Died September 16, 1931
Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, September 16, 1931, page 4, col. 2
MAN IS FOUND DEAD
Merton (Mike) Keech, 66, was found dead at 9:30 o'clock this morning in the bathroom of his boarding house at 521 Cedar street. A sudden heart attack is thought to have caused his death, which occurred probably three hours before the body was discovered. His step-niece, Mrs. N.S. Oaks, residing three miles northeast of Niles on M-40, with whom he had lived for four years until a month ago when he moved into Niles, was summoned, but no funeral arrangements were made. Keech returned from Chicago yesterday where he had been in search of employment and to visit with friends. He was a member of the Odd Fellows lodge and the Eagles. A daughter, Mrs. Bertha Johnson of Central City, Neb., a niece, Mrs. Cleo Miltonberger, of Niles, a half-sister, Mrs. P.M. McClaughry, of Chicago, and Mrs. Oaks survive him. He was divorced several years ago. The body is at the Rutherford Funeral home, having been taken there at the direction of Mr. Miltonberger.
Niles Daily Star, Thursday, September 17, 1931, page 4, col. 3
DAUGHTER OF M. KEECH HERE
Plans for the funeral services for Merton Keech, 66, who was found dead in the home at 521 Cedar street, yesterday morning, will be delayed until a daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Bertha Johnson, arrives from Center City, Neb. M.A. Rutherford was advised by telegram today that Mrs. Johnson expected to reach Niles early this afternoon to make the funeral plans.
Niles Daily Star, Friday, September 18, 1931, page 4, col. 1
Funeral services for Merton Keech were held this morning. The services were in charge of officers of the Niles aerie of Eagles. Burial was made in Silver Brook cemetery. Mr. Keech was found dead in the bathroom of the house at 521 Cedar street on Wednesday, having suffered a heart attack. A daughter, Mrs. Bertha Johnson, of Center City, Neb., arrived in Niles yesterday and made the funeral plans.
(Source: Microfilm Niles District Library)