, needlepoint and reading.

He was the proud father of four children: Keith “Jack” Jr. (Diane), Edward (Marge), Margaret and Larry (Jeanine). He was blessed with six grandchildren: Cassandra Ornelas, Stephen Larson, Geoff Dunnuck, Todd Dunnuck, Heather Reed and Amy Pierce; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Duane, Vernon “Squirmy” and Don Larson; and sister, Marge Meyers.

As a final act of generosity, Keith donated his body to science.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Keith’s memory to The Brian Parker Foundation 2469 Lone Elm Lane, Niles, MI 49120.

A rosary service, led by family friends Ed and Alice Drada, will be held Thursday, Jan. 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home, 521 East Main St., Niles.

A time of visitation with the family will follow from 6 to 7:30pm.

The family thanks those who reached out with compassion and prayers. They especially appreciate the efforts of the staff of West Woods of Niles for the care they provided; Drs. George Kolettis and Christopher Strayhorn for their help and encouragement; and the staff of Lakeland Hospice for the support they provided during Keith’s final days.

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the family at www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.

Eva Vianna Larson, 89
March 20, 1923-March 3, 2013

Niles Daily Star, Published 1:16pm Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Eva Larson, 89, of Niles, passed away in her home Sunday evening, with her daughter by her side, following an extended illness.

Eva was born and raised in Valparaiso, IN., the oldest daughter of Helen (Schwartz) and William Brown. She is survived by siblings Florence (Weedie) Brown and Wallace Brown. She was predeceased by brothers Alvin, Bill and Charlie, sister Marilyn and her parents.

Eva came to Niles in 1945 when she wed Keith R. Larson. They celebrated 65 years of marriage prior to Keith’s passing in early 2011.  She is survived by her children; Jack (Diane) Larson, Ed (Marge) Larson, Margaret Larson and Larry (Jeanine) Larson. She was blessed with six grandchildren, Cassandra, Stephen, Geoffrey, Todd, Heather and Amy as well as 11 great-grandchildren.

As a young woman Eva worked, among other things, as a telephone operator; however once her children arrived, she was a devoted and active homemaker. She was greatly involved in the lives and activities of her family and travelled extensively to share special events with her children and their families.

She was a founding member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles and served the Church in various capacities through the years including as a CCD teacher, Eucharistic minister, a member of the Christian Mother’s group and as a funeral dinner volunteer. Eva was also an original member of the Homemaker’s Club of Niles and continued to meet monthly for lunch with “the club gals” until her health prevented it. She was a dedicated volunteer at Pawating/Lakeland Hospital in Niles amassing over 8500 hours during her tenure with the majority of those coming in the surgery waiting room where she was the volunteer chairperson for many years.

Eva’s family would like to thank the entire staff of Hospice at Home of Saint Joseph for the guidance, kindness and care they provided to Mom as she completed her journey. We especially want to recognize Sara, Amanda and Jackie for being there to assist, answer questions and provide support no matter the hour. In lieu of flowers we request that memorial donations be made to Hospice at Home 4025 Health Park Lane, Saint Joseph, MI 49085.

The family would also like to thank Brother Dennis Meyers of St. Mark Church for his support, spiritual care and guidance during Mom’s confinement.

The Funeral service for Eva Larson will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church 3 North 19th St. Niles, MI on Thursday March 7th at 3 PM with visitation at the Church beginning at 1 PM.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family on our website at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or on our Facebook page at www.Facebook\BrownFuneralHome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.