Robert Lee “Bob” Stafford, 76, of Yankee Street in Niles passed away at Lakeland Hospital in Niles on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009.

A time of visitation will be on Tuesday, Aug. 25, from noon to 1 p.m. with funeral services at 1 p.m. at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel in Niles. Chaplain Phil Apol from Hospice at Home will be officiating.

He will be interred at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.

He was born on April 4, 1933 to the late Weldon and Clara (Kline) Stafford in South Bend, Ind. After Clara passed away Bob was raised by his father and step-mother, Marylou (Newton) Stafford. He was one of six children growing up in the Stafford household.

After high school Bob joined the United States Navy where he proudly served for four years on the USS Leyte.

In June of 1957, Bob wed the love of his life, Jacquelyn Wroblewski at a ceremony in Niles. Together they had two children.

Bob retired from National Standard after many years of dedicated service.  When Bob wasn’t working he could be found in his garden. He had one of the best manicured lawns in the area and was very proud of it but his number one passion was for his family. He was a great husband and loved his children and grandchildren like they were the only thing in the world.

Bob was also a member of the American Legion Post 26.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles Stafford and sister, Leila Seghers.

Bob is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jackie; son Robert “Rob” Jr. (Cathy) Stafford of Niles, daughter, Genevieve “Genny” Stafford-Koziel of Niles; grandchildren, Courtney Stafford of Kalamazoo, Aaron Koziel of Buchanan, Ryan Koziel of Niles and Kelly Bishop of Spring, Texas and siblings Weldon (Mary) Stafford of Hollywood, Fla., Arlene (Ken) Hauser of Pembrook Park, Fla. and Sue Cox of Carmel, Ind.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice at Home.

Condolences, photos and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements were by Brown Funeral Home and Mission Hills Memorial Chapel.

Skyler Corben Celestino Van Huis

Skyler Corben Celestino Van Huis, one hour and 32 minutes old, died at 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009, at Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles, shortly after birth.
The family will gather privately for services.

He was born on Aug. 22, 2009, to Eric J. Van Huis and Dena M. Dunnem.

He is survived by his mother, Dena M. Dunnem of Niles, his father, Eric J. Van Huis of Niles; maternal grandparents, Patricia and Philip Bianchini of Niles and Anthony and Amanda Dunnem of Niles; paternal grandmother, Patricia McMichael of Dowagiac; maternal great-grandparents, Tino and Gerry Echevarria of Niles and several aunts, uncles and nephews.

Arrangements were by Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.