Loren Riddle
March 27, 1923 — February 28, 2013
Loren J. Riddle, age 89 years of Niles, Michigan died at 11:15 p.m. on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at Riveridge Manor in Niles following a brief illness.
He was born on March 7, 1923 in Bell, California to John Harrison and Flora Bell (Lambert) Riddle. As a young child, he moved with his family to Niles, and was very active in the local troop of Boy Scouts of America, earning the ultimate rank of Eagle Scout. He was graduated from Niles High School in 1943. He joined the United States Army, serving in the European Theater, and being awarded both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal. He returned as a Veteran of World War II.
Back in Niles, Loren farmed on Pucker Street, and was employed at National-Standard for twenty-five years, retiring in 1982. He moved with his wife to Baldwin, Michigan, and then returned to Niles in 1991.
Loren was a member of the Amvets Post #1978, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2094, both in Niles. He enjoyed riding snowmobiles and motorcycles, and deer hunting – mostly “up north” – and camping with his family throughout both of Michigan’s peninsulas and Wisconsin.
On November 26, 1949 in Niles he married the former Lucille M. McLain with whom he celebrated the fifty-seventh anniversary of their wedding, prior to her death in 2007. They were also preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara Beckwith in 1983; and Loren’s sister, Virginia “Bunny” Repine and brother, Marcius “Babe” Riddle who both died in 1990, and brothers John Riddle and Floyd Riddle.
Surviving family includes grandchildren, Vickie Hoffman of Morton Grove, Illinois, and Jeff Plomb of Harrietta, Michigan; great-grandchildren Cassie Brungardt, A3 Michael (& Carrie) Archam USAF, Jeremy Hoffman, Devin Plomb, Brandy Hilts, and Hunter Plomb; and Loren’s sisters, Flora M. Riddle and Lucia Thomas, both of Niles; and many nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Loren Riddle will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles with the Rev. Edward H. Slate of Faith United Methodist Church in Buchanan officiating. Committal will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles, and will conclude with Full Military Honors by the United States Army Honor Guard and American Legion Post #51 of Buchanan.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Loren may be made to the Berrien County Cancer Service, 7301 Red Arrow Highway, Stevensville, Michigan 49122.