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.

Christ, Judith D. (Stahl)

Judith Christ, 74
Sept. 11, 1937-April 8, 2012

Niles Daily Star, Published 11:28pm Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Christ

Judith D. Christ, 74, of Niles, died Sunday, April 8, 2012, at LG’s Whispering Pines in Edwardsburg following an extended illness.

She was born Sept. 11, 1937, in Dowagiac to Max and Cleo (Pethick) Stahl.

Judith drove the ambulance for SMCAS as the Niles base was first formed and also drove for Dial-a-Ride for the City of Niles.

On Sept. 28, 1957, she married Gerald F. Christ, who preceded her in death on June 3, 2002.

From their union survives two daughters, Pamela (Joseph) Brown of North Carolina and Jennifer (Wayne) Samuels of Cassopolis; six grandchildren, Eddie, Christina, Mike, Kenny, Autumn and Amber; and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; son, Gerald Scotty, who died in infancy; and brothers, Robert and Richard Stahl.

A funeral service for Judith D. Christ will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Pastor Jeffrey L. Whittaker officiating. Burial will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.

Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, is assisting with arrangements.

Selge, Phyllis Ann (Domer)

Phyllis Selge, 84
Jan. 16, 1928-April 6, 2012

Niles Daily Star, Published 11:07pm Monday, April 9, 2012

Selge

Former Niles and Granger resident Phyllis Ann Selge, 84, of Notre Dame, Ind., died at 3 p.m. Friday, April 6, 2012, in Memorial Hospital surrounded by her children and grandchildren following an illness.

Mrs. Selge was born Jan. 16, 1928, in Baker, N.D., to the late Elsa (Yost) and Lawrence M. Domer and had lived in the Niles-South Bend area most of her life, coming from York, N.D.  On May 26, 1943 in Angola, Ind., as Phyllis A. Domer, she married Marvin L. Selge, who preceded her in death April 8, 1996. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Alpha Miller, and brothers, Warren and Verlin “Shorty” Domer.

She is survived by her daughters, Judy A. Elms (Verl) of Valparaiso, Ind., and Gayle M. Godsey (Mark) of Goodland, Fla.; sons, Gary L. Selge (Jan) of Anthem, Ariz. and Marvin L. Selge, Jr. (Barbara) of Edwardsburg; 10 grandchildren; a number of great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; and especially her loving dog, Ruby.

Phyllis, along with Marv, founded Selge Construction in 1959. She was a loving mother and grandmother who was wonderful to all plus she always had time for her family. For many years she enjoyed wintering in Goodland, Fla., with her husband, Marv.

Phyllis, an avid sports fan, enjoyed watching all types of sports especially college football or playing a round of golf at Orchard Hills Country Club, where she was a member and sported a hole-in-one. One of her greatest joys was the love and companionship she shared with her pet poodle, Ruby.

The family wishes to express a special thank you to Doctors Stephen Anderson, Sean Halleran and his associates, Walter Filipek and Michael Salcedo, as well as a thank you to Memorial Home Health Care. A special warm thank you goes out to Pastor Trent Griffith and Harvest Bible Chapel.
A celebration of Phyllis’s life and entrance into eternity will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 12, in the Harvest Bible Chapel, 52277 Hickory Rd., with Pastor Trent Griffith officiating. A reception will immediately follow in the church. Private graveside services will be held at a later date. The family will receive friends in the church Thursday from noon until the time of service at 3 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to MADD, P.O. Box 41, Whiteland, IN, 46184; and Relay for Life of Notre Dame, IN, 130 Red Coach Dr., Mishawaka, IN, 46545; or the Humane Society of St. Joseph County, 2506 Grape Rd., Mishawaka, IN, 46545.  Welsheimer Family Funeral Home North, 17033 Cleveland Rd., is assisting the family with arrangements.

Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

Pugh, Alice Virginia (Stone)

Alice Pugh, 87
June 17, 1924-April 3, 2012

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:00pm Thursday, April 5, 2012

Pugh

Alice Virginia Pugh, 87, of Main Street in Gobles, Mich., formerly of Niles, died on Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at her residence following an extended illness.

She was born June 17, 1924, in Mishawaka, Ind., to Sidney and Jesse Emma (Smith) Stone.
Alice was a secretary for the City of Niles, formerly employed with Clark Equipment, and was the former president of the Van Buren County Historical Society. On Sept. 1, 1950, in Niles, she married John Warren Pugh, who preceded her in death on July 14, 1989.

From their union survives a son, John Avery Pugh of Niles.

She was preceded in death by a son, Warren Lee Pugh; her parents; and brother, Sidney Stone.

The family will gather privately for services. Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

Contributions in memory of Alice V. Pugh may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice.

Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, is assisting with arrangements.

Anderson, Edward E.

Edward E. Anderson
March 28, 1889-Nov. 11, 1929


Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, November 12, 1929, page 1, col.7, microfilm Niles District Library

EDW. E. ANDERSON,NILES MERCHANT, HAS STROKE ON WAY HOME

Owner of Stationery Store on Main St. Dies on Way to Hospital

 

Stricken with a heart attack as he was walking on Main street Edward E. Anderson, 49, 742 Oak street, a Niles merchant, died before the ambulance called reached Pawating hospital.  Mr. Anderson had remained at his store until about 6:30o'clock and then had started home accompanied by two of his little children, Edward and Arlene.  When near Third and Main street, he complained of feeling ill and suddenly collapsed on the sidewalk.  An ambulance was called and Mr. Anderson was place in it but before the ambulance reached the hospital Mr. Anderson was dead.  The body is now at the Rutherford Funeral home.

Mr. Anderson had been in business in Niles for three and one half years, conducting an office supply and novelty store under the name of Andy's Stop and Shop.  He came to Niles from Milwaukee.

Mr. Anderson was born in Chicago on March 28, 1889, He was married in that city to Miss Ellen Tholland, of Chicago, who survives him.

Besides the widow he is survived by six children, Edward, Arlene, Evelyn, Carl, Arthur and Ruth, the latter aged three, by his mother and by three brothers and three sisters.  Mr. Anderson's mother reached Niles from Chicago early this morning in response to a message sent her of her son's death, but until other relatives signify when they will be in Niles the funeral plans will not be completed.  Mr. Anderson had long been in ill health from heart disease and his condition had caused grave concern to his family. His mother was considering moving to Niles in order to be near her son on account of his ill health.

The deceased was a member of the Niles lodge of Elks.


Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, November 13, 1929, page 4, col.1, microfilm Niles District Library

FUNERAL EDWARD E. ANDERSON

 

Funeral services for Edward E. Anderson, Niles merchant, who was stricken with a fatal attack of heart disease while on Main street on Monday evening, will be held on Friday afternoon at 1:30 in the Rutherford Funeral home. The Rev. G.W. Simon, pastor of the Presbyterian church will officiate. Burial will be made in Silver Brook cemetery. Relatives of the deceased from a distance are expected in Niles Thursday evening.


Niles Daily Star, Thursday, November 14, 1929, page 4, col.1, microfilm Niles District Library


FUNERAL E.E. ANDERSON

 

Brothers of E.E. Anderson are expected in Niles this evening, also other relatives for the funeral services which will be held tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 in the Rutheford[sic] Funeral home. The Rev. G.W. Simon will officiate. Burial will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.

 

Vinnedge, Robert A.

Victor A. Vinnedge
Sept. 19, 1944-July 4, 1972

Robert A. Vinnedge
April 25, 1969-July 4, 1972


Niles Daily Star, Thursday, July 6, 1972, page 2, col. 1-3, microfilm Niles District Library

NILES--Double funeral services for Victor A. and his son, Robert A. Vinnedge, 2132 Lilac Ln., who died Tuesday evening in an auto mishap, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Halbritter Funeral Home.

Officiating will be the Rev. William H. McVay of the Missionary Church. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home.

Mr. Vinnedge, 27, was born Sept. 19, 1944, in Niles, and had lived here all his life. On April 27, 1968, he married the former Jan Marie Wainright who survives.

An employe of Simplicity Pattern Co., Mr. Vinnedge was a member of the Niles Elks Lodge.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, include a daughter, Tricia, at home; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Vinnedge of Niles; four brothers, David and Eric, both of Niles, Paul of Galien and Phiip of Dowagiac; three sisters, Mrs. Christine Sorenson and Laura Vinnedge, both of Niles, and Charlotte Vinnedge of Dowagiac.

Robert A., 3, was born April 25, 1969, in Niles, and had lived here all his life.

In addition to his mother and sister, Robert is survived by his grandparents, Mr.and Mrs. Robert Vinnedge of Niles, Mrs. Eileen Woods of Niles and John Wainright of Panama City, Fla., and his great-grandmother, Mrs. E.J. O'Brien of Niles.

 

Vinnedge, Victor A.

Victor A. Vinnedge
Sept. 19, 1944-July 4, 1972


Robert A. Vinnedge
April 25, 1969-July 4, 1972

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, July 6, 1972, page 2, col. 1-3, microfilm Niles District Library

NILES--Double funeral services for Victor A. and his son, Robert A. Vinnedge, 2132 Lilac Ln., who died Tuesday evening in an auto mishap, will be held at 2 p.m. Friday in the Halbritter Funeral Home.

Officiating will be the Rev. William H. McVay of the Missionary Church. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home.

Mr. Vinnedge, 27, was born Sept. 19, 1944, in Niles, and had lived here all his life. On April 27, 1968, he married the former Jan Marie Wainright who survives.

An employe of Simplicity Pattern Co., Mr. Vinnedge was a member of the Niles Elks Lodge.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, include a daughter, Tricia, at home; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Vinnedge of Niles; four brothers, David and Eric, both of Niles, Paul of Galien and Phiip of Dowagiac; three sisters, Mrs. Christine Sorenson and Laura Vinnedge, both of Niles, and Charlotte Vinnedge of Dowagiac.

Robert A., 3, was born April 25, 1969, in Niles, and had lived here all his life.

In addition to his mother and sister, Robert is survived by his grandparents, Mr.and Mrs. Robert Vinnedge of Niles, Mrs. Eileen Woods of Niles and John Wainright of Panama City, Fla., and his great-grandmother, Mrs. E.J. O'Brien of Niles.

 

Wieser, Ernestine (Reum)

Ernestine Wieser
Dec. 1849-Nov. 21, 1929


Niles Daily Star, Thursday, November 21, 1929, page 1, col.1, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. JACOB WIESER, 81, IS TAKEN BY DEATH

Widow of Pioneer Wagon Maker of Niles Passes Away This Morning


Mrs. Ernestine Wieser, 81, 212 Sycamore sttreet, died this morning about 6 o'clock after two weeks of illness. Mrs. Wieser, who was the widow of Jacob Wieser, was a highly respected resident of Niles, and had lived in Niles for about 70 years.  Her husband, for many years conducted a wagon making shop on North Second street.
Born in Saxony, she lived there until she was 12 years of age when she was brought to America and to Niles and she had since resided here. For at least 45 years Mrs. Wieser had lived in the 1100 block on North Fifth street. She continued to live there after the death of Mr. Wieser 17 years ago or until about seven years ago when she moved to 212 Sycamore street. The immediate cause of death was Bright's disease.
Mrs. Wieser was the last of a family of six children, Among her sisters and brothers were Henry Reum and Mrs. Charles Radewald, Sr., of Niles and Mrs. Caroline Enders of Galien.  Mr. and Mrs. Wieser had no children but were devoted to their numerous nieces and nephews.
The deceased was one of the oldest members of Niles Hive, No. 38, Lady Maccabees. She was a member of the Presbyterian church and Sunday school.
The body is at the Troost and Augustine chapel and may be viewed there by friends.
The funeral services will be held on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the chapel. The Rev. G.W. Simon, pastor of the Presbyterian church and the Rev. G.W. Webbink, pastor of St. John's Evangelical church will conduct the services. Burial will be made in the family lot in Silver Brook cemetery.