Oct. 4, 1941 — July 26, 2014

Omer “Ray” Herschberger, 72, of Niles, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2014, at Riveridge Manor with his family by his side.

Ray was born to the late Annanias and Drusilla (Yoder) Herschberger in Douglas County, Illinois on Oct. 4, 1941.

He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army, and after receiving his Bachelor degree worked as an electronic engineer, retiring after many years of service for the City of Niles. After Ray’s retirement he enjoyed more time doing the things that made him smile. Ray loved to travel anywhere the road would take him.

When he was home you could find him gardening, or attending all of the Notre Dame basketball and hockey games, to which he was a season ticket holder. He also worked as an usher for Notre Dame football. You could also hear him cheering on his favorite teams, the Chicago Bears and Cubs. He also found pleasure in the times he spent on Lake Michigan, fishing with friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers Henry and David Herschberger and his two sisters Laura Diener and Verna Herschberger.

He is survived by his best friend of 42 years, Lois Stethem of Niles and her children, Nina (Doug) Ditsch of Niles, Bryan (Darlene) Stethem of South Bend, Larry Stethem of Mishawaka, and Kristi (Matt) Brazo of Niles; his brother Ura (Sarah) Hershberger of Arcola, Illinois and his sister Fannie Mae (Jacob) Helmuth of Lovington, Illinois. He is also survived by Lois’ seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren whom he treated as if they were his own.

Services for Ray will take place at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Monday, August 4th at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior. An interment will be held at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Ray may do so to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 51490 Laurel Road, South Bend, IN 46637 or to the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail in care of Michigan Gateway Community Foundation 111 Days Avenue, Buchanan, MI 49107.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for Ray’s family and friends at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHomeNiles.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.