Michael Neidlinger, Sr. 55 / May 11, 1955 — Feb. 22, 2011

Published 9:51 pm Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Michael G. “Chopper” Neidlinger, Sr., 55, of Sheffield Avenue, Niles, died at 9:50 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011 at Memorial Hospital of South Bend following an extended illness.

He was born May 11, 1955 in Niles to George Neidlinger, Jr. and Betty (Clemans) Neidlinger. He graduated from Edwardsburg High School in 1974 and was a lifetime area resident.

Michael retired after 25 years of service at Tyler Refrigeration in Niles. He was a member of Community Baptist Church in Edwardsburg, the American Legion Post 26 in Niles and later with Post 51 in Buchanan.

He was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing and hunting. He was also an antique collector and bargain hunter. Everyone loved him; he was quite a jokester.

Michael is survived by a son, Michael George (Hyesung) Neidlinger, Jr., of Elkhart, Ind.; daughter, Lisa (John) Densmore of Fawn Grove, Pa.; grandchildren, Claire Densmore and Julian Neidlinger; mother, Betty Neidlinger of Niles; nephew, Jonas Hamilton; and niece, Angela Moore.

He was preceded in death by his father, George Neidlinger, Jr., and a sister, Donna L. Hamilton, who died May 2, 2010.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011 at Community Baptist Church in Edwardsburg with Pastor Thad Stout of the church officiating.

Friends may call beginning one hour prior to services at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.