Sept. 19, 1917 — Dec. 7, 2014

Mr. E. H. Rifenberg, 97, of Grand Rapids, Michigan and former long-time resident of Niles, Michigan died at 2:20 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014, at Spectrum Health — Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids following a brief illness.

He was born on Sept. 19, 1917, in Jones, Michigan to Earl and Mary (Norton) Rifenberg. He was graduated from Three Rivers (Michigan) High School, and has lived in Niles since 1939. He owned and operated Rifenberg Insurance Service in Niles.

Bud was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles. He was a member and Past President of the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the local club of Lions International.

As a young man he joined the Vandalia Masonic Lodge #290, F. & A.M., and had just recently been honored by the Saladin Shrine in Grand Rapids for 75 years of membership as a Shriner. He was a licensed pilot and airplane owner for 15 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially at his lodge in Baldwin, Michigan.

On Oct. 2, 1939, in Jones he married the former Ruth E. Rollins with whom he celebrated the remarkable 75th anniversary of their marriage this year.

Surviving family includes his wife, Ruth E. Rifenberg and their children, twin daughters Mary (Doug) Herman of Prestonsburg, Kentucky and Martha Baez of Fort Myers, Florida and son, Paul (Diane) Rifenberg of Watervliet, Michigan; grandchildren Tosca Rifenberg, Danica (Brian) Shier, and twins Mariah and Meghan Rifenberg; great-grandchildren Nisa, Amaya, Kya, and Breckin; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Glenn Rifenberg and sister Leona McKenzie.

The family of Bud Rifenberg gathered privately Saturday in Grand Rapids to honor his life and share some memories. Contributions in memory of Bud may be made to the Niles Salvation Army, or to the Niles-Buchanan Rotary Club Scholarship Fund. Arrangements were made at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

www.halbritterfunerals.com