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.

Strugar, Deborah (Ottinger) 1959-2021

Debora Strugar, of Niles
April 1, 1959-May 26, 2021

Niles Daily Star, Published 3:29 pm Wednesday, June 2, 2021

April 1, 1959 — May 26, 2021

Debora Strugar, 62, of Niles, passed in Memorial Hospital of South Bend on Wednesday, May 26, 2021.

Deb was born on April 1, 1959, in Dowagiac to the late John and Nancy Ottinger.

On Jan. 22, 2002, in Las Vegas, she married Donald G. Strugar, who survives.

She is also survived by her children; James (Renee) Hamilton, of Goshen, Indiana, and Melissa (Dustin) Brabank, of Niles; stepchildren, Shannon (James) Trauscht, of Matson, Illinois, Donald M (Lisa) Strugar, of Boston, Massachusetts; grandchildren, Austin Hamilton, Keristen Shafer, Hailey Wieczorkowski; step-grandchildren, Andrew, Mitchel and Maggie Trauscht, Katie, Donny, Johnathon, Jeffery and Steven Strugar. She is also survived by her brothers, John (Ann) Ottinger, of Niles, and Doug (Terri) Ottinger, of South Bend.

Deb attended Summit Church. She was an amazing seamstress and loved being creative and doing crafts of any kind. Deb found joy in doing things for others. She loved all people and they all loved her. She and Don always looked forward to their annual trip to the Pigeon Forge area and visiting her family in South Carolina. Deb and Don enjoyed going out to dinner together. Most of all Deb loved her family and being able to be with her grandchildren and great grandchildren gave her great joy and happiness.

Visitation for Deb will be on Thursday, June 3, 2021, from 9 to 10 a.m. in Summit Church, 1700 W. River Road, Niles. A funeral service will begin at 10 a.m., with Pastor Dan Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home 615 E. Main St. Niles.

Subera, Elmer J. 1934-2021

Elmer J. Subera, of Cassopolis
Jan. 10, 1934-May 25, 2021

Niles Daily Star, Published 4:19 pm Thursday, May 27, 2021

Jan. 10, 1934 — May 25, 2021

Elmer J. Subera, 87, of Cassopolis, husband, father, grandfather, mechanical engineer, farmer, and a Godly man died peacefully at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, comfortably at-home, with his wife at his bedside. His family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided by the staff of Caring Circle Hospice at Home.

He was born on Jan. 10, 1934, on the family farm near Hillsboro – “The Czech Capital of Wisconsin” – to Albert and Anna (Picha) Subera. He was graduated from Hillsboro High School, and loved farming, but not milking cows, so he moved to Chicago, Illinois to attend DeVry Technical Institute. He came to Niles in 1963 to work at the former Niles plant of Tyler Refrigeration Company.

At Tyler’s, Elmer was a refrigeration engineer in the research and development center. He traveled throughout the U.S. to help with challenging technical issues and new installations, and traveled internationally to research product development for South Korea, China, England, Spain, and Germany. He was a member of the Refrigeration Service Engineer Society, and instructed some courses at DeVry Tech. He retired from Tyler’s in 1999 after a remarkable 36-year career, having never been sent to Alaska or Hawaii, much to his wife’s disappointment.

Elmer was a member of the Michiana Christian Embassy where he also taught the Men’s Monday Night Bible Study, served as a Deacon, used his engineering aptitude to help Willie with maintenance issues, and helped staff the sound booth. He enjoyed fishing in area lakes, and always accepted invitations to go golfing — a word that he reversed to better reflect his game of “flogging.” His lifelong love of farming was evident in the acres of field corn grown around the house, and the annual garden which produced fruits and vegetables in abundance, allowing for canning and pickling.

On July 11, 1970, at the Niles First Church of Christ Christian he was married to the former Joyce M. (Finch) Hennip with whom he celebrated last year the remarkable 50th anniversary of their wedding.

Surviving family includes his wife, Joyce Subera and their children, Allen (& Kristi) Subera, of Goshen, Indiana, and Amy (& Jon) Pedzinski of Niles; grandchildren Emily Pedzinski, Zachary Subera, Levi Subera, and Noah Subera; Elmer’s sister, Gladys Boe, of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by Joyce’s 9-year-daughter, Terra Hennip, on Aug. 5, 1975; by his parents, and by his siblings, Rudolph Subera, Raymond Subera, and Libby Subera.

The funeral service for Elmer Subera will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at the Michiana Christian Embassy, 1922 East Main Street in Niles with the Rev. Jeffrey Whittaker of the church officiating. Committal will follow at the Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles. The most current health guidelines will be practiced. Others may witness the service via the livestreamed broadcast on the Halbritter-Wickens Facebook page: facebook.com/halbritterwickensfuneralservices.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Contributions in memory of Elmer may be made to the Michiana Christian Embassy, 1922 East Main Street, Niles, Michigan, 49120, michianachristianembassy.com. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles. Online condolences may be left at halbritterwickens.com.

Elmer’s interest in farming and in research, and even in fishing and golfing indicated a fascination with God’s creation. His greater interest in his family and church indicated a passion for God’s people; altogether fulfilling the command to Love People and Love God.

Tyler, Timothy Martin 1957-2020

Timothy Tyler
Oct. 25, 1957-Dec. 18, 2020

Grand Rapids Press, December 20, 2020.

Timothy Martin Tyler (“Mit”) of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on December 18, 2020, at the age of 63. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Jean Tyler. He is survived by his wife Pam, of 40 years; son Steven (Caylan) Tyler; daughter Allison Tyler; grandson, Troy Tyler; siblings, Todd (Ginny) Tyler, Mike (Lisa) Tyler and Tracey (Richard) Wood; and many nephews and cousins. He deeply loved all of his family and will be sorely missed at future gatherings. Born and raised in Niles, Michigan, he was a talented multisport athlete and an avid fan of Notre Dame football. He played football at Alma College and graduated in 1980 with a degree in Business Administration. He continued to maintain close ties with his fraternity brothers and many high school and college friends. Tim went on to get a Master in Business from the University of Texas at Dallas and enjoyed a career in banking before acquiring his own small business in Grand Rapids. A memorial gathering of friends and family will be held in Niles in late May or early June 2021. In lieu of gifts or flowers, please make memorial contributions to the YMCA of Niles, MI or Alma College.

Dillman, Elda Mae (Heckathorn) 1929-2021

Elda Dillman, of Niles
July 23, 1929-April 9, 2021

Niles Daily Star, Published 4:10 pm Thursday, April 15, 2021

July 23, 1929 — April 9, 2021

Elda “Eldie” Mae Dillman, 91, of Niles, passed away Friday, April 9, 2021, at Brentwood at Niles.

She was born to the late Claude and Minnie (Heckathorn) Yaw on July 23, 1929.

Eldie was a lifelong, talented athlete, trying out for the Women’s Professional Baseball team, South Bend Blue Sox, in 1943, although one year too young to officially play. She worked at the Green Giant Mushroom Company in Niles (“the mushroom factory”) and Ready Theater during World War II. She was active with the Niles High School GAA (Girls Athletic Association), was a professional gymnast, and avid dancer, particularly enjoying square dancing, polka dancing, country music, and rock & roll. After graduating from Niles High School in 1948, she wed Verlin “Bert” Dillman, at a ceremony on Dec. 5, 1953, at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Niles, Michigan. She was a telephone operator supervisor/trainer, choosing to become a full-time mother & homemaker, devoted to her family while continuing to enjoy some of her favorite hobbies & pastimes. A close group of high school friends (“Club”) met regularly for over 50 years. She enjoyed sewing, reading, all kinds of music, nature, celebrating the changing of seasons, apple & berry picking, going for tandem bike rides, and, especially, her large family, each holding a large, very special place in her loving heart: brothers & sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and their spouses & partners, children and their children following.

Eldie was a lifelong member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Niles, later Grace United Methodist Church, currently New Journey United Methodist Church. She particularly enjoyed the annual mother/daughter banquets held each spring. Her sweet disposition will always be remembered by her family and friends, and her beautiful smile will remain as a fond memory.

Eldie is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 60 years, Verlin “Bert,” her infant daughter, Deborah Dillman, and her seven siblings.

Eldie is survived by her son, Rex Dillman, of Buchanan, and her daughter, Valerie Wurn (Michael), of Osceola. She is also survived by her grandchild, Kristen Hood (Sean) and her two great-grandchildren, Irelynn & Kohen Hood.

A memorial service to celebrate Eldie will take place Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at Brown Funeral Home at 5 p.m. with a time of visitation one hour prior. Children are welcome.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Eldie have been asked to consider New Journey UMC, 302 Cedar Street, Niles, MI or Pet Refuge, Inc., 4626 S Burnett Dr, South Bend, IN 46614. The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff, past and present, of Brentwood at Niles who have joined the Dillman family over the past seven years, along with West Woods staff who also have supported & assisted Eldie and the family.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, please maintain a social distance of 6 feet, wear a mask and understand we are limited in the number of family and friends allowed at the funeral home.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Coleman, Scott Patrick 1956-2020

Scott Coleman
Sept. 9, 1956-June 21, 2020

Niles Daily Star, Published 8:58 am Saturday, June 27, 2020

Sept. 9, 1956 — June 21, 2020

Scott Patrick Coleman, 63, passed away Sunday, June 21, 2020, peacefully after an extended illness.

Scott was born Sept. 9, 1956, in Niles, to Roscoe and Gloria Coleman who had proceeded him in death.

Surviving are his children, Taryn Coleman, Bryce (Melissa) Coleman, of Niles, and Landon (Courtney) Coleman, of Edwardsburg. He is also survived by his brother, Stace Coleman, of Galien; and a niece, Ashley Coleman.

Scott, known as Roscoe to family and friends, was a lifelong resident of Niles. After graduating from Niles High School in 1976, he attended Grand Valley State and went on to pursue many businesses. Scott was an avid Notre Dame fan who loved to watch the Fighting Irish on Saturday afternoons.

Private graveside services will be hosted for family members. There will be a gathering for family and friends from noon to 3 p.m. on July 11, at Wegners’ Lakeside Bar and Grill, 2628 Lakeshore Dr., in Niles. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at hovenfunerals.com.

Outlaw, Princella Marie 1961-2021

Princella Marie Outlaw, of Elkhart
July 2, 1961-April 26, 2021

Niles Daily Star, Published 4:57 pm Thursday, April 29, 2021

July 6, 1972 — April 26, 2021

Princella Marie Outlaw, 48, of Elkhart, Indiana, died peacefully Monday, April 26, 2021. Her life began July 6, 1972, in Niles, born to Clarence, Sr. and Christeen Outlaw.

Princella was a devoted daughter, sister, mother and grandmother. She lived for her family and cherished her sons and grandchildren. She had passion for life, a great sense of humor, and a big heart. She loved shopping and restaurants and would take any of the kids in her family along.

Princella will be greatly missed and remembered by family and friends. She is survived by her two sons, Quientin (Calee) Irby, of Niles, Devin Mahone, of South Bend; two grandchildren, Tristen, Meleina; two sisters, Patricia Outlaw, of Elkhart, Indiana, Valerie Outlaw, of Niles; two brothers, Clarence Outlaw, Jr., Joe Jones, both of Niles; a special nephew, Gary Grady, of Niles; a special friend, Murray Sterling, of Elkhart; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Family and friends will gather Monday, May 3, 2021 from 11 until time if service at noon in Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 601 Ferry Street, Niles with Pastor Bryant Bacon officiating.

Princella will be laid to rest in Silverbrook Cemetery.

The family prefers contributions in Princella’s memory to be made to assist with the funeral expenses at https://memorialfundraising.com/Fundraisers/View?id=231.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.

Moore, John 1946-2021

John Moore, of Niles
February 28, 1946-April 24, 2021

Niles Daily Star, Published 4:22 pm Tuesday, April 27, 2021

John Moore, 75, of Niles, died Saturday, April 24, 2021. Arrangements are being made by Halbritter Wickens Funeral Home, of Niles.

Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home https://www.halbritterwickens.com/obituary/John-Moore

Obituary 

John Moore 75 of Niles, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, April 24, 2021 where he was greeted with the loving embrace of his wife Rosie who has been waiting for him since May 18, 2015.

John was born on February 28, 1946 to Alonzo Lee and Olivia (Ward) Moore in Berrien Center, MI.

On July 5, 1986 in Niles, he and Rosie were united in marriage. John was a man who loved the simple things in life. He loved the surroundings of country life. John and Rosie kept a vegetable garden where they shared the fruits of their labor. He enjoyed eating wild games such as deer and rabbit. He also loved fishing.  John was also a fan of Western Movies.

In his youth, John enjoyed muscles cars and driving fast.  He had a deep appreciation for Boxing and would follow the careers of Muhamad Ali and Michael Spinks. Most important to John was his family and their time together. John was a faithful member of God’s Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church.

John had worked at Michiana Recycling and Disposal Services on Reum Road in Niles for many years. He also was employed at Clark Manufacturing in Buchanan for several years.

Surviving family members include his daughters, Tinita Moore, Debbie Moore, Sandy Moore and Debbie Smith. Other surviving children are Regina West-Lucas (Carl), Carla Hill (Marvin), Dwane West, Debra Pigee (Issac), Felicia Anderson (Robert), Estelle Moss, Melissa Lipscomb, David Moss, Yolanda Moss; surviving siblings; Alonzo Moore, Jr., James Moore, John Moore, Samuel Moore, Rosie-Lee Moore and Dorothy Moore as well as 31 grandchildren.

Visitation for John will be on Monday, May 3, 2021 from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon at Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services 615 E. Main St. Niles, MI.  A Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 noon on Monday with Pastor Dwane West officiating. Burial will follow in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Online condolences, messages and sympathy may be made to the family at www.halbritterwickens.com

When God calls the heart to heal, painful memories of any circumstance has to flee.