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.

Summers, Emma L. (Robbins) 1933-2021

editor Obituaries

Emma L. Summers
Dec. 24, 1933-Sept. 14, 2021

Niles Daily Star, Published 3:24 pm Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Emma Summers, 87, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, at her home. Arrangements are pending & entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles. BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Published online at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services website:

Obituary of Emma L Summers

Emma L. Summers, 87, of Niles passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Christmas Eve of 1933, in Niles to the late Charlie F. and Mary E. (Fitzgerald) Robbins. Emma graduated from Niles High School, class of 1952. On October 14, 1956, she wed George W. Summers at a ceremony in Niles. She worked as a service clerk for the City of Niles Utilities, retiring after more than thirty years of service. She was a member of Hope Community Church in Niles. Emma found great enjoyment at working puzzles, and playing games both in paperback as well as electronically. She often spent time watching classic television, and the Game Show Network. She was an avid reader of Christian Fiction and was the kind of woman who lived her faith. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, George, and a sister, Donna Belle DeForest. Emma is survived by her daughter, Rev. Sheryl (James) Blake of Niles; a son, Barry Summers of Niles; grandchildren; Andrea Blake of Mishawaka and Ariana (Jacob) Grabill of Mishawaka; her family by love, Scott and Kristi Craig and their children, Lauryn, Oliviah, Lucie and Scotty James. She will also be missed by other relatives and countless friends. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 19, 2021. at 3:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home in Niles with Pastor Nathanael Lyon officiating. A time of visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. An interment will be held on Monday, September 20, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. at Silverbrook Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Emma’s memory to Hope Community Church, Lake Street, Niles, Michigan 49120. Memories of Emma may be shared with her family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. The family of Emma Summers is being cared for by Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.

McCall, Brian Keith 1963-2021

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Brian Keith McCall
Sept. 25, 1963-Sept. 7, 2021

Published online at Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services website:

Obituary of Brian Keith McCall

Brian Keith McCall, affectionately known as “Peabody”, 57, of Buchanan, Michigan passed away suddenly, of natural causes on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka, Indiana. He was born on September 25, 1963, in Waukegan, Illinois to the late Ernest Sr. and Judith McCall. After attending high school, Brian worked for many years as a custodian. He had a vivacious personality and always made people around him feel loved and important. He was supportive, and never missed milestone celebrations of family and friends. Brian also enjoyed cooking, reading, singing, and was an immaculate dresser. Anyone who knew him was touched by his kindness, humor, and smile. He was a source of positivity – shining light on the lives of many others. His greatest light was Xzavier L. Brown, who came into his life several years ago and whom he later adopted in 2019. Being a devoted and loving father was one of his greatest blessings and joys. Brian taught us all to live rich and meaningful lives in the face of adversity. Although he battled health complications for many years, he never allowed them to define him or stop him from living a most fulfilling life. He was preceded in death by his parents. Brian is survived by his son, Xzavier L. Brown; his siblings, Ernest Jr. (Cindy) McCall, Laura McCall, Leslie McCall, Yolanda (Bryant) Duncan, Dion Branch and Latoya Branch; a special aunt, Maxine Walker; three uncles, Roger Miller, Sam Whitehead and Leroy Lloyd; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Noon at Brown Funeral Home in Niles with Pastor Bryant L. Bacon, Sr. officiating. A time of visitation will begin one hour prior to the funeral. Brian will be laid to rest at a private service on Monday at Silverbrook Cemetery. Memories and photos of Brian may be shared with his family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Boley, Rodney Lynn 1964-2021

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Rodney Lynn Boley
Dec. 6, 1964-Sept. 6, 2021

Published online on Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services website:

Obituary of Rodney Lynn Boley

Rodney Lynn Boley, 56, of Niles, passed away on Monday, September 6, 2021, at St Vincent hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was born on December 16, 1964, in Goshen, Indiana, to David and Sharon (Schrock) Boley. Rodney graduated in 1983, from Northwood High School. Rodney married the love of his life, Denise Knapp, on August 26, 1989, at the Christian Center Church in South Bend, thru that union, two beautiful daughters were born. Rodney felt the sun rose in his “girls” he would do anything in the world for them. When the grandsons came along, he knew his life was complete. He was a true family man, he made sure that they were always taken care of, maybe even spoiling them. Rodney was always happy, and incredibly optimistic, always encouraging others to live life without fear. He lived life carefree, and to the fullest, laughed often, and always the life of every gathering. His most treasured moments were spent with his family, especially swimming with his grandsons. Rodney has traveled the country, hauling cars, for LNR Transport. He loved his job, even when the road was challenging, especially over the mountains. He was proud of his job, and who he was. He was preceded in death by his father, David Boley. Rodney is survived by his wife, Denise Boley of Niles; daughters, Sharla Kohnen of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Alexis Boley of Niles; grandsons, Kyle Boley, and Brock Boley; his mother, Sharon (David) Frye of Goshen; brothers, Jason (Tammy) Boley, and Mark Boley; along with many nieces, nephews and friends whom he often considered family. A Private Family Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, September 14,2021. Memorial contributions in Rodney’s memory can be directed to his family in care of Brown Funeral Home. Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.

Palmer, Karen L. (Miller) 1956-2021

editor Obituaries

Karen Palmer, of Niles
Oct. 21, 1956-Sept. 5, 2021

Niles Daily Star, Published 4:02 pm Tuesday, September 7, 2021

Karen Palmer, 64, of Niles, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend. Arrangements have been entrusted with Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services. BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Published online at Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services website:

Obituary of Karen Louise Palmer

Karen L. Palmer, 64, of Niles, passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana. She was born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, on October 21, 1956, to Robert and Violet (Skidmore) Miller. On May 6, 1978, she married Leland Palmer at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Niles. That union was blessed with two children. In 2005, Karen began driving bus for the Tri-County Headstart Program. She wasn’t a woman who needed much to make her happy, it wasn’t the label on her clothing, it wasn’t the car she drove, and fancy things didn’t impress her. Karen found great enjoyment in life’s simple pleasures. She loved the time with her family, and a favorite vacation spot was Central Lake just north of Traverse City where they enjoyed many camping trips. She made sure the meals were cooked, the campfire was going, and everyone had a good time. Karen was a no-nonsense, tell it like it is, kind of woman. You didn’t have to wonder what she was thinking, she would certainly tell you and she didn’t beat around the bush. She simply told it like it was. Karen was very stubborn at times, you couldn’t convince her to do anything that she wasn’t in favor of. If you heard her raise her voice and exclaim, “Oh, hell no!” you knew that was the end of the conversation. She took great pride in taking care of her family and she was fiercely protective of her children; taking on any teacher, administrator, or perceived bully, to defend them, though little in stature Karen could go toe to toe with anyone messing with her family, especially her children. As tough as Karen was she had such a soft spot for children. She drove a bus for over fifteen years for the Tri-County Head Start and those children all found a place in Karen’s heart. She was preceded in death by her father Robert Miller; and her brother, Ron Grahl. Karen is survived by her husband, Leland Palmer of Niles; son, Nathan (Mandy) Palmer of Three Rivers; daughter, Sarah Palmer of Niles; grandsons; Chase, Carson, Christopher, and Nathan; her mother, Violet Gillis of Niles; sister, Dorothy Uhl of Sullivan Missouri; brothers, Jerry Grahl of South Bend; Scott Grahl of South Bend; along with several nieces and nephews. Family and friends will gather for a time of visitation on Friday, September 10, 2021, from noon until 2:00 PM, at Brown Funeral Home, 521 E. Main St. Niles, Michigan. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery. Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Karen’s family will miss the way she insisted on taking care of everyone, her laugh, and yes even her stubbornness. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.

Vogelsang, Anne (Gaunder) 1930-2021

editor Obituaries

Anne Vogelsang, of Niles
Nov. 3, 1930-Aug. 27, 2021

Niles Daily Star, Published 3:14 pm Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Nov. 3, 1930 — Aug. 27, 2021

Anne Vogelsang, 90, of Niles, passed away peacefully on Friday afternoon, Aug. 27, 2021, at Spectrum Lakeland Hospital in Niles.

She was born on Nov. 3, 1930, in Benton Harbor, Michigan to the late George and Zora (Hosbein) Gaunder.

Anne married Mark Anthony and to that union three children were born, Mark Jr., Beth and Marcia. Mark Anthony passed shortly before the birth of their daughter, Marcia. In February of 1955 Anne married John R. “Jack” Vogelsang, Jr. at a ceremony in Niles; they had a son, John R. Vogelsang III.

A homemaker most of her life, Anne relished raising her children and being an attentive grandmother. Anne also enjoyed gardening, working crossword puzzles, playing cards, going fishing and bowling on local leagues for many years. Anne was also an avid football fan cheering on both Notre Dame and the University of Michigan. She also looked forward to watching Detroit Tigers baseball. Anne’s faith was extremely important to her and she tried her best to live a Christian life each day. She was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church, in Niles.

Anne was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Mark Anthony Sr. and John “Jack” Vogelsang Jr.; a daughter, Marcia Anthony; and her siblings, Alice Ferris, George “Bud” Gaunder, Fran Herzog, Mary Jean O’Brien and Jim Gaunder.

She is survived by her children, John R. Vogelsang III (Theresa Boller), of Niles, Mark (Triana) Anthony Jr., of Lake Marian, Illinois, and Beth (Pat) Boyd, of Tampa, Florida; seven grandchildren, Trisha, Sara, Derek, Leigha, Joanna, David and Bella; nine great-grandchildren, Skyler, Anna, Andrew, Sam, Allie, Abbie, Macy, Sadie, and Ayrielle; her siblings, Joe Gaunder, of Missouri, Kathryn Lee, of Edwardsburg, and John Michael Gaunder, of Florida. She will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Anne will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, at 10 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Niles with Father Peter Rocca, C.S.C. officiating. A time of visitation will begin on one hour prior at the funeral home. An interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Anne’s memory to St. Mark Catholic Church at 19 N. 19th Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.

Memories may be left for her family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com where her memorial service may be viewed.

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

Kennedy, Robert C. 1946-2021

editor Obituaries

Ronald Kennedy, of Niles
July 11, 1946-Aug. 31, 2021

Niles Daily Star, Published online 4:48 pm Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Ronald Kennedy, 75, of Niles, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, at his home. Arrangements are pending and entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Published online at Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services website:

Obituary of Ronald Kennedy

Ronald C. Kennedy, 75, of Niles, passed away peacefully in his home on August 31st, 2021. Born and raised in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Ronald was a man of nature and enjoyed the outdoors. Not long after getting through high school he joined the United States Army and was a proud veteran for the rest of his life. During the course of his early life journey Ronald found the love of his life, Bonnie Marie Bedford. Bonnie married him and took his last name on October 18th, 1969 in the beautiful town of Pueblo, Colorado. Their union soon brought them two sons, James and Cale Kennedy. Their family continued to grow as their sons gave them grandchildren, Chaise, Gaige, Kadence, and Jade Kennedy. Aside from being a proud grandpa, Ronald spent his spare time hunting, fishing, woodworking, and watching NASCAR. With his time spent as a journeyman machine repair technician, he was also a proud member of the United Auto Workers Union Post 2093. The end of his life was spent enjoying his family and doing the things he loved the most. Ronald is preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie; and both of his parents, Clifford and Maudine (Breedlove) Kennedy. He is survived by both of his sons, James (Melissa) Kennedy of Niles, and Cale Kennedy of Niles; four grandchildren; his two siblings, Sharon (Ron) Hess of Dowagiac, and Tim (Donna) Kennedy of Mentone, Indiana; and many friends and extended family members. The family will be holding funeral services for Ronald on Friday September 3, 2021 at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles at 2:00 p.m. with public visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. An interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery where Full Military Honors will be rendered by the U.S. Army and the Buchanan American Legion Post 51. Memorial contributions may be made to the Buchanan American Legion at 403 E Front Street, Buchanan, Michigan 49107. Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.

Yudis, Robert A. 1932-2021

editor Obituaries

Robert A Yudis
July 18, 1932=August 18, 2021 (age 89)

Published online at Halbritter-Wickens Funeral home website:

Obituary

Robert A. Yudis, 89 of Niles, passed away on August 18, 2021 in Spectrum Lakeland Hospital.

Bob was born on July18, 1932 in Chicago.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his two children, Mark and Stephen Yudis.

Bob is survived by his wife Sara and his sister Virginia Little of Arizona.

Bob honorably served his country in the United States Airforce. In his spare time, he enjoyed going to beaches and parks to use his metal detector. Bob would help people by using his metal detector to find lost rings.

A visitation for Bob will be held on August 25, 2021 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St. Niles.  Cremation will follow and burial will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery at a later date.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.halbritterwickens.com

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