Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home

Sheila Ellen Billis, 68, of Elkhart, IN formerly of New Jersey passed away at her home on Sunday July 14, 2024. Sheila was born on May 4,1956 to Williams Edward and Patricia Ann Victorin in Trenton, New Jersey. Sheila married Allen Billis in November of 1985 and preceded her in death on August 30, 2015. Sheila and her late husband owned restaurants in New Jersey before moving to Oak Ridge, Tennessee in 1996. They owned and operated the Magnolia Tree in Oak Ridge, Tennessee until 2009. Sheila was an animal lover and active donor to ASPCA society. Sheila loved to travel, entertain and most of all enjoyed cooking beautiful meals and baking elaborate desserts for her family. Sheila is survived...

Linda D. Hess, 71, of Edwardsburg, MI, passed away on Wednesday April 3, 2024 at Greenleaf Health Campus in Elkhart, IN. She was born on September 10, 1952 in Decatur, IN to Harold B. and MaryLou (Hofstetter) Miller. She married Norbert Hess on November 11, 1978 in Decatur. Linda loved yorkies, the Cubs, and neighbor kids. She also loved Elvis, Engelbert, and the color blue. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Norbert; her sons, Mitchell R. Hess and Alexander L. (Nicole) Hess-Waldron; her sisters: Cheryl Maller, Janet (Gary) Smith, Deb (Rod) Owens and Patricia Johnson; her brothers: Scott Miller and Jeff (Kelley) Miller; as well as her sister-in-law, Jan Miller. Also surviving...

Dennis Paul Berg, 77 of Elkhart, IN passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday January 24, 2024. Dennis was born on February 21, 1946 in Cleveland, OH to Clarence and Mae Berg. He married Kathleen J. McClure on November 25, 1972 at Holy Family Catholic Church in South Bend, IN. Dennis graduated from Tri-State University in Angola, IN where he earned his degree in Engineering. He worked for over 43 years as a civil engineer for INDOT. He was a project engineer for Capital Avenue and didn't retire until this project was completed. He loved to fix things and he would say, "if I can't fix it, it ain't broken." He was an amateur HAM radio operator KF9PY and received his license after he...

Amelia Francile "Fran" Switalski, age 80, of South Bend, IN passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at Creekside Village in Mishawaka, IN. Fran was born on September 1, 1943 in South Bend to Harley and Martha Faye Andrews. She married Michael Switalski on October 29, 1961 at the Apostolic Temple Church in South Bend, IN, he preceded her in death on January 1, 2022. Fran was a member at the Apostolic Temple Church in South Bend. She retired from Memorial Health Care. She loved spending time with his friends and family, especially her grandchildren. Fran is survived by her children Manette (James) Donlon of Niles, MI. and Mike "Jeep" (Laura) Switalski of Osceola, IN; grandchildren Brittany...

James Leo "Jim" Knopick, 80 of Elkhart passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN. Jim was born on September 5, 1942 in Winona, MN to Leo and Angeline Knopick. Jim married Kathleen "Kassie" Mulheran at Christ the King Catholic Church in Minneapolis, MN on August 19, 1967. After honorably serving his country in the United States Navy, Jim used the GI Bill to earn his degree from Winona State in 1969. He then began his career in the food industry where he developed many new products. His career's journey took him and his family from Minnesota to Pennsylvania to Indiana. He enjoyed fishing, shooting, and being a Boy Scout leader, as well as traveling the...

Albena "Ann" Vahala, 93 of Elkhart passed away on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at her home, surrounded by her family. Ann was born on February 28, 1930 in Pleasant City, Ohio to August and Mary (Petkash) Mailot. She married Edward A. Vahala on April 18, 1953 in Byesville, OH. After many years of purportedly walking through the snow (barefoot uphill both ways), Ann graduated as valedictorian from Pleasant City High School, class of 1947. She was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. She and her late husband enjoyed entertaining family and friends tailgating for Notre Dame games. Ann enjoyed reading and particularly sharing books with her friends. She loved bird watching (including...

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Judith Ann (Fawley) Stickel, after a long illness. Born on May 8, 1943 in Elkhart, Ind. to Inabelle (Secor) and Howard Fawley, Judy lived all her life in the greater South Bend area. She received her bachelor's degree in nursing from Indiana University in 1965 and a master's in public health from Ball State University in 1987. Judy worked as a school nurse at the School City of Mishawaka, Ind., and in other pediatric practices. Judy married Dale Stickel on Sept. 2, 1967 at the Jamestown United Methodist Church in Elkhart County, Ind. They enjoyed 50 years of marriage together. She was mother to three children, Andy (Laura Maniccia),...

Allan Dale Conrad, 78, of Elkhart, IN passed away on December 31,2022 at his home. Allan was born on February 6, 1944 in Garrett, IN to Delbert and Izola Conrad. He married the love of his life Karen on March 21, 1964 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Kendallville, IN. Allan worked from the age of 19 at Conn-Selmer until his retirement after 41 years of service. He started out as a trucker driver and retired as a clarinet assembler. He enjoyed playing cards, mushroom hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed traveling the United States with his wife Kate, most of all he loved to spend time with his family and friends. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his...

Mary Katherine LaCluyze, age 77, of Mishawaka, passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Mary was born August 20, 1945 in Kenosha, WI to Richard Eugene and Helen Jane Klein. She married the love of her life, Paul Robert LaCluyze, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Granger. After 53 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on February 19, 2021. Mary retired as a supervisor of Building Services from the University of Notre Dame. She and her husband loved to travel and see new places. They always enjoyed card games with family and friends and going to Notre Dame football games. She truly loved spending time with her family and friends. Mary was...

?- Katherine (Kathy) Elaine Geljack, 75, passed away Saturday, November 19, 2022 at North Woods Village in Mishawaka, IN after suffering from Alzheimer's for many years. Kathy was a long term resident of Elkhart Indiana. She was born in Superior, Wisconsin February 10, 1947 to Oliver and Dorothy Laurila. Kathy is survived by her husband of 55 years Kenneth Geljack Sr., her daughter Kristine (Geljack) Wilder of Bend, Oregon, her son Kenneth Geljack Jr. of Elkhart, her granddaughter Elizabeth (Geljack) Easto of Valparaiso, IN., her grandson Kenneth Geljack III of Berrien Springs Michigan, and her cousins Lori Germain of Mineral, VA, Linda Merrit of Arizona and Steve Lund of Clearwater,...

Betty Lou Bryant, 94, of Elkhart passed away on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at Memorial Hospital in South Bend, IN. Betty Lou was born on September 26, 1928 to Herbert and Ruby Morgan in Warsaw, IN. She married the love of her life Charles Bryant on September 10, 1950 in Warsaw, he preceded her in death on January 10, 1987. Betty graduated valedictorian from Warsaw High School class of 1946. She had a wonderful career as a master seamstress where she owned Bryant Draperies in Elkhart. She was a member of Faith United Methodist Church in Goshen where she served on several women's clubs and in the fall enjoyed making peanut brittle. She was an avid bridge player and she enjoyed painting....

Helen Castello, 91, of Elkhart, passed away Friday October 7, 2022 at the Center for Hospice Raclin House in Mishawaka. She was born June 10, 1931 in Mishawka to John and Julia Mondich. She married Thurl L. Rose on May 15, 1948 in South Bend. He died Nov. 6. 1950. From that union she leaves behind 2 nieces Sheryl (Rose) Dunn and Donna (Rose) Elia of South Bend. In 1952 she married Donald E. Castello who also preceded her in death. Helen was a member of New Hope United Methodist Church in which she was active with the food pantry and other community service groups. She was an avid reader. Her greatest pleasures came from her work in her garden where she felt "closest to God". Helen attended...

Patrick Steven Doyle, age 71, of Shavehead Lake in Cassopolis, MI passed away on Friday, September 16, 2022 at his home, surrounded by his wife and son. Pat was born to Willa and William Edward Doyle who preceded him in death. Pat started his career as a machinist apprentice and eventually co-founded Doyle Brothers Machine in South Bend, Indiana, successfully running the business for 18 years. Pat was the Co-Founder and President of PT Services in Elkhart, Indiana and successfully ran this business for 20 years until his death. Pat was lovingly married to Rebecca Lou Doyle for nearly 25 years. Pat is survived by his wife, Rebecca, his son William Edward Doyle, stepchildren, Orrin (Nikki)...

ELKHART - Rev. Donald D. Carpenter, 92, of Elkhart, died on August 28, 2022 at Elkhart General Hospital in Elkhart, IN. He was born September 19, 1929 in South Bend, IN to Ivan Carpenter and Imogene Johnson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane McLaughlin Carpenter; 2 daughters, Karen Harrison of Indianapolis and Kimm (Daniel) Porter-O'Shea of Muncie, 1 great granddaughter, Irie O'Shea, his parents, 2 brothers (Darryl, Claude Elden) and 2 sisters (Eileen, Bobbi). Don Carpenter is survived by 2 sons, Kristin B. (Mary) Carpenter of Elkhart and the Rev. Kelly P. (Lyn) Carpenter of Winston-Salem, NC; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, and his 3...

Viola J. Robison, age 87, of Elkhart passed away on Friday, August 26, 2022 at the Ernestine M. Raclin House-Center for Hospice in Mishawaka. She was born on November 20, 1934, to David and Helen (Stokes) Shoemaker, in Toledo, OH. On May 30, 1963, in Toledo, OH, she married Roger S. Robison. They met while both were employed by Owens-Illinois Glass Company at their technical center, while participating in a company sponsored stage play at the University of Toledo. Vi performed The Dance of Lola from Guys & Dolls. Vi is survived by her husband Roger Robison of Elkhart; their son, Steve Robison of Elkhart and daughter, Gwen Robison of Elkhart; her sisters, Cathy (Pastor Alvin Shrum) of...

Edwin D. Grubb, age 75, of Elkhart passed away peacefully on August 9, 2022 at Goshen Hospital. He was born February 11, 1947 in Elkhart to Cora Belle and Edwin R. Grubb. Edwin graduated from Elkhart High School Class of 1965 and attended Valparaiso Technical College. He was an electrical contractor and the owner/operator of Thompson Electric for 25 years. He was president of NECA for 10 years. He loved attending sporting events especially his grandchildren's and Notre Dame sports. He loved to travel, going out on his snowmobile, enjoyed collecting lions and Santas. His favorite time was spent with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. Edwin is survived by his children,...

John "Jack Lorri" Pingalore, age 86, of Elkhart passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Monday, August 8, 2022. Jack was born on August 30, 1935 in Norwich, Connecticut to Louis and Helen Pingalore. He married the love of his life Anita Corwin on June 28, 1963 in Nappanee, IN. Jack graduated from Norwich Free Academy. He Honorably served his country as a S/Sgt in the United States Air Force from 1954-1958 serving a year in Korea. During his service he was named "Airman of the Month" by the Seventh Aerial Port squadron, an organization of over 500 men. Jack then pursued a career in broadcasting after attending Columbia School of Broadcasting in Boston. His career began in 1958,...

Graveside service will be held at 10am on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 Gracelawn Cemetery in Elkhart, IN Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the Mapes family.

Janice Faye (King) Corson, 86, of Granger, passed away at 11:42am, Monday July 4, 2022 at Majestic Care of Goshen following an illness. She was born Aug. 24, 1935 in Elkhart to Claude and Mary Dorothy (McClure) King. She married Keith D. Corson on July 14, 1957 in Bristol. He preceded her in death, along with their daughter Staci Lynn Corson. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law and many friends. Janice graduated from Bristol High School and went on to obtain her RN degree in 1957 from Ball State Teachers College and the Memorial School of Nursing in Muncie, IN. Janice and her husband, who was in the Marine Corps at the time, spent several years in Wichita, KS...

Barbara Taylor Szabo, 71 years old passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2022 in her home from natural causes. Barbara was born on August 27, 1950 in Mishawaka IN. She also grew up in Mishawaka, later making her home in Osceola. Barbara was a John Adams graduate. She married John Szabo on May 5, 1979 in Osceola. Barbara is survived by her husband of 43 years, John Szabo; daughter Eleanora (Szabo) Strycker and her husband Michael Strycker of Ocala FL; 3 grandchildren, Clara, Lilly, Ivy of Ocala FL; brother Douglas Taylor of Granger IN. Barbara was preceded in death by her father Kenneth Taylor; mother Edna (Love) Taylor; sister Kimberley Taylor; brother Robert Taylor. Barbara's first job was at...

Martha Eleanor Singer-Vandygriff, 89, passed away on Sunday, February 6, 2022 She survived by her husband, Leon; children Greg (Andrew Conway) Vandygriff, Jeff (Kym) Vandygriff, Susan (Lisa Moye) Vandygriff, and Sandra (Greg) Gaither; Grandchild; Patrick Vandygriff, JJ (Bailie) Vandygriff, Tara (Ryan) Hiscox, Briar Gaither (Greg Howard); Great Grandchildren; Myla and Leah Vandygriff; In laws Barbara and Jim Vandygriff and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Mary McCaw and In-laws Kenny and Carol Vandygriff. Memorial mass will be celebrated at 3pm on Sunday, February 27, 2022 by her nephew, Fr. Robert Van Kempen at St. Mary of the...