Robert Keiser, of Niles
Dec. 12, 1927-Jan. 24, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published 4:04 pm Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Dec. 12, 1927 — Jan. 24, 2022

Robert E. Keiser, 94, of Niles, passed away on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, at his residence, surrounded by his family.

He was born on Dec. 12, 1927, in South Bend, Indiana to the late Christian E. and Edna E. (Petersen) Keiser.

Robert graduated from South Bend Central High School, class of 1945. Robert furthered his education and graduated from the University of Notre Dame and remained a very proud alumni. He served his country proudly in the U. S. Navy being honorably discharged in November of 1946. Robert then enlisted in the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and was honorably discharged in 1957 then began a career at Bendix Corporation, as an accountant, retiring after thirty-eight and a half years of service. On June 29, 1952, he married the late Patricia A. McIntyre at a ceremony in Niles.

He was an avid sports fan and a loyal supporter of Notre Dame. Robert also enjoyed big band era music. He and his family had many fond memories that were created at their lakefront cottage at Indian Lake in Dowagiac. Corn and sausage roasts with neighbors, spirited card games that lasted well into the night and weekend, afternoons of sunshine were reserved for a beverage or two while in a floating chair and there was always time to drop a fishing line in the water. In his later years, Robert relished going back to the lake and just looking out at its splendor. He was a proud dad, gramps and great-grandfather.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Patricia Keiser, in 1997.

He is survived by his children, DeDe (Jim) Van Hulle, of Dowagiac, Deanna (Jeff) Young, of Niles and Curt Keiser (Stacy Douglas), of Niles; six grandchildren, Jaime (Christopher) Hoover, Brandon (Sarah) Young, Kellen (Amanda) Van Hulle, Kyle Van Hulle (Josh Dahlenburg), Lauren Keiser (Hunmin Nathan Ji) and Kara (Daniel) Blanc; great-grandchildren, Maysen Dahlenburg, Isabel Hoover, Brynn Young, Issac Hoover and Cohen Young.

A time of visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, at Brown Funeral home in Niles. Funeral services will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, at Brown Funeral Home with an interment to follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s memory to Caring Circle: Hospice or Palliative Care at 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.

The family of Robert Keiser would like to thank Caring Circle Hospice, Palliative Care, Dr. David Kraklau and Ivelisse Leonor, NP of Lakeland Urology and their caring and devoted staff.

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

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

Janette Dawn Dixon, of Cassopolis
May 29, 1957-Jan. 15, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published 3:26 pm Monday, January 24, 2022

May 29, 1957 — Jan. 15, 2022

Janette Dawn Dixon, 64, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, in the comfort of her family’s presence.

Her life began May 29, 1957, in Pontiac, Michigan, the youngest of seven children born to Lawrence and Leola Coleman. Janette married Floyd Dixon, Sr. on Jan. 26, 1979, in Pontiac, Michigan. After forty years of marriage, Floyd preceded her in death Oct. 24, 2019.

Janette was a child of God, an amazing wife, mother, and nana. She loved the Lord and was at church every Sunday. Janette kept everyone laughing with her bright personality. She would wrap you up in her arms and give you the best hugs. Janette was outgoing and smart. There were many children that called her “mom.” She had an overflowing love for people. Pastor Jeff, Pastor Kathy and her church family held a special place in Janette’s heart.

She will be greatly missed by family and friends. She leaves to mourn her passing and to continue her legacy, one daughter, Demetra Williams; one son, Floyd (Victoria) Dixon, Jr.; seven grandchildren, Terron (Chloe Smith) Dixon, Jamese Dixon, Vincent Dixon, Sierra Dixon, Julianna Dixon, Dai’Majai Transou, Dijonna Williams; five great-grandchildren, Haizel, Adalynne, Aionne, Mariah; and one great-grandson on the way; two sisters, Felecia Coleman, Genelle Steed; two brothers, Frank Ellison, Jerome Ellison; three sisters-in-law, Earnestine (Pastor Earl O.) Crump, Marie (Brady) Williams, Theresa (Bryan) Gamble; four brothers-in-law, Eddie Dixon, Jr., Frankie (Julie) Dixon, Melvin Dixon, Carl (Kimberly) Dixon, Michael (Danita) Dixon; one God-daughter, Kayla Snyder; and a host of nieces and nephews. Janette also leaves behind her special daughter, Keisha Williams, of Niles.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sons, Floyd Dixon, Jr., Vincent Dixon; two sisters, Carolyn Coleman, Patricia Coleman Hagler; and one brother, Paul Coleman.

Family and friends will gather for a funeral service at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, in Michiana Christian Embassy, 1922 E. Main St., Niles, with the Reverend Jeffrey Whittaker officiating.

Mrs. Dixon will be laid to rest with her husband and son in Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

Clara Marie Singleton, of Niles
March 6, 1949-Jan. 5, 2022

Niles Daily Star, Published 3:10 pm Thursday, January 6, 2022

March 6, 1949 — Jan. 5, 2022

Clara Marie Singleton, 72, of Niles, Michigan, wife, mother, restaurant fan, casino visitor, but most of all: loving grandmother died peacefully at 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, with her family gathered around her bedside at home following a brief illness. Her family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided by the staff of Caring Circle Hospice at Home.

She was born on March 6, 1949, in Niles to John Lewis and Edna Marie (Vetter) Blatz, attended Niles Community Schools, and was graduated from Brandywine High School. She had been employed as a patient care aide in area group homes, but served for many years as a paraprofessional teacher’s aide in the South Bend Public Schools.

Clara was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles. She enjoyed going out to restaurants. She loved the oriental fare at Ho Ping Garden in Niles or Ho Ping Restaurant in Roseland, and really liked the Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen in Mishawaka where she was familiar with a special beverage known as the “Painkiller” (limited to two per visit). She also visited the Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City where she would overnight on her birthday, which is also her wedding anniversary. Her greatest joy however was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was first married to Richard Seidner, who has remained a friend. On March 6, 1998, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee she married David M. Singleton with whom she has celebrated the 23rd anniversary of their wedding.

She was sadly preceded in death by her son, Scott L. Seidner on May 1, 2006; by her parents; and by her siblings, Judith Correa in 2016, Joseph Correa in 2017, and Susan Iris Correa in 2018.

Surviving family includes her husband, Dave Singleton; her children, Tammy M. Kennedy, of Niles, Richard (& Patricia) Seidner, of Niles, Dawn M. (& Dr. John) Van Dyke, of Buchanan, Michigan, and Robert (& Sarah) Seidner, of Paoli, Indiana; Dave’s children, Bryan (& Mandy) Singleton, of Battletown, Kentucky, Kimberly Wright, of Webster, Kentucky, and Carrie (& Jason) Howard, of Brandenburg, Kentucky; 16 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; Clara’s brother, William Correa, of Edwardsburg, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews.

The Catholic Prayer Service for Clara Singleton will be read at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan, 10, 2022, at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main St. in Niles by the Rev. Christian Johnston of Saint Mary Catholic Church. Committal Rites will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday at the funeral home from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Online condolences may be left at: halbritterwickens.com.

Robert Lee Albert
Nov. 2, 1935 - Dec. 31, 2021

Jack E. Van Arsdall
Jan. 10, 1933-Jan. 15, 2022 (age 89)

Published on website of Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home:

Obituary

Jack Eugene Van Arsdall, age 89 years of Niles, Michigan, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and devout Christian, was ordained to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and nearly equally called to share a joke in every situation.  During the early morning hours of January 15, 2022, Jack’s heavenly Father tapped on his shoulder saying “well done My good and faithful servant; your work here is done and it is time for you to come home”.

Jack was born on January 10, 1933 at his parents’ home in Martinsville, Indiana to Frank M. and Maud R. (McKinley) Van Arsdall.  He graduated from Lizton (Indiana) High School, and continued his education at Lincoln (Illinois) Christian College, completing a bachelor’s degree.  He was Ordained in 1952 by the Maplewood (Indiana) Christian Church, and was called to his first pastorate in 1956 by the West Point Christian Church in Russiaville, Indiana.  In 1958 he transitioned to the Michigantown (Indiana) Christian Church where he served until 1963. Jack then was called to the Jamestown (Indiana) Christian Church until 1968, when he then transitioned to the First Church of Christ – Christian in Niles.  He served there until 1972 before completing his service at the Three Oaks (Michigan) Christian Church from which he retired in 1979.  Though he was retired, he continued to assist with new church plants, and officiated at funerals for families with no church association.

In addition to his many pastoral works, Jack was also employed by the Niles Community Schools Transportation office for twenty years, and in “retirement” he delivered new recreational vehicles for Coachman Industries, and in doing so, visited much of the United States.  He has lived in Niles since 1968.

Jack was a member of the Fairland Christian Church in Niles, and former member of the Niles Lions Club.  Jack loved a good meal, but he preferred dessert, particularly when it was ice cream, and especially when it was the Dairy Queen Heath Bar Blizzard made with chocolate ice cream. Jack would never turn down any sweet treat.  He was also well-known as a joker, anywhere from the usual lame “dad” jokes, to the funny stories that clergy often employ to draw attention to a sermon, and most notable had a very quick wit, offering a well-timed joke for various situations.  Or, a semi-appropriately timed joke to lighten the mood. Jack’s love of humor did not prevent his show of other emotions.  Also known as the “Weepy Preacher”, he was often unable to make it through a funeral or wedding service without shedding a tear.  Above all else, Jack’s greatest joy was his family, and especially his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Jack married on August 17, 1952 in Defiance, Ohio to Frances Dunbar, with whom he is now joyfully reunited.  Jack and Fran celebrated the remarkable Fifty-sixth anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on May 31, 2009.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, and sadly, unexpectedly by a granddaughter, Melissa Zicarelli on September 3, 2018.

Surviving family includes his children, Jack M. (& Sherry) Van Arsdall of Niles, Sue (& Sam) Maxedon of Dowagiac, Michigan, Dave (& Chris) Van Arsdall of DeWitt, Michigan, and Amy Jo Van Arsdall of La Crosse, Wisconsin; grandchildren Mindy (& Chris) Langsdale, Mary (& Justin) Brubaker, Lori (& Shallu) Singh, Ryan (& Jourden) Van Arsdall, Katie Zicarelli (& fiancée, Emily Gesell), and Corey Maxedon; great-grandchildren Seth, Benjamin, and Ysolde; and an amazing circle of former congregation members and friends.

The family will gather privately at his graveside in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles for Committal Services with Don Fleischman of Fairland Christian Church officiating.  A memorial gathering to share memories and honor his life will be held at a later date, and will be announced on this website.  Arrangements were completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles.  A recorded video of the Committal Service will by available to view beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday at the Halbritter-Wickens Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/halbritterwickensfuneralservices/.

Contributions in memory of Jack may be made to the Fairland Christian Church, 1811 River Bluff Street, Niles, Michigan, 49120, https://fairlandchristianchurch.com/.  His family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided by the staffs of Harvest Home and Caring Circle Hospice at Home.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Psalms 90, verse 10 tells us that we might expect to live 70, or possibly 80 years, but Jack was blessed with nine more years, and he used every one of those years well.  He never met a stranger, being willing and interested to greet every new person, learn about them, find an anecdote to share, or more likely a pun or joke, but most likely sharing a mention of Jesus.  His “congregation” was not limited by four walls, but was his entire community.  Most importantly, his family of “Preacher’s Kids” know that they were loved by both their father, and by God.

Robert Root
March 24, 1934-January 5, 2022 (age 87)

Published on website of Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home:

Obituary

Robert Dean Root, age 87 years of Niles, father, grandfather, brother, retired city employee, honorable veteran, and remarkable pole vaulter died peacefully at 5:23 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 with family at his bedside at American House in Jenison, Michigan following an illness of five months.

He was born on March 24, 1934 in Cassopolis, Michigan to Norman Robert and Irene Marie (Hull) Root, and was raised on the family farm in northeast Cass County.  He graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1952 and enlisted in the United States Army.  He was honorably discharged as a Veteran of the Korean Conflict.  He returned to southwest Michigan and began employment with the City of Niles Utility Department in 1968, using his training from the Army as an electrical lineman, and retiring in 1999.

Bob was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Niles and, more recently attended Calvary’s Lighthouse Church of Benton Harbor.  He had been an active athlete all of his life, beginning with track and field in high school.  He ran regularly as an adult, but also renewed his skills in pole vaulting.  After retirement, he became active in the National Senior Games Association as a pole vaulter, using a motorhome to travel and compete at events throughout the Midwest including Minnesota, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Mississippi.  He constructed a pole vault pit in his backyard for practice, and was still clearing seven foot bars in his 80s.

He was also a certified SCUBA diver, and enjoyed boating and fishing on Lake Michigan and Indian Lake.  His boat was named the “Nasalata”, using the last two letters of the names of his four daughters.

He was first married on July 19, 1958 in Volinia, Michigan to the former Donna Gean Kipker with whom he celebrated the fortieth anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on January 26 of 1999.  On April 20, 2002 in Niles he married the former Lois Jean (Young) Austin Westfall with whom he celebrated the fifteenth anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on January 17, 2018.  Bob was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Paul Kraus in 2015; and a sister, Gloria Root in 2018.

Surviving family includes his daughters, Gina (& Mike) Coty of Remington, Indiana, Lisa (& Tom) Griffore of Jenison, Michigan, Karla (& Brian) Gallivan of Rockford, Illinois, and Roberta Kraus of Ludington, Michigan; thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; and Bob’s sister, Norma Canniff of Buchanan, Michigan, and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Bob Root will be at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles with a granddaughter’s husband, Pastor Matthew Elless of the Pathway of Hope Church of the Nazarene in Kokomo, Indiana officiating, assisted by Pastor Charles Engler of Calvary’s Lighthouse Church in Benton Harbor.  Committal will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday at the funeral home beginning at 11:00 a.m.  Contributions in memory of Bob may be made to the National Senior Games Association, Post Office Box 5630, Clearwater, Florida, 33758; https://nsga.com/.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Bob was very active all of his life, and most of that was outdoors: in the Army, in the lineman’s bucket truck, fishing, running, and jumping; and always with a smile.  But he was also active with the people around him, co-workers, fellow competitors, and - most importantly – his family.