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.

Russell, Earl R. 1928-2021

editor Obituaries

Earl Richard Russell
Dec. 4, 1928-Nov. 3, 2021

Published on website of Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services

Obituary of Earl Richard Russell

Earl R. Russell Sr., 92, of Niles, peacefully passed away at the Lakeland Hospital in Niles, Mi, on November 3, 2021. He was born on December 4, 1928, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late Oscar and Edith (Chandler) Russell. Earl was blessed to live a long, eventful, meaningful 92 years on this earth. He was born at the start of The Great Depression, served our country in the Korean War, lived through many civil rights movements, and endured the recent worldwide virus pandemic. He was a man of wisdom, experience, and could fill a book with his lifetime of stories. Out of all the things that happened in Earl’s life, family was what mattered the most. He was born into a large family; both of his parents and five other siblings helped shape him during the early years of his life. After getting through high school, Earl joined the United States Army and had the experience of a lifetime. Earl went to battle and was lucky to come out alive. By the time his service to our country ended, he was a highly respected and decorated soldier; something he carried with him for the rest of his life. After his time in the service, he married the woman of his dreams, Rozella Marie Hawkins. They married on July 31st, 1954, and started a family shortly after. Their union brought them six very loving children and started the next phase of Earl’s life. He spent most of his working career as a laborer for Buchanan Steel. Earl always kept busy during his time off and was busier in his retirement than he ever was while he was working. He was a man’s man; he hunted all sorts of wild game, was an avid fisherman, he had a keen eye for hunting mushrooms, and he also didn’t mind a little bit of gambling. Although his most favorite hobbies were spent outdoors, he also was an excellent host. He was known for his mouth-watering pies, soul-warming chili, and was a little possessive of his kitchen when he was putting together a meal. His favorite group of people to host were his grandchildren. Earl was fortunate enough to know all of his nine grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, and eleven great-great-grandchildren. He supported every generation of his family. He spent a lot of time coaching rocket football leagues in Buchanan, supported all of his granddaughters’ cheerleading events, and loved attending the Berrien County Youth Fair. Outside of his family, Earl also loved to support the South Bend Speedway and the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Earl set a great example of what it meant to live a meaningful life. He was preceded in death by both of his parents, Oscar and Edith (Chandler) Russell; his loving wife, Rozella (Hawkins) Russell; two of his children, Sheryl and Alan Russell; two of his grandchildren, Tony Grimes Jr and Alex Wentz; and all five of his siblings, Oscar Russell Jr, Kenneth Russell, Beverly Blundy, Janet Stapleton, and Patricia Rector. He is survived by four of his children, Teresa Russell, Earl Russell Jr, Randy Russell, and Rickie Russell; nine grandchildren; a step-granddaughter, Amber Lewis; 26 great-grandchildren; a step-great-grandson, Isaac Wade; eleven great-great-grandchildren; and many other extended family members and friends. A public visitation will be held for Earl on November 17, 2021, at Mission Hills Memorial chapel beginning at eleven a.m. Funeral Services with full military honors will begin at one p.m. the same day. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Holtz, Clement E. 1941-2022

editor Obituaries

Clement Holtz, of Niles
Sept. 20, 1941-May 17, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published 1:21 pm Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Clement Holtz, 80, of Niles, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, at St Jo Regional Medical Center. Arrangements have been entrusted with Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services. www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Published on website of Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services:

Obituary of Clement Euwn Holtz

Clement E. Holtz, 80, of Niles, passed away on May 17, 2022 at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, Indiana. He was born on September 20, 1941 in Bradford, Arkansas to the late Clarence and Irene (Ritchie) Holtz. On April 14, 1959, he married the former, Sandra Hecht, to that union two daughters were born, the marriage lasted nineteen years, and even though it ended in divorce, they remained friends. He later married Helen Ditch, who he also divorced later on and still remained great friends. Clement retired from Buchanan Steel, where he spent most of his working career. In his free time you could find him either fishing or repairing small engines. He loved stopping at garage sales, hoping to find that next treasure. Clement loved his church and his church family. Clement was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Eldon Ritchie, Danny Ritchie, and Luedean Crespo. He is survived by his daughters, Rhonda (Michael) Maynard of Elkhart; Shelli Draper (Tim Hebner) of Niles; step-son, David Jenkins of Niles; four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and another one to arrive soon; siblings, Bruce Ritchie of Niles; Tim (Linda) Ritchie of Searcy, Arkansas; Emerson Ritchie, of Niles; ex-wives, Sandra Hecht-Holtz and Helen Ditch-Holtz. A time of visitation will be held on Friday, May 20, 2022 from noon until 1:00pm at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 1:00 pm at the Funeral Home with committal services at Silverbrook Cemetery. He lived by the philosophy that if you want more left overs, return the bowls. Memorial contributions may be made in Clement’s name may be directed to the St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Memories of Clement may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.
 

Bucholz, Mark 1962-2022

editor Obituaries

Mark Bucholz
Sept. 14,1962-May 1, 2022

Niles Daily Star Published 3:36 pm Friday, May 6, 2022

 

 

Sept. 14,1962-May 1, 2022

Mark Bucholz, 59, of Niles, passed away suddenly, of natural causes on May 1, 2022, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana.

He was born on September 14, 1962, in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Carl and Elva (Deal) Bucholz of Chesaning. As a young child, Mark was placed into foster care and was raised primarily by Pops and Juanita Mayo.
Mark graduated from Bridgeport Baptist Academy in 1981. In 1983 Mark enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps and served his country proudly until 1989, when he received his honorable discharge. On May 21, 1988, Mark married the love of his life, Heidi A. Bartholomew at a ceremony in Saginaw, Michigan. The couple grew up as friends, graduated together, raised a family and were best of friends.

He was currently employed with AT&T where he has worked as a telecommunications specialist since 1994 after relocating to Niles. Mark was an American patriot and lived the values of God, Family and country. He was a member of the American Legion Post 51 in Buchanan. He also enjoyed Harry Potter, the Hunger Games, war movies and the History Channel. Mark will also be remembered for his outgoing personality and goofy sense of humor. He also enjoyed family trips up north and to Frankenmuth.

Mark was preceded in death by his biological parents as well as his foster parents and brother, Curt Bucholz.
He is survived by his wife, Heidi Bucholz of Niles; his children, Laura Bucholz (Matthew Allain) of Elkhart, Kenny and Megan Bucholz of Niles; his siblings, Gennette (Paul) Noble of Saginaw, Joann (Clarence) Lamblin of Saginaw, Charlie (Shelley) Bucholz of Reese, Janice (Mark) Wilson of Tampa FL, Toni (Todd) Lewicki as well as a host of nieces, nephews, foster family and friends.

A time of visitation will be held on Sunday, May 8, 2022, from 4 until 6 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Niles. Funeral services will be held on Monday, May 9, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Funeral Home with committal services and Full Military Honors to be rendered at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mark’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project at 230 W. Monroe St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60606 or to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan at 5400 Niles Road, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.

Memories of Mark may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

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

Mark will always be remembered for his patriotism, his kindness to others and his love for his family.

Jones, Miriam Ruth 1936-2022

editor Obituaries

Miriam Ruth Jones
March 28, 1936-June 2, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published 2:06 pm Tuesday, July 5, 2022

March 28, 1936-June 2, 2022

Miriam Ruth Jones, 86, of Niles, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2022, at The Timbers of Cass County in Dowagiac

Miriam was born on March 28, 1936, to the late Wallace and Violet (Hudkins) Starr in Culver, Indiana. She graduated from Culver High School in 1954.

On November 12, 1960, she wed Vernard “Vern” Jones at a ceremony in South Bend, Indiana, they shared thirty-eight years of marriage before his passing in February of 1998.

Miriam retired after twenty-four years as a secretary at RiverRidge Nursing Home. Her passion was her antique booth at the Four Flags Antique Mall, for twenty-five years she scoured garage sales and flea markets to keep her space full. Her lap was the fullest when it was occupied by one of her beloved cats.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Vern Jones; and her grandson Andrew. Miriam is survived by children, Philip (Debbie) Jones of Kalamazoo; Cheryl Jones of Lawton; Deborah of Niles; and her brother, Ernest Starr; and family friend, Penny Collins of Niles.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main Street in Niles, visitation will begin one hour prior. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be directed to Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, 8395 E. Main St. Galesburg Michigan 49053

She will be fondly remembered for her love of coffee and anything sweet.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

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

Dunifin, Robert L. Sr. 1929-2022

editor Obituaries

Robert Dunifin, Sr.
April 1, 1929 - June 22, 2022 (age 93)

Published on website of Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home:

Obituary

Robert Leroy Dunifin, Sr., age 93 years of Niles, Michigan, father grandfather, great- and great-great-grandfather, arborist, hunter, and outdoorsman died at 12:11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at his home, having fought all the way to the end against an extended illness that would keep him indoors.  His family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided by the staff of Caring Circle Hospice at Home.

He was born on April 1, 1929 in Berrien Springs, Michigan to Floyd and Inza (Weaver) Dunifin and had attended Berrien Springs schools.  He began his career by working in area manufacturing plants including National-Standard, Clark Equipment, and French Paper, but always had some “side” jobs after work.  Eventually his skill in tree service met his dislike for being inside a factory, and he established the Niles Tree Service as his full-time day job.  As his equipment and skills continued to improve, he added another side job of painting antenna towers.  He never really retired, was always a hard worker, and even in his nineties – in a power wheelchair – he was quite capable with a shovel and concrete rake when his driveway was replaced.

Bob enjoyed hunting throughout the area for deer and squirrel, and even when his children were young, they knew that pleasant drives in the country were for studying deer movements to determine the next best place for a tree stand.  He also had a habit of stopping at every lake to “test the waters” with a few minutes of casting a fishing line.  The few evenings indoors still included watching wildlife shows such as Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.  When he was younger, he enjoyed country and western shows, and Johnny Cash performances, and Bob was even known to play the guitar.  He also watched televised wrestling and boxing “back when it was real”, and was a regular when pool halls were popular in Niles, and like everything else, he was quite proficient with a pool cue.

On October 3, 1948 he married the former Betty Jean Gowland with whom he celebrated the remarkable Fiftieth Anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on July 14, 1999.  He was also sadly preceded in death by two sons, Robert Dunifin, Jr. and Jody Dunifin, a daughter, Beverly Lewis; by Bob’s parents, and by his siblings including a three-year-old brother, Harold who died in a fire, another brother, Donald Dunifin who died while serving in the United States Army during World War II; and by Dorothy, Betty, Bernetta, Edward, and Doris.

Surviving family includes his children, Connie Dunifin of South Bend, Indiana, and Patty Sukich, Sharon (& Mark) Rayburn, Terry Dunifin, Ronald Dunifin, Char Marquardt, and Richard Dunifin, all of Niles; grandchildren Robert Dunifin III, Carrie, Hope, Dionne, Malibu, Joseph, Christopher, Jennifer Michael, Travis, Kali, Carl, Mandy, and Abigail; and by many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

The life of Robert Dunifin, Sr. is worthy of a special time and place to gather, share memories, and honor his life, but his family needs some help from his friends in order to do so.  Contributions may be made through this website at https://www.halbritterwickens.com/payments.  They also hope to be able to gather at Silverbrook Cemetery to reunite his remains with Betty Jean’s.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Update: Some family, relatives, and friends have assisted.  Thank you!  Committal Services for Robert Dunifin, Sr. will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 8, 2022 at the Graveside in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Ninety-three years is a lot of life, more than many complete, but Robert never slowed-down, always combing his hair just right, and rolling-up the cuffs of the empty legs of his blue jeans to make the daily trip to the grocery store for deli chicken, and visiting with friends all along the route.  Sometimes he was content just sitting in the shade in the neighborhood church parking lot, as long as he was outside.  But more important than all of this was the constant and faithful love of his family gathered around him.

Liebetrau, Vivian L. 1927-2022

editor Obituaries

Vivian Lucille Liebetrau, of Niles
1927-June 26, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published 10:19 am Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Vivian Liebetrau, 94, of Niles, passed away Sunday, June 26, 2022. Arrangements are being made by Brown Funeral Home, of Niles.

Published on website of Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services:

Obituary of Vivian Lucille Liebetrau

Vivian Lucille, "Lou" Liebetrau, 94, of Niles, passed away peacefully at Lakeland Hospital of Niles, on Sunday, June 26, 2022.

"Lou", to whom she was known by most, was born in South Bend, to the late Chester and Julie (Jacobs) Perkey. After a re-introduction to a childhood acquaintance, orchestrated by who later would become her mother-in-law, Lou fell in love with, and married William P. "Bill" Liebetrau of Niles, at the First Church of the Brethren, in South Bend, on October 12, 1946.

With a heart of gold and a gentle spirit, Lou was able to connect, care for, and give guidance to all of those who had the opportunity of knowing her. As a mother of seven, a grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother of far too many to enumerate.  Lou understood the power and meaning of family, and what it took to leave a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. Lou lived a life that was greatly spent putting others before herself, especially when it related to children. Lou operated a daycare out of her home for more than thirty years, nurturing generations of children and leaving a lasting impression on all who affectionately referred to her as "Aunt Lou", Grandma, or "Little Grandma”.

Lou was able to engage with others through her passion for music and dancing. For years, she and her late husband Bill, of almost 60 years, were admired for their impressive skills on the dance floor. Their family was often delighted to witness their spontaneous dancing wherever their surroundings, be it in their living room, a public venue, or anyplace else that offered enough space for them to move their feet. They never missed an opportunity to "trip the light fantastic"! Towards the end of Lou's life, music was able to brighten her spirits, and provide a little entertainment for those who were fortunate enough to see her dance.

Lou's delicious alternate form of connecting with strangers, friends, and loved ones was through her memorable cooking skills. She enjoyed hosting holidays and other events where no one left without a full belly and a lipstick imprint on the cheek! Lou was probably most famous, for her cheesecake pie and anise cut out cookies! In later years Lou found so much enjoyment in preparing meals, that she began writing a regular food column for the local paper, and her ideas, methods, and recipes were appreciated throughout the Niles community for years.

She was a very generous person who gave her time freely for causes she believed in.  She, along with the help of businesses and members of the community, spent countless hours planning, raising funds for, and putting together the Veterans War Memorial in Niles. Lou had a heartfelt appreciation for the veterans, and for the sacrifices they made, and took it upon herself to ensure that all of those who served, were respected, and remembered.

On those rare occasions when Lou took time for herself it was usually spent attending to one of her numerous flower gardens, snuggling up with a book, playing canasta, or pouring her heart into animals. Lou served as a perfect example of what it means to be selfless and all of those who had the benefit and pleasure of knowing and being loved by her, will cherish her memory forever.

Lou is survived by her children, Linda (Chuck) Shemes of Grand Blanc, Robert Liebetrau of Niles, Randy Liebetrau of Granger, Wendi (Doug) Mills of Niles, Heidi Guy of Niles, Judi (Mark) Price of Buchanan; daughter-in-law, Debra Liebetrau of Granger; as well as a vast amount of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren!

Those who have preceded Lou in death are her parents, Chester and Julie Perkey; parents-in-law, Ernst and Gladys (Powell) Liebetrau; her husband, William P. "Bill" Liebetrau; her eldest son, William K. “Bill” Liebetrau; grandson, Bryan A. Czarnecki-Liebetrau; and great-grandson, Gabriel Liebetrau.

A public graveside memorial service for Lou will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, on Friday, July 8, 2022. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will be open until the service starts at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made out to Riley’s Children’s Foundation or the Berrien County Humane Society.

Vaughn, Martha J. 1935-2022

editor Obituaries

Martha Vaughn, of Niles
April 8, 1935-July 14, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published 6:08 pm Saturday, July 16, 2022

Martha Vaughn, 87, of Niles, passed away at Memorial Hospital on Thursday, July 14, 2022. Arrangements are pending and have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & cremation Services, Niles.

Published on website of Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services:

Obituary of Martha Josephine Vaughn

Martha J. (Huff) Vaughn, 87, of Niles, passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, following an extended illness.

She was born on April 8, 1935 in Norris, Tennessee to the late Trent and Jessie (Williams) Huff.

After graduating from Norris High School in Norris, Tennessee, Martha met James Vaughn and the couple married on April 15, 1958. She found great enjoyment in crafting and needlepoint and was a BINGO enthusiast. Martha was an avid sports fan, especially of the Chicago Cubs. Martha enjoyed being a mother and raising her children and adored her grandchildren; family meant everything to her.

Martha is preceded in death by her parents; her husband James Vaughn; daughter-in-law, Dawn Vaughn and a brother, Kenneth Huff.

She is survived by her daughters, Karen (Shirley Heiden) Vaughn of South Bend and Robin Vaughn of Niles; a son, Trent (Janna Gibson) Vaughn of Niles, six grandchildren; Nichole (Ronald Stryjewski) Brister of LaGrange, Indiana, Jimmie (Megann) Brister of Buchanan, Kristen (Nick) Nelson of Niles, Jacob Brister of South Bend Samantha (Jon Ramos) Vaughn of South Bend and Matthew Vaughn of Niles and a sister, Joan Sanders of Clinton, Tennessee.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at Brown Funeral Home in Niles with visitation beginning at 11:30 a.m. Martha will be laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Memorial contributions may be made in Martha’s memory to the American Cancer Society.

Martha’s life was a life well lived. Please share your memories with her family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

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

 

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