Marlin Dorman

Marlin D. Dorman, age 95 years, formerly of Horton Court in Niles, Michigan died at 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2013 at The Timbers of Cass County in Dowagiac following an extended illness.

He was born on July 15, 1918 in Dowagiac to Marion and Alvetta (Creiger) Dorman. He was graduated from Dowagiac High School, and lived in this area all of his life. He was first employed at the Round Oak Stove Company in Dowagiac, and was retired from the Bendix Corporation automotive division in South Bend,
Indiana.

During World War II the Department of Defense designated Mike’s job at Round Oak as vital to the war effort, so he was ineligible for enlistment.

Mike was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge #1322 in Niles where he served as an officer, and was three times named Elk of the Year. He was also a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #933 in Dowagiac, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles #2094 in Niles. He enjoyed fishing, especially on Lake Michigan.

On January 30, 1954 in Niles he married the former LaVerna E. “Vernie” Hardebeck with whom he celebrated the fifty-first anniversary of their wedding prior to her death on December 3, 2005.

Surviving family includes a step-son, Richard (& Betty) Mack of Marcellus, Michigan; granddaughter, Victoria L. Mack of Austin, Texas; and nieces, Barbara (& James) Swartzell, Drennda Thornberg, Darla Christ, and Darhonda Hendrickson, and nephew, Greg Brigham.

Elks Rites for Mike Dorman will be at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 5, 2014 at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. Interment will be on Monday at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Mike may be made to the B.P.O.of Niles Elks #1322.