John Dickey

John Dickey, age 81 years, of Niles, Michigan, died at 12:40 p.m. Thursday, October 4, 2012 at his home following a long battle with cancer.

He was born on June 7, 1931 in Niles to Tracey and Ruth (Franz) Dickey, and served in the U.S. Navy. He was employed by Cass County Road Commission, retiring in 1993. John was a member of the Niles American Legion, and had been active in the Niles Moose Lodge. He enjoyed repairing tractors, farm machines, and anything with a motor. He was a member of the SWM Shuffleboard League, and former member of the Fruit Belt Pony Pullers Association.

On April 30, 1988 John married Betty Helfrich, who survives. John is also survived by his daughter, Connie Purucker of Niles; son, David (& Sandy) Dickey of Niles; and step-son, Randall (& Julie) Helfrich of Tempe Arizona; five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; his sisters, Elaine Shipe of Lavonia, Michigan, Eleanor Thayer and Mary Knoll, both of Niles. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara M. Saratore, on July 29, 1986.

The Funeral Services for John Dickey will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 8, 2012 at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles, Michigan by Mr. Randall Helfrich. Committal Rites will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles and will conclude with Full Military Honors.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Contributions in memory of John may be made to Hospice at Home or Relay For Life .

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