Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home

Virginia L. Paulson, 92, of Niles, formerly of Elkhart, died at the Ernestine Raclin House at the Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka on Monday, November 27, 2023. Virginia was born in Middlebury on July 16, 1931, to the late Olin and Esther (Elder) Schrock. Also preceding her in death are a son, Timothy Paulson, a grandson, Luke Paulson and a sister, Margaret Shoup. As Virginia Schrock, she married Albert "Bert" Paulson on March 14, 1951. Bert died on September 17, 2012. Surviving is a son, Rick (Shirley) Paulson of Niles; four grandchildren: Jason (Sara) Paulson, David Paulson, Tracy (Brian) Campbell and Courtney (Chris) Paulson-Hunter; seven great grandchildren; Cameron and Garrett...

Amarion Eugine Kirk, 20, of Elkhart, died on, Thursday, October 19, 2023. He was born March 11, 2003, in Elkhart, Indiana to Ankoma Kirk and Fredreca Washington. Amarion attended Clay High School in South Bend and Clay Elementary School. He is known for playing basketball, his artistic crafts and making music. At the time of his departure, he was working at the Amazon Warehouse. Marion loved to spend time with his family, making music, eating home cooked meals, being with all of his homies, taking pictures and making memories, but most of all making people laugh. Amarion was survived by his mother Fredreca Washington of Chicago, Illionis and his father Ankoma Kirk of Elkhart. Also...

Anthony J. DeDario II, 73, of South Bend, formerly of Elkhart, died on Friday, October 6, 2023, at his home. He was born on August 11, 1950, in Elkhart to the late Anthony J. and Doris A. (Mannock) DeDario. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Dukeshier. Tony was employed for many years in the floral business, working as a designer and florist for Matzke Florists in the 70's, Westview Florist in the 80's and then Olive Garden as the manager during the 90's. In 2005, he took a position at Linton's Enchanted Gardens as a designer and florist until 2019. Never one to sit idle, Tony then began working at Four Winds Casino in South Bend as the front desk clerk, a job he truly...

Audrey J. Shaffer, 90, of Elkhart, died on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Greenleaf Health Campus in Elkhart. Audrey was born in Mishawaka, IN on December 19, 1932, to the late Jack and Virginia (Vrabel) Metcalf. Also preceding her in death are two daughters: Cindy Mott and Sandy Kasey Medina; one son, Jeff Shaffer; a granddaughter, Dawn Kasey; two sisters, Nancy Sundman and Janet Metcalf and one brother, Larry Metcalf. On August 5, 1950, Audrey married Robert E. Shaffer in Mishawaka. Bob died on January 16, 2016. Surviving is a daughter, Debra Trovatore; a son, Michael Shaffer, both of Elkhart; thirteen grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and twelve great great...

Robert T. "Bob" Bennett, 72, of Bristol, died on Friday, July 14, 2023, at Elkhart General Hospital. Bob was born on November 20, 1950, in Warsaw, IN to the late Robert E. and Delores J. (Kaylor) Bennett. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Pamela J. Eggleston. On April 24, 1993, Bob married Heide M. Gilbert in Key West, FL. She survives along with numerous cousins and their crazy cats. Bob was employed as a driver for the M.H./R.V. industry, working for Patrick Industries, Yellow Dog and most recently, Trim-Lok Midwest, who has been a great support during his illness. A 1969 graduate of Elkhart High School, Bob enjoyed all forms of aviation. He even built an ultralight in...

Nancy J. Cocanower, 63, of Elkhart, died on Friday, July 14, 2023, at the Ernestine Raclin House at the Center for Hospice Care in Mishawaka after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Nancy was born on September 15, 1959, in Elkhart to Kenneth and Jane (Mann) Teague. She was preceded in death by a stepbrother, Jason Bontrager and a nephew, Dustin Overmyer. On June 29, 1985, Nancy married Lamar D. Cocanower in Elkhart. Lamar died on December 23, 1988. She is survived by her daughter, Ashley McGhan (Josh Hanshaw) of Elkhart; four grandchildren: Finley, Elliott, Olivia and Hunter; her mother and stepfather, Jane (Jim) Bontrager of Elkhart; her father, Kenneth Teague of Elkhart; a...

George Leon Searfoss, 76, of Elkhart, passed into peace at the Center for Hospice Care on July 7, 2023 after bravely battling cancer for three years. George was born in South Bend, Indiana on April 7, 1947 to the late Harold and Rose (Palmero) Searfoss. George attended and graduated from St. Joseph High School in South Bend, Indiana and St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas. George earned an Associates Degree in Labor Studies from Indiana University, South Bend, later in life. George was a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served his country as an infantryman during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1971. After being discharged, George worked in sales for the...

Vincent DeVito, 97, of South Bend, died at home on Thursday, May 25, 2023. Vince was born on May 13, 1926, in Elkhart to the late Michael and Sanita (Lembo) DeVito. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Anthony DeVito and a sister, Josephine Douthitt. Vince worked for 27 years with financial services supplier, Associates Corporation, once based in South Bend. He began his career with them as a combination service manager/purchasing agent. In 1976, he moved into a similar position with Coachmen Industries based in Middlebury. Vince retired in 1991. Vince was a graduate of Elkhart High School and also a member of St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic...

Ann M. Kalman, 75, of Elkhart, died on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at Elkhart General Hospital. Arrangements are pending at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home.

Barbara Lee Paolillo, 86, of Mishawaka, died Sunday, April 9, 2023 at North Woods Village at Edison Lakes. She was born September 29, 1936 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was proceeded in death by her parents, James B. Smith and Elpha L. Smith and sister, Martha J. Reynolds. Barbara graduated from Ft. Wayne Central High School 1954, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and attended Elkhart University of Medical Arts from 1954-1955. She received her Medical Assistant Certification upon completion. She married, Samuel J. Paolillo on June 23, 1956, at St. Thomas Rectory in Elkhart, IN. She was employed at C.G. Conn as Secretary to the Assistant Controller, proceeded to serve as...

Constance A. "Connie" Maupin, 67, of Osceola, died at home, surrounded by family, on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. Connie was born on December 27, 1955 in Elkhart, IN to the late William N. and Martha L. (Borneman) Wiser. She was also preceded in death by her brother, William F. Wiser. On December 28, 1989, Connie married Dale E. Maupin in Mishawaka, IN. Dale survives along with two sons: Nicholas Maupin of Osceola and Kyle Maupin of Mishawaka, IN; four grandchildren: Autumn, Ralph, April and Wynter and two sisters, Leslie L. Wiser of Everett, WA and Michele A. (Thomas E.) Miller of Mishawaka. Connie was employed as a certified nursing assistant at St. Paul's Life Plan Community in South Bend...

Patricia A. Linn, 92, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died Monday, March 6, 2023, surrounded by her family at home in Elkhart, Indiana. Pat was born May 18, 1930, to Walter H. and Catherine V. (Kraus) Nadolny. She grew up in Elkhart and remained an active member of the community throughout her life, volunteering for many years with St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, the Delta Theta Tau sorority, and the Elkhart General Hospital Auxiliary. Beyond her local contributions, Pat's life was most defined by a deep love of her family and friends. She graduated from Elkhart High School in 1947 and married her high school sweetheart, James W. Linn on November 23, 1950....

"One Day More" was Kevin's favorite song from the musical Les Miserables and the line "I did not live until today" completes his life from earth to his heavenly home. Kevin was born on September 2, 1957 in Elkhart to the late Richard and Mary Alice Ong. While in high school he loved being a part of the Concord Marching Minutemen and being able to verbally express himself in a speech competition or hold the floor during a debate. Not only could Kevin speak eloquently, but he was also given the nickname "Blue Velvet" because he wore an elegant blue velvet jacket to every competition. He graduated from Concord High School in 1976 and went on to attend Hillsdale College, graduating Summa Cum...

Erienne Ella Evens ,21, beloved daughter, niece and friend went to be with Jesus after a complex illness, on Feb 1st, 2023 in Indianapolis. She was born in Guatemala City on October 29, 2001 and was adopted by her parents, William S. and Brigitte (Linden) Evens in April 2002. She lived in Granger, IN. with her parents. Erienne lost her wonderful father on Dec 30, 2021. She leaves behind her Aunt Terrie Nichols of NY, Uncle Earl Evens of AL, and Aunt Marielle Mathis of NC, cousins Julia, Kristin, and Ted Cirone. Great Uncle and Aunt, Udo and Renate Linden of Germany, Great Aunt Barbara Stevanovich of IL and Great Aunt Alice Evens of OK., Grandparents Jim and Vernice Pyles of Elkhart, and...

Evangelist Missionary Charla Louise Matthews, 58, obtained her heavenly reward on Jan. 21st, at 6:36 am in Elkhart, IN. On Nov. 17th, 1964, Charla was born to Silas and Julia Humphries in Kokomo, IN. She started her academic career at St. Patrick Elementary school and graduated from Kokomo High School in May 1983. Charla graduated with an Associate in Information Technology degree from Indiana University-Purdue University Kokomo in Aug. 1994. Later in life, Charla completed her Bachelor of Science degree from Goshen College. She worked at various jobs in Kokomo including Sears, Roebuck & Co., and Electronic Data Systems. At the age of 16, after hearing of the goodness of Jesus Christ...

Geraldine Barbara (Hovanec) Gaydos finished her race of 92 years on January 13, 2023 at the home of her daughter Janet (and Frank) Berkemeier in Jackson, MI where she had resided nearly three years. "Geri" was born November 29, 1930 in Denver, CO where her parents were part of the Westward migration seeking to find their fortune in mining silver. When she was five years old, her family moved to Gary, IN where there was an abundance of work in the steel mills and where their Slovak relatives resided. Geri loved school, especially Language and Arts, and by the 8th grade she knew she wanted to pursue college. She graduated from Loyola University of Chicago with a BA Education, then met her...

Sharon Kay Hess, 85, of Edwardsburg, formerly of Elkhart passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at her home. She was born on December 25, 1937, in Elkhart to the late Clarence and Selma (Kobernik) Zimmerman. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Kathleen (Zimmerman) Ruple and a niece, Carole (Ruple) Melser On September 17, 1966, she married Stanley I. Hess in Elkhart. He survives along with a niece, Sue (Ruple) Hostetler of Shipshewana and a nephew, Steve Ruple of Edwardsburg. Sharon and Stan are so blessed and filled with gratitude for the love and support of her special care givers, Jeri Lynn, Nancy and Carrie. Sharon graduated from Elkhart High School as well as...

Michelle Renee (Woodward) Strati, 58, of Union, Michigan, passed away on November 29, 2022, surrounded by family and friends in her home. Michelle (Chelle) was born on July 2, 1964, to Chuck and Sue (Butcher) Woodward in Elkhart, Indiana. Chelle was a proud graduate of Elkhart Memorial High School, class of 1982. After high school she attended Manchester College and graduated with a degree in accounting, class of 1986. She then went on to get her teaching certificate (with a Kindergarten endorsement) at IU South Bend. On November 19, 1988, she married her best friend and high school sweetheart, Alex, in Elkhart. She is survived by her husband of 34 years, Alex Strati Jr, loving children...

Donald Cameron Findlay II passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2022 at the age of 87 in his Elkhart, Indiana home. Don's exemplary commitment to family, friends, and service have long provided a road map for all who were blessed to know him, and this legacy will continue to live in each one of us. Don was born on October 5, 1934 in Freeport, Illinois to Donald Cameron Findlay (Cameron) and Viola Blair Findlay and he grew up in nearby Mount Morris. Don's mom and dad raised their only child with the counsel that, "Time is to be used, not spent." Both parents' lives provided instruction on how to do just that: they were devoted parents, dedicated professionals, respected community leaders, and...

Fields, Helen, 97, of Elkhart, Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home , Elkhart