Joseph Vreden

Joseph Herbert Vreden, Sr., age 89 years of Niles, Michigan; husband, father, grandfather, honorable veteran, devout Catholic, and active Knights of Columbus, died peacefully at 3:39 a.m. on Monday, December 23, 2024 with his family gathered around at his home following an extended illness. His family is grateful for the kind and compassionate assistance of the hospice staff.

He was born on September 21, 1935 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Theodore and Hedwig (Lotz) Vreden, and attended school in Niles. He joined the United States Army in 1954, serving in the Corps of Engineers as a construction equipment operator for the 82ndEngineering Battalion at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri where he completed his entire tour of duty. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal, and continued his obligation to the Army Reserve in 1962. Joe moved to California where he was employed at the Macke Commercial Laundry Service for many years. On returning to Niles, he was employed at the French Paper Company, and National Printing and engraving.

Joe was a member of the Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Parish in Niles most of his life. He was a member of the Calvary Cemetery Board, and served for many years as the Sexton of Calvary Cemetery.

He was a member and Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Father Allouez Council #708 in Niles, and was a Fourth Degree Knight and member of the Father Baroux Fourth Degree Assembly in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #26 in Niles. 

On November 10, 1956 at Fort Leonard Wood Corporal Joseph Vreden was married to Specialist Donna Kay Ruhlander who was serving in the Medical Corps. Donna and Joe were preparing to celebrate fifty years of marriage when she became ill, dying in the same house as Joe on November 2, 2006, just 8 days short of the Fiftieth Anniversary of their wedding.

He was also preceded in death by his parents.

Surviving family includes his children, Joseph H. (& Laura Howland) Vreden, II of Los Osos, , Richard A. (& Tammy) Vredenof Muskegon, Michigan, and Dawn Renée (&George) Schadegg of Grand Junction Colorado, Teri DeLong Niles Michigan ;grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a wonderful circle of great friends.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph H. Vreden, Sr. will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Saint Mary Catholic Church, 203 South Lincoln Avenue in Niles, by the Rev. Fr. Christian Johnston, assisted by Deacon Roger Gregorski, both of Saint Mary Parish. Committal Rites will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Niles, and will conclude with the Veteran’s Flag Presentation and “Taps” by the United States Army Honor Guard.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, at the church, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Contributions in memory of Joe Vreden, Sr. may be made to the Christian Service Center of Saint Mary Parish, 322 Clay Street, Niles, Michigan 49120; https://stmarysniles.org/ministries. Arrangements were completed at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles. Memories and condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Eighty-nine years clearly exceeds the Biblical promise of 70 years, or by strength, 80 years, and Joe used those years well, serving his country, working as a productive member of his community, providing for his family, and offering to God and His Church more than just Sunday morning attendance; all fulfilling the command to Love God and Love People.