July 13, 1935 — July 10, 2014

Barbara J. Gaedtke, 78, of Niles, died at 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2014, at her home with her family gathered around, following a brief illness.

She was born on July 13, 1935, in Niles to Everett A. and C. Myrtle (Jarrell) Conrad. She was graduated from Niles High School, and has lived here all of her life. She was a hairstylist at the former Roberta’s Beauty Shop on North Eighth Street, and was employed for many years at the former Niles plant of Simplicity Pattern Company.

Barbara was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She had traveled through much of the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, and had visited Canada, Mexico and Europe, often by cruise ship. She enjoyed reading, especially historical fiction.

On May 29, 1954, at the First Presbyterian Church of South Bend, Indiana she married Elmer R. Gaedtke with whom she celebrated six weeks ago the 60th anniversary of their wedding.

They experienced the death of a son, Christopher Gaedtke on Nov. 28, 2010.

Surviving family includes her husband, Elmer Gaedtke and their children, Cherie Gaedtke Dowling and Conrad (Brenda) Gaedtke, both of Niles and a daughter-in-law, Kathy (Mrs. Chris) Gaedtke of Granger, Indiana; grandchildren, Ryne Dowling, Jenna Dowling, Jason (Tracie) Gaedtke, Chad (Bobbie) Gaedtke, Conrad Gaedtke II, and Erika Pickles; 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and Barbara’s sisters, Nancy Hatch of Niles and Ruth Ann Bever of Buchanan, Michigan and several nieces and nephews.

The family of Barbara Gaedtke will receive relatives and friends from 5 until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2014, at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles, with a closing prayer service at 6:45 p.m. by the Rev. Fran Lane-Lawrence of the First Presbyterian Church in Niles.

Contributions in memory of Barbara may be made to Hospice at Home.

www.halbritterfunerals.com