Ronald E. Marrs
July 21, 1953-Oct. 21, 2008

 Mr. Ronald E. Marrs, 55, of Howard Street, Niles, Michigan, died at 1:23 p.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2008, in Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, while recovering from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident six weeks ago.

He was born on July 21, 1953, in Niles to William C. and Elizabeth (Keck) Marrs. Ron graduated from Niles High School, and had lived in Niles all of his life. He was a land surveyor, employed by Wightman & Associates, Inc.

Ron was an active and devoted member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Niles, where he served in many areas including ushering. He was also a great fan of the University of Michigan football team. But his greatest joy was caring for his family, and especially being "Poppa" to his granddaughter.

On June 23, 1973, in Niles, he married Dana L. Steinbauer, with whom he celebrated the 35 anniversary of that wedding this year.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, William C. "Chuck" Marrs, on December 18, 1990.

Surviving family include his wife, Dana Mars; their son, Aaron (Meredith) Marrs of Niles; granddaughter, Audrey Marrs; Ron's mother, Elizabeth "Betty" Marrs of Niles; and Ron's fraternal grandmother, Irene Stackhouse of Niles.

The funeral service for Ronald E. Marrs will be at 11 a.m. Friday, October 24, 2008, in Saint Paul's Lutheran Church, Niles, with the Reverend Carl W. Bassett officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today in the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.

Contributions in memory of Ron Marrs may be made to Saint Paul's Lutheran Church.

 Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Albert L. Lundgren
Feb. 166, 1930-Oct. 6, 2008

Mr. Albert Ludwig Lundgren, 78, former longtime resident of Brown Street, Niles, died at 6:40 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, 2008 in Oceana Medical Center, Hart, MI, following a 10-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Mr. Lundgren was born on February 16, 1930, in Niles, to Aaron Ludwig and Emma Estelle (Peterson) Lundgren, and graduated from Niles High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a sergeant in the Signal Corps, and was a veteran of the Korean Conflict. He also attended Eastern Michigan University (Ypsilanti), and Michigan State University, East Lansing.

Al was a design engineer, and retired in 1994 from Weldun International. He was also a licensed pilot and a member of the Seaplane Pilots' Association. He served the City of Niles as a past president of the Jerry Tyler Memorial Airport Board.

He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Niles, of American Legion Post #26, Niles, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2094, Niles. He was an avid and accomplished hunter and fisherman, and will be well-remembered for his large fruit and vegetable garden.

On September 9, 1958, in Niles, he married the former Estella May Jones, who preceded him in death on November 10, 1990. Later, on April 4, 1992, in Niles, he married the former Carolyn Marie (Gieser) Allen, who survives at their home in Pentwater, MI.

Also surviving are his children, Abby Gale Lundgren of Pacifica, Missouri, Holly Kay Lundgren of Niles and Daniel Albert (Andrea) Lundgren of Canton, Michigan; his grandchildren, Rachel Jacobs and Ryan Jacobs; his sister, Arlene Brown, and brother, Nels "Ted" Lundgren, both of Niles; and Carolyn's children, Cynthia Callog Mikulyuk of Pentwater, Charles Allen of Coopersville, Michigan, and Corey Allen of Petoskey, Michigan.

The services for Albert L. Lundgren will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, in the First Presbyterian Church, Niles, with the Rev. Janet VanLear officiating. Full military honors will be presented by American Legion Post #26 in the church yard following the services. Committal rites will be private at a later date at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 1 p.m. Friday in the church.

Contributions in memory of Al Lundgren may be made to Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, or to the Foundation of the First Presbyterian Church.

Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Mary Ellen Siedleberg
Jan. 5, 1931-Sept. 26, 2008

Mary Ellen "Meg" Siedelberg, 77, of Niles, Michigan, died following a one-year illness at 3:45 p.m. Friday, September 26, 2008, in the home of her daughter.

Through that year, Meg's friends turned her treatment appointments into anticipated social events, and her family is grateful to those friends as well as Pastor Jan VanLear and the staff of Hospice at Home for their support and care.

She was born on January 5, 1931, in Archbold, OH, to Floyd Henry and Virginia Mae (Rupp) Gautsche, and graduated from Archbold High School.

She had lived in Niles since 1964, coming from Kalamazoo, MI. She was first employed at the Rifenberg Insurance Agency, and then retired from the Selge Construction Company.

Meg was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Niles, where she served as a deacon, session committee person, and enjoyed playing in the handbell choir and quartet. She was also a member of the Berrien County Civitan and volunteered with the Lakeland Berrien General Auxiliary. She held various offices in both of those organizations and enjoyed traveling to area, state and regional meetings. Meg was also a past member of the board of Gateway.

On June 12, 1954, in Archbold, she married Harry F. Siedelberg Jr., who preceded her in death on December 27, 1992. She was also preceded in death by their son Mark in 2005, and their infant daughter, Kristina Marie, in 1968.

Surviving family includes her daughter, Vicki (Richard) Priest; a son, Scott Siedelberg; and daughter-in-law, Johnna "Jo" (Mrs. Mark) Siedelberg, all of Niles; grandchildren, Kristofer, Jay, Travis, Toby, Rick and Sara (Dave); great-grandchildren, Kiley, Kaden, KelliAnn, Austin and Abbie; Meg's sister, Carol Budreau of Fort Wayne, IN; a niece, Kim, and a nephew, Mike; many great-nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Meg Siedelberg will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1st, in First Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Janet VanLear officiating. Interment will be at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends in the church beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

Contributions in memory of Meg may be made to the Foundation of First Presbyterian Church for its music program or to Berrien County Civitan.

Arrangements were made at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown. 

George Henry Hawkins
1929-2008

Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, September 24, 2008 (Published online 11:43 AM EDT), page 2

George Henry Hawkins, 79, of South State Street, Niles, died at 8:06 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2008, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph.
George Hawkins

Funeral services will be at noon on Thursday, Sept. 25, at Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan.

Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

Friends may call one hour before services at the funeral home.

He was born on Feb. 24, 1929, in Buchanan to Leonard and Dorlene Hawkins. He was a lifetime resident of Niles.

He was a War War II Army veteran and a member of Moose Lodge 978 and he attended Wesley United Methodist Church, Niles.

He was a paper maker for Simplicity Pattern Company.

On Sept. 28, 1948, in Buchanan, he married Evelyn Jones Hawkins, who survives.

Additional surviving family includes a daughter, Terry (David Stacey) Anderson of Niles; grandchildren,, Shelly (Jim) Knight, Angelique Cook and Eric (Tammy) Anderson; great-grandchildren, Christopher Hoskins, Emily Anderson and Lydia Anderson and two brothers, John Hawkins of Reed City and Nelson Hawkins of Bay City.

He was preceded in death by his parent, Leonard and Dorlene Hawkins; a daughter, Linda Gyori; two brothers, Robert and Mike Hawkins and Doris Carter and Rosela Russel.

Arrangements were by Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan.

also

George Henry Hawkins, 79, died at 8:06 a.m. Tuesday  Sept. 23, 2008, in Lakeland Regional Medical Center, St. Joseph, MI.  He was born Feb. 24, 1929. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn (Jones); a daughter, Terry (David Stacey) Anderson; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and brothers, John and Nelson Hawkins. Services will be at noon Thursday in Hoven Funeral Home Buchanan, where friends may call one hour before services. Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown

Mary H. (Miholick) Clubine
March 24, 1919-September 15, 2008

Mary H. Clubine, 89, of Oak Street, Niles, died following a brief illness at 5:45 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15, 2008, in her home.

Mrs. Clubine was born on March 24, 1919, in South Bend, IN, to Matthew and Cecilia (Stipkovits) Miholick. In 1937 she graduated from Riley High School in South Bend and attended South Bend College of Commerce. For 15 years she was employed by the School City of South Bend as a secretary in several elementary schools, the Washington High School and, finally, for the director of research at the school administration building.

After Mary's marriage and move to Niles, she was employed for a period of 20 years by the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce and the United Way of Greater Niles as office manager and administrative assistant. In 1978 the Business and Professional Women honored her as "Woman of the Year." Mary was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles. She enjoyed playing bridge.

On July 14, 1945, in South Bend, she married Ernie R. Clubine, who preceded her in death on August 15, 1999.

Mrs. Clubine is survived by her son, Richard (Colleen) Clubine of Peachtree City, GA; granddaughter, Megan Clubine of Savannah, GA; grandson, Matthew Clubine of Dallas, GA; two sisters, Cecilia (Robert) Reiter and Helen Manuszak, both of South Bend, IN; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two infant sons, Ernie and Wilfred Clubine; and by three brothers, Matthew, Edward and Elmer Miholick.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Mary H. Clubine will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19th, in Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles by The Rev. David Otto of the church. Committal rites will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18th, in Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.

Contributions in memory of Mrs. Clubine may be made to Hospice at Home, 4017 Chamberlain Road, Buchanan, MI 49107.

 

Eileen P. Munroe
Nov. 26, 1915-Sept. 8, 2008

Eileen P. "Jiggs" Munroe, 92, of Niles, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 8, 2008, in the Cass County Medical Care Facility in Cassopolis surrounded by her family.

She was born on November 26, 1915, in Niles, to the late John J. and Catherine (Wallace) Papai.

On November 21, 1940, Eileen married Ralph A. Munroe in St. Mary Catholic Church, Niles.

Eileen worked for 10 years in St. Mary's Catholic School in the lunchroom. She was a member of St. Mark's Catholic Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir. She was also a member of the St. Mary Catholic Church Women's Society Chapter 2. Eileen enjoyed spending time with her family and friends including eating out, playing cards and shopping.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and by her husband, Ralph Munroe in 2000.

Eileen is survived by two daughters, Sandra Jo West of Niles and Kay Elaine (John) Zablocki of Niles; four grandchildren, Todd (Gail) West of North Liberty, Indiana, Penny West of Niles, Joe (Julie) Zablocki of Niles and Jennifer (Alan) Eiker of Niles; and five great-grandchildren.

A time of visitation will be held in the Brown Funeral Home today, Sept. 11, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Mark Catholic Church on Friday, Sept. 12, at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Thomas King, C.S.C., will be officiating. An interment will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Contributions may be made in Eileen's memory to St. Mark Catholic Church or to the American Cancer Society.

Condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.brownfuneralhomeniles.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown