Obituaries

Barron Wetherby
Feb. 23, 1881-March 24, 1955

Niles Daily Star, Friday, March 25, 1955, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Barron Wetherby, 75, former Niles city clerk, of 403 North Third Street, died at 11 p.m. Thruday night at Pawating Hospital after a 10-day illness.

He served as city clerk from 1913 to 1916 and had retired after being employed as a New York Central Railroad switchman.

Born here Feb. 23, 1881, he lived in the city all his life. He was a graduate of Niles High School and Michigan State College. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church and the local BPO Elks Lodge.

His wife died in 1920. Survivors are a daughter, Mrs. Dorothea Johnson, and a son, William A. Wetherby, both of Detroit, and one grandson.

Friends may call beginning Saturday night at the Kiger Funeral Home where services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday. Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Frank (Joe) Kitterer
June 16, 1877-March 22, 1955

Niles Daily Star, Friday, March 25, 1955, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Frank (Joe) Kitterer, 76, died suddenly at 8:45 p.m. Tuesday at the Russell File home on M-140 North where he was residing.

Born June 16, 1877 in Bertrand Township, he spent all his life in the Niles area. He was a retired farmer.

Survivors are a sister, Mrs. Emma Cauffman of South Bend, three nieces and two nephews.

Friends may call at the Kiger Funeral Home where services will be conducted at 3:30 p.m. Saturday by the Rev. Orlen Njus. Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Erastus Coffinger
1816-Jan. 10, 1879

Niles Democrat, Saturday, January 18, 1879, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

It becomes our painful duty again to chronicle the death of another of our most highly esteemed and honorable pioneer citizens, that Erastus Coffinger, which occurred on Friday evening last. Mr. Coffinger was widely known and has always sustained an irreproachable character for honesty and integrity in all his dealings with his fellow men; kind, peaceful and obliging to all with whom he cam in contact. His death will not only be keenly felt in the family circle, but throughout the entire community. His funeral was largely attended on Sunday last by his many friends and neighbors.

Sophia Coffinger
Sept. 11, 1816-Aug. 10, 1887

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, August 11, 1887, page 3, col. 3, reprinted Niles Weekly Mirror, Wednesday, August 17, 1887, page 5, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

Death of Mrs. Coffinger

Mrs. Sophia Coffinger, who has beeen a great sufferer for over two months, died yesterday at 5:45 p.m., aged 71 years the 11th of next September.  Mrs. C. was born in Cornwall, England, and came to America in 1834. She was married to Erastus Coffinger, at Edwardsburg, Cass county, September 14, 1842, and took up their permanent residence in this city. Her husband died Jan. 10, 1879,  Mrs. C. was one of the best of women, an indulgent and loving mother, over ready to visit and do for the sick and afflicted all around her, and her loss is deeply deplored by all who knew her. She leaves two sons and two daughters. Her funeral will take place to-morrow afternoon, at 2:30, from her late dwelling.

Irene Chapin
1886-Aug. 1887

Niles Mirror, Wednesday, August 17, 1887, page 5, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Chapin accompanied the remains of their infant child, Irene, to Niles yesterday. They will return to Harbor Point to-day, accompanied by Misses Nellie and Claudine Coolidge. They will return Sept. 1.

Terry Frucci
June 1, 1947-June 29, 1947

Niles Daily Star, Monday, June 30, 1947, page 2, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

FRUCCI INFANT DIES

Services will be held tomorrow for Terry Frucci, month old son of Mr.and Mrs. John Frucci, 205 Broadway.

The child died on Sunday at 7:07 a.m. at Pawating hospital, where he had been born on June 1. Besides his parents, he is survived by his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Dominic Frucci, 649 North Twelfth street, and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Hemphill, both of  Niles.

The body has been taken from the Pifer funeral home to the residence where friends may call.  Rites will be held at the Home at 10 a.m. tomorrow, with the Rev. Dale Baker officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.