Robert E. Lilly, 91, died peacefully in his home in Mesa, Ariz., on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007. Mr. Lilly was born in Rochester, Mich., and lived in Ferndale until 1981. He served as a lieutenant (JAG) in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Mr. Lilly was a graduate of Hazel Park High School, Detroit Institute of Technology, the Detroit College of Law and Wayne State University. He practiced as an attorney, was co-owner of the family business, Helm & Lilly, in Ferndale, and served on the Oakland County Board of Auditors for 25 years before retiring. He was three times a candidate for state representative and once for the mayor of Ferndale.. Mr. Lilly was active in community affairs in Hazel Park, Ferndale and Mesa. He held leadership positions at Campbell Memorial Methodist Church, the PTA, as well as serving as president of the Brentwood West Activities Association in Mesa. Mr. Lilly was predeceased by his wife, Evelyn (Springer) Lilly. He is survived by his daughters, Roberta Lilly of Berkeley, Calif., and Catherine Lilly of Westfield, Mass.; son, George Lilly of Ann Arbor; three grandchildren; and one great-grandson. In accordance with his wishes, Mr. Lilly was cremated in Arizona following a private family ceremony. A memorial service and family reunion is planned for sometime in the summer of 2008 in Michigan.

Published in The Daily Tribune on January 11, 2008.

Christine 0. Skjervheim, 98, of Royal Oak for 10 years in Barton Towers and formerly of Birmingham and Mio, died Monday, Jan. 7, 2008, at The Home at AuSable Valley Community, Comins Township. She was born Oct. 7, 1909, in Union, N.D., to the late Olaf and Leva (Skaro) Throndset. Mrs. Skjervheim was born and raised on a farm. She continued to live on the farm after marrying John Skjervheim until 1951. They moved to Michigan where she worked for 12 years as a baker for the Birmingham Schools. She was always a very hard worker. She also was a lifetime member of the Sons of Norway and a Pythian Sisters member. Mrs. Skjervheim was predeceased in 1969 by her husband, John, whom she married Feb. 4, 1929, in Langdon, N.D.; and a son, Orlyn John Skjervheim; son-in-law, Warren Coyle; a very special friend for many years, Ervin Val-lad; and siblings, Eline, Rudy, Thelmer, Bertina, Berget and Gladys. She is survived by her daughter, Donna M. Coyle of Troy; grandchildren, Randy, Renae and John; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation, 6-9 p.m. today at William Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W.11 Mile, Royal Oak; further visitation Saturday from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. service at Lutheran Church of the Master, Troy, officiated by the Rev. Thomas Barbret; a memorial service will be held at a later date at The Home at AuSable Valley Community; burial, White Chapel Memorial Cemetery, Troy; memorials, Lutheran Church of the Master, 3333 Coolidge, Troy, MI 48084, Community Caring - The Home at AuSable Valley Community, P.O. Box 9, Fairview, MI 48621, or Heartland Hospice, P.O. Box 667, West Branch, MI 48661; www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.

Published in The Daily Tribune on January 11, 2008.

James J. Nitz, 82, of Hazel Park for 80 years, died Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008, at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit. He was born May 20, 1925, in Clawson. Mr. Nitz was a truck driver for more than 50 years. The last 37 .years he drove a double-bottom gas tanker. Baseball was his second love. If he wasn't playing in the seniors league, he was watching it on TV or listening on the radio. Asa young man in 1943, he was invited to the Detroit Tigers farm system as his shot to the big leagues, but he passed up the invitation to join the U.S. Marines and defend his country. He was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division, serving in the Pacific Theater and fighting on Saipan, Tarowa, Tinian and Okinawa. He received a Purple Heart as well as several other medals. He was a hero to his family and country. He was liked by all and will be missed. He was predeceased by his wife, Mina Mae (Gatlin) Nitz, in 2005. Mr. Nitz is survived by his children, Darlene (Joseph) Wisniewski, Sheila (fiancé Byron Cheesman) Majewski, Cynthia (Joseph) Farr and Lisa (Michael) Cox; 14 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation, 5-9 Saturday and 1-9 p.m. Sunday at Hoperoft Funeral Home, 31145 John R, Madison Heights; service, 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home with Capt. Caleb Senn of the Salvation Army officiating; burial, White Chapel Cemetery, Troy; online condolences, www.hoperoftfuneraldirectors.com.

Published in The Daily Tribune on January 11, 2008.

Ferdinand J. "Slick" Kahsin, 87, a 63-year resident of Troy, died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008, at his daughter's home in Ferndale. He was born March 20, 1920, in Royal Oak. Mr. Kahsin was a U.S. Army veteran during World War II. He enjoyed going to he lake and boating. He had a good sense of humor and worked in the construction industry. M r. Kahsin was predeceased May 12,1990, by his wife, Vivian, whom he wed Oct. 9, 1943, in 'Troy. Surviving are his children, Sharon (Mike) Dingman, Claudia (Ron) Gudenau, Sheila (Udomsup) Sirivongkhanth and Ken Kahsin; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Visitation, 2-9 p.m. today at Gramer Funeral Home, 705 N. Main, Clawson; service, 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home; interment, Christian Memorial Cultural Center; memorials, Henry Ford Hospice; condolences, www.gramerfuneralhome.com.

Published in The Daily Tribune on January 13, 2008.