Sidney B. Hammarlund
August 17, 1917-October 17, 2007

Sidney B. Hammarlund, 90, of South Bend, passed away of Alzheimer's and prostate cancer at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007, in his residence.

Sidney was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on August 17, 1917, to Tage Thomas and Svea (Detterburg) Hammarlund.

He came to Angola, IN, to attend Tristate University because he could earn a degree in three years instead of the normal four years there. Upon graduation in 1939, with a degree in aeronautical engineering, he moved to South Bend to accept a position at the Bendix Corporation where he worked in the landing gear division.

On May 23, 1942, he married Doris L. Hassenger, who survives in South Bend. Other survivors include a daughter, Debra L. (William) Zoback of Lovelock, NV; a granddaughter, Beth Ann Hammarlund of Minneapolis, MN; a grandson, Jack Zaback; a sister, Doris Newsom of Hagerstown, MD; and a daughter-in-law, Sharon Hammarlund of Bellevue, NE.

His two sons predeceased him, T. Michael Hammarlund on March 10, 2006, and Craig E. Hammarlund on June 6, 1991; as did his brother, George G. (Alyce Mae) Hammarlund of Ludlow, MA.

Mr. Hammarlund was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of Sunnyside Presbyterian Church, the Bendix Management Retirees Club, and the Battell Senior Center where he and his wife played duplicate bridge.

Until he lost his sight, he and Doris enjoyed traveling following his retirement. They went out West many times, including four trips to the Grand Canyon and a trip to Ramsey Canyon, AZ, that is famous for its hummingbirds. One of his favorite trips was when they went to Sweden and he got to meet more than 30 of his mother's relatives there.

Their home has a collection of the many woodcarvings done by Sidney and many Indian artifacts they collected on their trips out West. He played the organ, and loved to fish and play golf. He was proud that he could walk 18 holes of golf at Elbel Park in two hours, which is very fast.

A memorial funeral service is being planned for today, October 26, at 10 a.m. in Sunnyside Presbyterian Church, 115 S. Francis St., between Colfax and Jefferson, with Rev. Jamie Miller, pastor, officiating.

The family will gather and share refreshments with friends for an hour following the service in the church's "Gathering Place." Burial of his ashes will be later at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, MI, alongside other family members.

Mrs. Hammarlund wishes to thank all of those who helped them throughout Sidney's illness, but especially the nurses and caregivers at the Milton Home, Southern Care Hospice, Dr. Ansari's, Dr. Kiehm's and Dr. Kristl's offices.

McGann Hay, Morningstar Funerals & Cremations, is in charge of arrangements. To send condolences to the family, log on to www.McGannHay.com.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Southern Care Hospice, 310 W. McKinley Ave., Suite 3403, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Ralph Hamilton, Jr.

March 31, 1917-Marcy 18, 2003

Ralph Ordell Hamilton Jr., 85, of West Southfield, Jackson, Mich., and formerly of Niles, Mich., died following a brief illness on Tuesday evening, March 18, 2003, in Foote Hospital, Jackson.

He was born March 31, 1917, in South Bend, Ind., to Ralph O. and Pearl (Bristol) Hamilton, and moved in 1949 to Jackson from Niles. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Pearl Hamilton; and by a sister, Norma Cox, who died in 1990.

Mr. Hamilton retired from the Clark Equipment Company after over 40 years of service. He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army Air Corps, and was a member of the UAW.

Mr. Hamilton enjoyed woodworking, bird watching and gardening. He was also an avid bowler.

On June 18, 1949, in Niles, Mich., he married the former Lynette Irene Smith, who survives. Mr. Hamilton is also survived by their children, Diana Ward of Jackson and Denise (Tom) Thomas of Kalamazoo, Mich.; grandson, Joshua (Amy) Hamilton; granddaughter, Elisa Ward; his sister, Helen Holcomb of Niles; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22, in the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, with the Rev. Emmett H. Kadwell Jr. of Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles officiating. Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. Saturday until time of services in the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of Ralph Ordell Hamilton Jr. may be made to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 3295, Kalamazoo, MI 49003-3295.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Myrtle Hamilton
July 29, 1885-Oct. 10, 1962

Niles Daily Star, Thursday, October 11, 1962, page 2, col. 1, microfilm Niles District Library

Mrs. Myrtle Bachman Hamilton, 77, of 92 Marmont St., died suddenly at 4 p.m. Wednesday, in her home.

Mrs. Hamilton was born July 20, 1885 in Muskegon. She lived most of her life in this area, Her husband, William is deceases.

Survivors include four sons, Robert, Roy, Clarence and Lyle Bachman, all of Niles; two daughter, Mrs. Ruth Abreau, Miami, Fla, and Mrs. Joan Spenner, Niles; a twin sister, Mrs. Lloyd Ostrander and a brother, Ray Mell, both of Niles; and five grandchildren.

She was a member of the Golden Age Club and the First Church of Christ, Scientist, and was a charter member of the Mothers of World War II.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Pifer Funeral Home, with Charles Riggs, Christian Science reader, officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.

Friends will be received at the funeral home after 7 p.m. today.

Lola Mae Hamilton
March 24, 1924-July 12, 2006

Lola Mae Hamilton, 82, of Platt Street, Niles, Michigan, died at 3:13 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, 2006, in Memorial Hospital, South Bend, Indiana, due to an extended illness.

Mrs. Hamilton was born on March 24, 1924, in Buchanan, Michigan, to Leonard and Edna M. (Annable) Dalenberg. She was a lifetime area resident.

Following her 1942 graduation from Buchanan High School, she was co-owner of Hamilton Monument in Niles. She also worked for many years at the City of Niles Treasurers office.

On September 4, 1946, in Buchanan, Lola Mae married Leland L. Hamilton Jr., who survives. She was a caring mother to her children, Leslie L. (Rich) Mull of Lansing, Leland L. "Larry" (Deborah) Hamilton of Colusa, California, Lyle L. Hamilton of Niles, Laura L. Hamilton of Niles, Lisa L. (Matt) Bruni of Niles and Lane L. (Kerry) Hamilton of Aurora, Colorado.

Mrs. Hamilton was a devoted grandmother to her eleven grandchildren, Alec, Iian and Cameron Mull, Alycia Williams, Kelly Deming, Sarah Zawacki, Jordan Hamilton Bruni, Adam Bruni and Lindsey, Lauren and Logan Hamilton; and a proud great-grandmother to Finn, Lola and Eli Mull, Kyleigh Deming and Alyssa Zawacki.

She is survived by a brother, Leonard B. "Bud" Dalenberg of Niles. Four siblings preceded her in death, Ramona Halderman, Annabelle Wright and Jack and Donald Dalenberg.

The family of Lola Mae Hamilton will receive friends and relatives form 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday July 16 in the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. Private family funeral services will be held. Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

Contributions in memory of Mrs. Hamilton may be made to either the American Heart or Cancer organizations.

 Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Eugene M. Ham
Nov. 27, 1911-June 15, 1979

Eugene M. Ham, died June 15, 1979 in Niles, He was born November 27, 1911 in East Youngstown, Ohio. He was married May 2, 1938 in Detroit to Margaret W. White who died in 1977. Survivors include sons, Charles, Albert, Richard, John Mcconnell; daughter, Claire (Thomas) Wiggons; brother, Jack, Robert, Frank; and sister, Martha Goodsell.  Services were held in Halbritter Funeral Home. Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery. 

 Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Mildred F. Hall
April 30, 1906-Jan. 7, 1995

Mildred F. Hall, 88, of 509 N. 14th St., Niles, died at 9:56 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 1995, in Riveridge Manor after an illness. Mrs. Hall retired from Pawating Hospital after 50 years. She was born April 30, 1906, in Michigan City and moved to Niles in 1920. On Aug. 16, 1930, in South Bend, she married Arthur N. Hall. He died Nov. 26, 1968. Surviving are a son, Larry R. of Niles; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A son, James A., died in August 1992. She graduated from the nursing program at Epworth Hospital, South Bend, and was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Order of Eastern Star and American Association of Retired Persons.

Services will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday in Halbritter Funeral Home. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Berrien County Cancer Service.