John Dickey, 81
June 7, 1931-Oct. 4, 2012

Niles Daily Star, Published online 10:04pm Monday, October 8, 2012

Dickey

John F. Dickey, 81, of Niles, died at 12:40 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, at his home following a long battle with cancer.

He was born June 7, 1931, in Niles to Tracey and Ruth (Franz) Dickey, and served in the U.S. Navy. He was employed by Cass County Road Commission, retiring in 1993.

John was a member of the Niles American Legion, and had been active in the Niles Moose Lodge. He enjoyed repairing tractors, farm machines and anything with a motor. He was a member or the SWM Shuffleboard League, and former member of the Fruit Belt Pony Pullers Association.

On April 30, 1988, John married Betty Helfrich, who survives. John is also survived by his daughter, Connie Purucker of Niles; son, David (Sandy) Dickey of Niles; stepson, Randall (Julie) Helfrich of Tempe, Ariz.; five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; his sisters, Elaine Shipe of Lavonia and  Eleanor Thayer and Mary Knoll, both of Niles.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara M. Saratore, on July 29, 1986.

The funeral services for John Dickey were held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8, at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles by Mr. Randall Helfrich. Committal rites followed at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with full military honors.

The family received relatives and friends from 2 until 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of John may be made to Hospice at Home or Relay for Life.

Patricia M. Gallagher
Jan. 23, 1929-Oct. 22, 2012

Niles Daily Star, Published online 9:49pm Thursday, October 25, 2012

Patricia M. Gallagher, 83, of Niles, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012, at Brentwood Assisted Living, surrounded by her family.

She was born on Jan. 23, 1929, in Lansing and was raised by the late Clarence E. and Mildred Georgia (Purchis) Mater.

At a ceremony in South Bend, Ind., on Jan. 25, 1949, she wed the man who had captured her heart, William R. Gallagher, who she met while attending Western Michigan University. Pat studied music while attending Western Michigan University and was an accomplished musician. During this time, she also taught ballroom dancing at a local Arthur Murray Dance Studio.

Pat was a reporter for many years for the Niles Daily Star, winning many awards for her reporting. Pat also was an active board member for the Niles City Council and loved serving the city and residents for more than 24 years. Pat not only served the voters, but she had a special place in her heart for animals and is accredited for much of the city ordinances for the protection of animals. She will be remembered for being a gracious and wonderful lady, who always brought a smile to everyone she met.

She was also a member of the Niles Garden Club, Ladies’ Reading Club, Support the Fort St. Joseph Society, Landscape Critics and First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed gardening, playing cards with friends and enjoyed dancing. Her and Bill also loved spending their Friday evenings with friends (Rowdy Bunch). She had a great sense of wit and humor and an eye for decorating. Pat will be dearly missed by all the lives she has touched.

She is survived by a sister Priscilla “Peg” McColgan of Leesburg, Florida, two daughters, Deborah (David Miller) Gallagher of Cedar Hill, Mo and Tara Gallagher of Niles.  She is also survived by her two grandsons Brandon Gritton and Liam Gritton.

In keeping with Pat’s wishes the family is planning to “celebrate her life” at Orchard Hills Country Club in Buchanan, Mich., on Dec. 16 at 1 p.m.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for William’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or Facebook.com/Brownfuneralhomeniles.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Pat may do so to Fernwood Botanical Gardens and Nature Preserve 13988 Range Line Road Niles, MI 49120.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

William Gallagher, 86
Nov. 21, 1925-Oct. 5, 2012

Niles Daily Star, Published online 4:55am Thursday, October 11, 2012, print October 9, 2012, page 7, col. 4

William R. Gallagher, 86, of Niles passed to his rest Oct. 5, 2012, at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo.

He was born to the late John Alvin and Hazel Olivia (Anderson) Gallagher in Niles on Nov. 21, 1925.

Gallagher

After high school William enlisted in the Navy where he served three years and earned his ranking of 2nd Class petty officer aboard the USS Sanborn.

He then continued his education at Western Michigan University where he earned his bachelor’s degree, a double major in history and philosophy with a double minor in psychology and sociology.

At a ceremony in South Bend on Jan. 25, 1949, he wed the woman who had captured his heart, Patricia Adell Mater of Nashville, Mich., who he met while attending WMU.

William, always a hardworking man started his sales career with Tyler Refrigeration of Niles. Then in 1961, he started and co-owned Perficold Inc. for 30 years in South Bend.  Then, in 1984, Bill once again started another company within the Niles Incubator, White Water Ice. Later, his love for the game then sent him to Knollwood Country Club in Granger, where he worked as a groundskeeper.

Never tiring, Bill finished out his sales career selling for American Green Technology, located in South Bend. Bill also served on the board of public utilities for the city of Niles for 30-plus years. Bill was always looking for ways to help improve the city of Niles. He truly loved this town and always wanted the best for the city and its residents.

When he wasn’t busy working, one of Bill’s strongest passions was reading. He felt that it was important for everyone to make the time to read. He also enjoyed listening to music, working in his yard and always a good game of golf.

Preceding William are his parents and his brother, James B.  Gallagher.

He is survived by his wife, Pat Gallagher of Niles; sister, Marilyn Catt of Sandpointe, Idaho; two daughters, Deborah (David Miller) Gallagher of Cedar Hill, Mo., and Tara Gallagher of Niles. He is also survived by his two grandsons, Brandon Gritton and Liam Gritton.

Services for William will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Niles on Saturday, Oct. 20, at 1 p.m. with a luncheon to follow in Fellowship Hall.

Condolences, photos and memories may be left for William’s family at www. BrownFuneralHomeNiles. com or Facebook.com/Brownfuneralhomeniles.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of William may do so to the Salvation Army or the Niles District Library.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Maurice Miller Jr., 41
Jan. 12, 1971-Oct. 1, 2012

Miller

Niles Daily Star, Published online 9:27pm Thursday, October 4, 2012, print Wednesday, October 3, 2012, page 6, col. 4

Maurice Ulysses Miller Jr., 41, of Niles, went to be with the Lord Monday, Oct. 1, 2012.

Maurice was born Jan. 12, 1971, to Maurice and Fannie Miller in Niles.

After graduating from Niles High School, in 1989, Maurice joined the United States Army.

He was previously married to Leacie Miller of Benton Harbor and together they had three children.

He is preceded in death by his father, Maurice Miller Sr.; maternal grandparents, Tillie and James Anderson; and paternal grandfather, Louis Miller.
Maurice is survived by his mother, Fannie Davis-Miller; paternal grandfather, Audell Miller of Chicago; children, Maurgan “Jace” James Miller of Niles, Martell Miller of Kalamazoo, Marissa White of Phoenix, Maurice Miller III of Holland; grandchildren, Lyric White and Reese Miller; and siblings, Linda (Rodney) Kirkendoll of Niles and Marcellus Anthony Miller of Niles.

A homegoing celebration will be held Saturday, Oct. 6, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Niles beginning at noon with a time of visitation one hour prior. Pastor James Hightower will be officiating.

Those wishing to leave condolences, photos or memories for the family may do so at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or on our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHomeNiles.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.

Nicholas Nichols, 81
March 18, 1931-Oct. 3, 2012

Niles Daily Star, Published online 11:08pm Wednesday, October 3, 2012, Print Thursday, October 4, 2012, page 8, col. 1-4

Nicholas B. Nichols, 81, of Bond Street in Niles, died at 6:12 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, at home, after an extended illness.

He was born March 18, 1931, in Tyronza, Ark., to Burley and Ruby (Brinkley) Nichols.

He was raised in Arkansas, and was known to family and friends as “Buck.” Nick was a veteran of the Korean Conflict, serving in the U.S. Army. He lived in Niles for 60 years and was employed by Clark Equipment in Buchanan for 29 years prior to retirement.

Nick was a member of the American Legion Post 26 in Niles. He was a winter resident of Stuart, Fla., and enjoyed fishing and walking the neighborhoods in both Michigan and Florida.

On July 10, 1954, in South Bend, he married the former Dorothy Konrath, with whom he celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary to her death Sept. 10, 1995.

Surviving family includes their sons, Richard Nichols and Steven (and Susan Hurst) Nichols, both of South Bend; and Nick’s brothers and sisters, Jack Nichols of Ocala, Fla., Sally Skelton and Barbara Grover of Little Rock, Ark., Ted Nichols of Tyronza, Merle Adams of Little Rock, Marilyn Yarborough of Pea Ridge, Ark.; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Nicholas B. Nichols will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Cathi Huvaere of Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles officiating.

Interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with full military honors by American Legion Post 26.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Nick may be made to Hospice at Home or American Legion Post 26.

Catherine Nelson, 94
April 8, 1918-June 12, 2012

Nelson

Niles Daily Star, Published 5:44pm Sunday, August 5, 2012

Catherine R. Nelson, 94, of Mishawaka, passed away on Tuesday, June 12, 2012, at Bremen Health Care Center, Bremen, Ind.

Catherine was born on April 8, 1918, in Detroit to John L. and Winifred (Brahaney) Perkins. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, John B. Perkins.

On April 7, 1951, in Niles, as the former Catherine Perkins, she married Eugene E. Nelson, who preceded her in death on Dec. 25, 2004.

Surviving are two sons, Dennis J. (Shirley Walls) Nelson of Bremen, Ind., and Thomas W. (Toni) Nelson of Milford, N.H.; two grandchildren, Jason Nelson and Rae Pierson; and four great-grandchildren, Simon and Molly Nelson and Carter and David Pierson.

Catherine lived in Niles until 1951, when she moved to Mishawaka. She attended business college after high school. She was a bookkeeper. She worked for Bendix, Clark Equipment, First United Methodist Church and retired from the South Bend Tribune. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Niles, First United Methodist Church in Mishawaka, where she was a member of the choir and rang the hand bells, and the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 332 in Niles. Catherine loved sewing, knitting and needlepoint.

There will be a memorial service for Catherine on Monday, Aug. 6, at 3 p.m. with a visitation one hour prior, in First United Methodist Church, Mishawaka. The Rev. Larry Whitehead will officiate.

Memorial contributions can be made to Lawall Scholarship Fund at First United Methodist Church.

To leave the family an online condolence or to share memories with the family, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.