Lewis Zechlin, 74
Jan. 13, 1938 — Jan. 30, 2012

Niles Daily Star,Published online 8:25pm Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Lewis “Sparky” Zechlin, 74, of Niles, passed away at his home Monday, Jan. 30, 2012.

Sparky was born Jan. 13, 1938, to the late Eli and Marie (Smith) Zechlin in Niles.

On June 3, 1961, Sparky wed the love of his life, Patricia (Cottrell) Zechlin.

Sparky was in retail sales for 35 years until he retired. Sparky and his family will always have wonderful memories of their time up north and the countless hours watching the Chicago Bears in his basement.

After his retirement Sparky couldn’t resist and went back to work as a pizza delivery driver for Saylor’s Pizza, where he was fondly known as “Sparky the Pizza Man” by many around town.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Michael Zechlin; and sister, Martha Vernier.

Sparky is survived by his daughter, Kim Zechlin, of Niles; sister, Doris Kennedy of Niles; and one grandson.

A memorial service to honor Sparky’s life will be held Thursday, Feb. 2, at 1 p.m. with a time of visitation two hours prior. Sparky will be interred at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Those wishing to make memorial donations may do so to the family.

Those wishing to leave a message of comfort, upload a photo or send their condolences to 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 & Cremation Services of Niles.

Mary Ann (Ward) Sampson
Dec. 10, 1810-April 19, 1888

Niles Republican, Thursday, April 26, 1888, page 4, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Mary Ann Ward Sampson was born at Otsego, New York, Dec. 10, 1810.

While quite young she removed with her parents to Fulton county, Ind., where she lived until 1843, when she was married to Elisha M. Sampson. The year following they removed to Michigan, landing in Niles on the 4th of July, 1844.  She has lived in Niles ever since. The last eight years she had resided with her daughter, Mrs. M. Hatfield, Niles township, where she departed this life April 19th. Mrs. Sampson was a noble woman in every sense of the word; ever ministering to the wants of others, but unwilling that others should do aught for her.  Being a great reader, she kept posted on all the literary topics of the day, but among her many books she valued her Bible most dear, as it gave her hope and consolation in her declining years.

John C. Krauss
Feb. 7, 1843*-May 7, 1888

Niles Democrat, Saturday, May 13, 1882, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

John C. Kraus[sic], died at his residence on Second street, in this city, after a few days' illness, on Sunday last, in the 38th year of his age. He leaves a wife and interesting daughter  to mourn his untimely end.  His remains were followed to their last resting place in Silver Brook cemetery, on Tuesday last, by a large procession of friends and neighbors.

Niles Mirror, Wednesday, May 10, 1882, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

J.C. Krauss was taken with an epileptic fit on Friday afternoon last and died on Sunday evening at 8 o'clock, aged 39 years and three months.

*based on age stated in obituary

James E. Cummings
Oct.7, 1834*-Jan. 12, 1875

Niles Democrat, Saturday, January 23, 1875, page 3, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

At the residence of his sister, Mrs. Ira Shepardson,  On Tuesday, January 12th, 1875, of consumption, JAMES E. CUMMINGS, aged 41 years.

He returned from Virginia City, Nevada, last fall, whither he had gone in the hope of benefitting[sic] his health. Finding no relief, he returned home to die, and be buried near kindred. His death was calm and peaceful.

*Age at date of death appears to be 40y, 3m, 5d.

Ethel A. Hart
October 17, 1881-May 7, 1882

Niles Mirror, Wednesday, May 10, 1882, page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Ethel A., only child of L.G. and Nettie Hart, died very unexpectedly Sunday afternoon, aged 6 months and 20 days. She was a beautiful child, perfect in form and feature, and was the joy of parents and grandparents. With the exception of troubles incident to teething, she appeared to be in the best of health, but Saturday she seemed to suffer somewhat, but no danger was apprehended. Sunday she went into spasms and died about 2 o'clock. The bereft parents have the sincere sympathy of all our citizens.

Niles Democrat, Saturday, May 13, 1882, page 3, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

On Sunday afternoon, May 7th, Ethel A., only child of L.G. and Nettie Hart, aged six months and twenty days.

"Safe in the arms of Jesus."

Christina Schmidt
1862-April 30, 1888

Niles Democrat, Saturday, May 5, 1888, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Christina Schmidt, wife of Chas. A. Schmidt, died on Monday evening last after a protracted illness of consumption, aged 27 years. The funeral took place Thursday from the German church was was largely attended. She leaves a husband and two young children.