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.

Pickard, Zola (Davis)

Mrs. Zola Pickard
June 9, 1880-March 25, 1909

Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, March 25, 1909, page 2, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

MRS. ZOLA PICKARD

Talented Young Woman Passed Away Today at Montrose, Ia.

    Mrs. Zola  Pickard passed away this morning a[sic] 9 o'clock at the home of Dr. Carnes at Montrose, Iowa, after a few days' illness.
    The messages which have been received by her father Henry Davis gave no particulars of her illness, hence the cause for Mrs. Pickard's sudden demise is not known.
    Mrs. Pickard would have been 29 years of age had she lived until June 9, 1909.
    She was born in Niles and had always resided here until about eight years ago when she began her career as a travelling musician.
    Mrs. Pickard was an unusually fine musician, playing a large variety of wind instruments.  She has been a member of ladies' bands, and travelled extensively throughout the United States and Canada.  Only last week she completed an engagement in Chicago and then started for the west.  She was stopping at the home of Dr. Carnes, one of whose daughters recently appeared in Niles in the entertainment given by the Vassar Girls Musical company, for a few days when she was stricken with the fatal illness.
    The remains will be brought to Niles for interment tomorrow morning at eight o'clock by her mother and her nephew, Clyde Cutting who have been with her for several days.
    Besides her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Davis, two sisters, Mrs. W.J. Cutting and Miss Bernice Davis and three brothers Ambrose, Adelbert and Sidney Davis survive her, all of whom reside in Niles but the latter who is in Oklahoma.
    The death of this talented young woman comes as a crushing sorrow to the bereaved family and many friends will sympathize with them in their great sorrow.  Mr. Davis was taken quite ill upon the receipt of the news of his daughters' death.

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Niles Daily Star, Thursday, March 25, 1909, page 3, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

    Henry Davis received the sad news today that his daughter, Mrs. Zola Pickard died at Montrose, Iowa, at 9 o'clock this morning.  Mrs. Pickard, who was a traveling musician, playing in a ladies' band, was taken ill while on the road and was removed  to the home of friends in Montrose.  Her mother was with her when she died. Besides a father and mother, she is survived by two sisters and three brothers. The remains will be brought here tomorrow for burial. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.
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Niles Daily Sun, Monday, March 29, 1909, page 3, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

    The funeral of the late Mrs. Zola Pickard was held Sunday afternoon from the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Davis.  Rev. W.R. Yonker conducted the service in the presence of a large concourse of friends. The remains were laid to rest at Silver Brook cemetery. Among those in attendance at the service were Miss Esther Carnes, Montrose, Ia.; Miss Myrtle Davis, Kalamazoo; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Cauffman, Dowagiac; Mr. and Mrs. Sears Gardner and Mrs. Morgan Gardner, Goshen; Frank Smith and Mrs. Ruth Gardner, Mason, Ind.,; Mrs. Lydia Gardner, Elkhart; Mrs. S.P. Smith, South Bend, and Westen Davis, Edwardsburg.

Lett, William H.

William H. Lett
March 18, 1871-April 10, 1909


Niles Daily Sun, Saturday, April 10, 1909, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library

MET TRAGIC END ON RAIL
FATAL ACCIDENT TO WM. LETT IN M.C. YARDS
HE CAUGHT A FREIGHT
But Missed Footing and Slipped Beneath the Wheels

    William Lett, a colored man, fell under the wheels of a Michigan Central train in the west end of the Niles yards today and met injuries which caused his death a few hours later.
    Lett was attempting to board a freight train east bound about 10 o'clock. Missing his foothold he fell between the wheels.  Hus right arm was almost torn from the socket and mangled beyond description and he was also terribly injured internally.  Yardmen carried the unfortunate man to the baggage room and Railroad Physician, Dr. J.D. Greensmyer, was summoned.
    Lett was then removed to the Niles Private Hospital where Dr. Greensmyer assisted by Drs. Carr and Burns amputated his arm.
    But the shock of the operation together with his internal injuries was to[sic] much for the injured man and he passed away about 11:45 or shortly after coming out from under the influence of the choloroform.
    The deceased was a brother of James Lett of thsi city. He had spent the night here with his brother and left this morning intending to go to Kalamazoo to vist another brother, Zack Lett.
    The deceased was about 38 years of age.  He had no permanent home but spent much time in Chicago where a brother and sister reside.
    The funeral arrangements will be made upon the arrival of the relatives.

Niles Daily Sun, Monday, April 12, 1909, microfilm Niles District Library

    The funeral of William Lett, who met his death here Saturday by falling under a Michigan Central freight train, was held this afternoon from Paul Skalla's establishment, Rev. Ager officiating.  Interment took place at Silver Brook.

Smiedendorf, Arthur A.

Arthur A. Smiedendorf
Jan. 31, 1897-Feb. 2, 1932


Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, February 3, 1932, page 1, col. 5 , continued page 2, col 1, microfilm Niles District Library

A.A. SMIEDENDORF DIES AFTER STROKE SUFFERED AT WORK
Is Stricken Whilte at Work in Clinker Pit at Terminal

    Arthur A. Smiedendorf, 35, Michigan Central railroad employe, and an ex-service man, died in Pawating hospital about midnight last night of a stroke of paralysis.  Mr. Smiedendorf was stricken while at work in the Michigan Central roundhouses.  Leaving the  home of his mother, Mrs. Augusta Smiedendorf, 1322 E. Main street, yesterday afternoon in time to get to the Michigan Central terminal to work on the 4 to 12 o'clock shift, he was apparently in his usual health.  About 8:30, as he was engaged in work in the clinker pit knocking fires, he complained of feeling ill, and fellow workmen advised him to rest for a time.  About 9 o'clock he suddenly became more seriously ill, but was able to walk into the roundhouse offices to await an ambulance to take him home or to the hospital. When it was realized that he had suffered a stroke of paralysis affecting the entire right side, he was rushed to the hospital. He soon lost his sense of speech and lapsed into unconsciousness from which he did not rally.
    Mr. Smiedendorf had been a resident of Niles for more than 2 years having come here after serving in the  World war with the navy. He was born in Michigan City on Jan. 31, 1897 and last Sunday his birthday anniversary was observed by the family.  He entered the employ of the Michigan Central railroad company in Michigan City as a mechanic's helper.  When the World war came he enlisted in the navy, and after returning from service he re-entered the railroad company's employ in the same capacity.  For the last few months he had been otherwise employed by the railroad comapny owing to adjustments in the crews of workmen.
    Mr. Smiedendorf is survived by his mother, Mrs. Augusta Smiedendorf, two sisters, Marie, of Niles, and Mrs. Oliver Olson, of South Bend, and one brother, Wilford, a Niles high school student.  The father of the deceased, William Smiedendorf died in Niles on April 18, 1928, at the age of 56 years.  He, too, suffered a stroke of paralysis but the stroke followed on illness. He also was a Michigan Central railroad employe for many years in Michigan City and in Niles, the family having moved here when the Michigan Central terminal years were opened.
    . . . . [illegible] . . .
    The funeral plans are not completed.
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Niles Daily Star, Friday, February 5, 1932, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

    Friends who wish to view the body of Arhtur[sic] Smiedendorf may call at the Troost and Augustine chapel until the hour of the funeral services. The services will be held at 1:30 in the Troost and Augustine chapel and at 2 o'clock in the St. Paul's Lutheran church at Ferry and Seventh streets.  Burial will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.
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Niles Daily Star, Saturday, February 6, 1932, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library

FUNERAL A. SMIEDENDORF

    Funeral services for Arthur Smiedendorf, son of Mrs. Augusta Smiedendorf, 1632 E. Main street, were held this afternoon in St.  Paul's Lutheran church. The pastor, the Rev. Theodore Leasch officiated. Michigan Central fellow employes of the the deceased, and members of the LaRue Messenger post fo the American Legion of which he was a member were pallbearers. Burial was made in Silverbrook cemetery.

Wynn, Charlotte (Ford)

Charlotte Ford Wynn
Nov. 13, 1846-Feb. 5, 1932


MRS. CHARLOTTE WYNN DIES AT 10TH ST. HOME
Passes Away at Residence of Daughter Late Friday Afternoon

    Mrs. Charlotte Ford Wynn, 85, died at 4 o'clock Friday afternoon in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edwin Bair, 13 S. Tenth street, a home in which representatives of four generations of her family have lived for years, the representatives of the four generations were Mrs. Wynn, her daughter, Mrs. Bair, the latter's son, Earl, and his daughter, Helen Jean.  The latter is today observing her 11th birthday anniversary.
    Mrs. Wynn had been confined to her bed for one week prior to her death with afflictions attendant upon advanced years.  She was born in Byron, New York on Nov. 13, 1846. She was brought to Michigan by her parents when she was a little girl and had always since resided in this vicinity.  She is survived by her daughter Mrs. Bair, by one son, Charles Adams of Niles, by six grandchildren, who are Dorothy, Doris, Katherine and Edgar Adams, and Earl Bair of Niles and Mrs. Frank Warner of Mackinac City, and one great granddaughter, Helen Jean Bair, of Niles.  Mrs. Wynn was the last of a family of 12 children.  She was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church for many years.  She was also a member of the class in the Sunday school of that church taught by Mrs. W.H. Bullard.
    The funeral services will be held on Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the Troost & Augustine chapel. The Rev. C.W. Simon, pastor of the Presbyterian church will officiate.  Burial will be made in Silverbrook cemetery.  Friends may call in the home until early Monday afternoon to view the body.

Niles Daily Star, Saturday, February 6, 1932, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library

Winn, John J.

John J. Winn
Feb. 17, 1870-May 1, 1940


Niles Daily Star, Thursday, May 2, 1940, page 2, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library


John J. Winn, 70, Supervisor From 3rd Ward, is Dead

    John J. Winn, 70, Third ward Democratic supervisor for nine years and former supervisor from Niles Township, died Wednesday night at 8:30 in his home, 116 South Fourth Street.
    Mr. Winn had been seriously ill two weeks but had been in failing health for the past year.  He was dean of Niles supervisors on the county board.  His death leaves a vacancy to be filled by the city council.
    A native of this community, he was born at the Winn home in the Bend of the River district Feb. 17, 1870.  He was the son of the late John and Fannie Foster Winn, prominent residents of the Bend of the River community.
    Mr. and Mrs. Winn left the farm in Niles township about 10 years ago.  At that time he retired from farming and devoted his energies to his work on the county board and as auctioneer.
    Prior to moving to Niles he had served several years as Niles township supervisor, also holding offices of township clerk and treasurer.  He was active in the Niles Masonic lodge and affiliated with the Methodist church.
    Surviving are his wife, Pauline; a daughter, Mrs. Clayton McCoy, and a granddaughter, Marilyn McCoy, of Niles.  He was married to Mrs. Winn, the former Pauline Graham, of Niles, 41 years ago.
    Services will be held Saturday afternoon at 3 in the Methodist church.  The body will in state from 1:30 until the hour of the service.  The Rev. J. Kenneth Hoffmaster will officiate. Burial will be in Silverbrook. Friends of the family may call at the Winn home.
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Niles Daily Star, Saturday, May 4, 1940, page 2, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library

Officials Attend Services Today for John J. Winn

    Friends and neighbors of John J. Winn from Niles and the Bend of the River district were casket bearers at the services today in the Methodist church.
    Throngs of friends and associates filled the church where Mr. Winn's body lay in state from 1:30 to 3.  Among them were the board of supervisors, the city officials and other groups with whom he had been associated during his career of public service.
    The Rev. J. Kenneth Hoffmaster officiated at the service this afternoon.  Burial was in Silverbrook cemetry. The pallbearers were Fred Franz, James Patterson, Fred Tichenor, Thomas Cain and Malcolm Hatfield.

Winn, George Foster

George Foster Winn
June 20, 1867-Aug. 2, 1931

GEORGE F. WINN, 64, NILES TWP. FARMER IS TAKEN BY DEATH

    George Foster Winn, 64, died on Saturday evening in his home, four miles north and west in Niles township where he had resided for his entire life.  Mr. Winn had been in ill health for four weeks but his condition had not been considered serious.
    Mr. Winn was born on June 20, 1867, a son of John Winn and Fanny Winn, the latter a daughter of George Foster, Sr.,  one of the oldest settlers of this section.  Mr. Winn was married to Elizabeth Wynn, a daughter of Morgan Wynn, deceased, on June 29, 1892.  To them were born a son, Lester F., who met a tragic death in 1916, also a daughter, Mrs. Olin Steinbauer, who resides on a farm near her old home.
    Mr. Winn had held many offices of trust. He was treasurer of Niles township for four years and at the time of his death was highway commissioner of that township.  He was a charter member of the Bend of the River grange and had held the office of treasurer of the grange for 14 years.  He was one of the highly respected citizens of the community.
    Surviving him are his wife, one daughter, Mrs. Olin Stienbauer, and brother, John Winn, of Niles.
    The funeral services will be held on Wednesday afternoon in the family home at 2:30 fast time.  Burial will be made in Silver Brook cemetery.

Niles Daily Star, Monday, August 4, 1931,  page 1, col. 3, microfilm Niles District Library

Marazita, Brandon

Brandon Marazita, 20
Sept. 19, 1990 — Jan. 11, 2011

Brandon Marazita, 20, of Reynolds Street, Niles, died at 5:10 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011 at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka following an extended illness.
Brandon Marazita, 20

He was born Sept. 19, 1990 in South Bend to John and Kimberly A. (Messenger) Marazita, Jr. He attended Brandywine High School in Niles and was a lifetime resident of the area. He was employed for more than four years at Pete’s Marathon in Niles; owned and operated Brandon’s Metal Recycling in Niles; and was employed at Performance Graphics in Elkhart, Ind.

Brandon was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, restoring automobiles and was an avid NASCAR fan, especially of the driver of the No. 24 car, Jeff Gordon.

He is survived by his parents, John and Kim Marazita of Niles; sisters and brothers, Crystal (Brandon) Clubb of Niles, John (Claude) Marazita II of East Lansing, Mich., Cassie Lynn Marazita and Wayne Marazita, both of Niles; maternal grandmother, Linda Messenger Bowlin, and paternal grandmother, Irene M. (Van Vynckt) Marazita, both of Niles; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins; and a fiancee, Chelsea N. McBain of Niles.

He was preceded in death by maternal great-grandfather, Ferman Turner, who died July 3, 2001; maternal grandfather, LaMarr Messenger, who died Jan. 11, 2000; and paternal grandfather, John Marazita, Sr., who died Dec. 25, 2000.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Brandon Marazita will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011 at St. Mark Catholic Church in Niles with the Rev. Thomas King, C.S.C., of the church officiating.

Committal rites will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Family will receive friends and relatives from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with recitation of The Rosary at 7 p.m.

Contributions in memory of Brandon may be made to the Brandon Marazita Memorial Fund at First Source Bank of Niles.

Niles Daily Star, Published 10:25pm Wednesday, January 12, 2011