Harold Remus

Harold C. “Red” Remus, age 96 years formerly of Regent Street in Niles, Michigan died at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2014 at Riveridge Manor in Niles following an extended illness.

He was born on July 8, 1917 in Oil City, Pennsylvania to Harry F. and Genevieve Renee (Huff) Remus. He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Emmanuel Missionary College in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and a Master’s degree in education from Michigan State University in East Lansing. He was employed by Niles Community Schools at Eastside School, retiring in 1977. He then began working in real estate and tax reviews.

Harold attended First Baptist Church in Niles and was a member of Toastmasters International. He was a veteran of World War II serving in the United States Army. He enjoyed reading history, religion, and poetry; and collecting books.

He was first married to the former Gwendolyn McCandles. Later, on January 11, 1963 in Niles he married the former Sarah A. “Sally” (Osmer) Johnson with whom he celebrated the forty-first anniversary of their wedding before she preceded him in death on March 31, 2004. He was also preceded in death by a son, Gary Remus who died in 2007, a step-son, David Johnson, Ph.D. who died in 2000; and a brother, John Remus.

Surviving family includes a daughter, Linda (& Dennis) Wilson of Niles; a daughter-in-law, Lana (Mrs. Gary) Remus of Berrien Springs; step-sons James H. (& Sandra) Johnson, Ph.D. of Tennessee and Gary T. (& Jan) Johnson, Ph.D. of Richmond, Virginia; eleven grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, two step-great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; and Harold’s sisters, Ardell Shreckengost of Oregon, Jane Teeter (John’s twin) of Oil City, and Connie Hagan of Springfield, Virginia; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Harold Remus will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at the First Baptist Church in Niles with the Rev. Jim Wing of the church officiating. The service will conclude with full military honors in the churchyard by the United States Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post #26. Interment will be on Monday at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday. Harold always supported efforts to defeat Alzheimer’s Disease, which affected Sally, and to honor his wish, contributions in memory of Harold may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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