Dennis Arthur “Denny” Middleton, 72, of Granger, Ind. and formerly of Niles, passed away Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010 at West Woods of Niles.

He was born Dec. 16, 1937 to Arthur R. Middleton and Ella Mae (Dorgan) Middleton. On Sept. 10, 1960 in Menominee, Mich., he married Donna Rae Maufort, who survives.

Dennis’ educational background included attending Michigan Technological University, Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan University.

He began his working career as a member of a land surveying crew, later becoming a registered land surveyor. Dennis spend six years as a sales representative for G. Lengemann Co. of Niles. He then went to work for Keuffel and Esser Co., Wild and Leica Microsystems. He retired in 1998 as a sales manager for the Americas for Leica Microsystems.

Dennis’ hobbies were many and varies. He particularly enjoyed HO scale model railroading. Another favorite of his was trail riding on horseback in areas unreachable any other way. He also enjoyed woodworking, reading, traveling and spoiling his grandchildren and his two Welsh Corgis, Charlie and Cece. His volunteer time was spent on projects for the Niles Noon Optimist Club.

He is also survived by his daughter, Diana (Jay) Davis; his son, Derek (Karla) Middleton; grandsons, Austin, Alex and Andrew Middleton, Jay Kelsheimer, John Davis; granddaughters, Lindsay (William) Littlejohn and Emily Davis; a sister, Celia Penn; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services for Dennis Arthur Middleton will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2010 at Halbritter Funeral Home with the Rev. Fran Lane-Lawrence of First Presbyterian Church, Niles, officiating.

The family will receive relatives and friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Model Railroad Association, Niles Noon Optimist Club or the donor’s choice.