Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home

01/25/2026

01/25/2026

Betty J. Reitz

Betty J. Reitz, age 91, of Elkhart passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Eastlake Nursing and Rehabilitation in Elkhart, IN. She was born on March 3, 1934 to Charles V. and Alice Chodzinski in South Bend, IN. She married Raymond Reitz on June 11, 1955 at Emmaus Lutheran Church in South Bend in the church rectory. After 65 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on May 9, 2020.

Betty worked as a nurse’s aide at Elkhart General Hospital for over 21. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, where she served on the alter guild. Betty enjoyed reading and crocheting. Her greatest love was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Betty is survived by her sons, James B. (Mary J.) Reitz of Elkhart, IN., and Bruce A. Reitz of Elkhart, IN., her grandchildren, Tiffany (Lloyd) Hunsberger, Kristi (Jeff) Stetler, Taylar (Isaac) Troyer, Briana (Seth Thaxton) Reitz and Danielle (John) Lucas; her great-grandchildren, Hadley & Henry Hunsberger, Nadia & Aubrey Stetler and Drew & Daphne Troyer; her siblings Carol Ann (James) Steere of Niles, MI., Margaret Chodzinski of California and David Thomas of San Diego, CA. Betty was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Alice Chodzinski, her brother Robert Chodzinski and her sisters Renatta Wright and Dorothy Banner.

Friends may visit with family from 9-11am on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514, where funeral services will be held at 11 am at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola, IN. Reverend Emily Trubey-Weller will officiate. Memorial donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, 831 West Marion Street, Elkhart, IN 46516 or the Charity of your choice. Online condolences for the Reitz family may be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com

View Betty J. Reitz's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/22/2026

Jerimy Schwartz

Jerimy Schwartz was a loving father to his daughter, Destani, a devoted father by choice to Allison, and a proud grandfather. He was an avid outdoorsman who found peace and joy in hunting, fishing, and riding his four-wheelers. Jerimy was an incredibly intelligent and creative man who earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and spent most of his life working as a contractor. He had a true passion for building and design, and he poured his heart into every project he touched. In his free time, he could often be found sketching and drawing layouts, especially dreaming up playhouses and special projects for his grandson. Jerimy was also a proud volunteer firefighter, always willing to put himself in harm’s way to help others and serve his community. His bravery, dedication, and selflessness were a reflection of the man he was in every part of his life. “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026 from 12:00-4:00pm at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home 1531 Cobblestone Boulevard, Elkhart, IN 46514. Online condolences may be left at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com

View Jerimy Schwartz's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/22/2026

Christina Krugh

Christina "Chris" Marie Krugh, age 56, of Elkhart, IN passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Chris was born on July 30, 1969 to Richard Lee and Aloma Marie Scott in Elkhart, IN. She married Douglas Krugh on July 16, 1999 in Elkhart, IN.

Chris graduated from Concord High School, class of 1987. She earned her master's in accounting from Davenport University. Chris was an accountant at Prime Pay. Chris was a member of Dunlap United Methodist Church, where she was very active in the music department from playing hand bells to Instruments of Joy. She enjoyed watching old tv shows like MASH and Emergency 51. She was a member of Questers. Chris and her husband enjoyed antiquing, going to concerts and sporting events. She loved to spend time with her dogs Nora and Chloe.

Chris is survived by her husband of 25 years, Doug Krugh of Elkhart, IN; children Dustin (Jamie) Hoy of Noblesville, IN., Michael Hoy of Elkhart, IN., Brittany Krugh of Sturgis, MI., Courtney (Jonathen) Reaper of LaGrange, IN and Jarod (Dallis) Krugh of Shipshewana, IN; grandchildren, Mason, Elijah, Ember, Aubrey, Edith, Kinsley and Abigail; her brother Michael Scott of Papillion, NE. Chris was preceded in death by her parents Richard Lee and Aloma Marie Scott.

Visitation will be from 7-9 pm on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Dunlap United Methodist Church, 23674 US 33, Elkhart, IN 46514. Visitation will be from 10-11am on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at the church where funeral services will be at 11am Pastor Melissa Englehart will officiate. Burial will follow at Prairie Street Cemetery in Elkhart, IN where she will be laid to rest near to her parents. Memorial donation in memory of Chris may be made to Dunlap United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made to Chris family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com

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01/21/2026

Theodore "Ted" Kupferschmid

Theodore E. Kupferschmid, 94, of Elkhart, Indiana went to be with Jesus on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Eastlake Nursing Home.

Born in 1931 at the farmhouse near Hoopeston, Illinois, Ted was the youngest of 10 children. He had no electricity or running water until his family moved into town (Rankin) when he was 16 years of age. He often told stories of the many adventures he and his siblings experienced growing up.

He was drafted into the army where he served for two years as a medic. One of those years was overseas in Germany. He used his GI bill benefit to attend and graduate from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in Ornamental Horticulture.

While in college in Champaign, he met the love of his life, Joyce Ann Walter. They were married August 21, 1960, and spent their adult lives together (65 years). They lived much of their lives in Rankin, IL, with the last 28 years in Elkhart, IN. Ted and Joyce had two children, Amy and Eric.

Ted worked in a wide range of fields over his career. Some of the high points were: carpentry, keeping bees, selling insurance, professional gardening, truck driving and interior/exterior painting including schools, hospitals and churches. His interests were varied: woodworking, fishing, camping, carving, gardening, and reading. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and University of Illinois Fighting Illini.

He is survived by his beloved wife Joyce, his daughter Amy (Dale) Pepper of Plymouth, IN and their children Christian Pepper and Faith (Daniel) Will. He is also survived by his son Eric (Debbie) Kupferschmid of Osceola, IN and their children Megan Ramirez, Sarah (Aaron) Hostetler, Ryan (Carissa) Kupferschmid and Hannah Kupferschmid. He has ten great grandchildren; Lucas and Liam Ramirez; Evelyn, Peter and Nora Hostetler; and Silas, Tobias, Lemuel, Beniah and Baby Kupferschmid.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Louise (Alt) Kupferschmid and his 9 siblings, Ruth, David, Robert, Paul, Lois, Josephine, Katherine, Mary Ann, and Daniel.

Because of Ted’s love for Jesus, he served as a Sunday School teacher, deacon (in Illinois) and was active in jail ministry, mission trips and painting/handyman needs (in Indiana). He was a faithful member of Grace Bible Church, Elkhart, IN. He will be remembered as a humble Christian man who leaves behind a wonderful legacy of faith and family.

Visitation will be 11 am to 12 pm Saturday, January 24, 2026, with funeral following at 12 pm, all at Grace Bible Church, 1700 Edwardsburg Ave. Elkhart, IN. Pastor Kyle Grant will officiate. A private committal service will be held on Monday, January 26 at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting Ted’s family. Memorial donations can be given in Ted's honor to Grace Bible Church at gracebibleelkhart.com through online giving. Online condolences may be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com

View Theodore "Ted" Kupferschmid's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/21/2026

Even if you did not know the decedent, we encourage you to support the bereaved with your attendance or a note of support. It means so much to them.

01/20/2026

Michael Misener

Michael Ray Misener, (75), of Elkhart, Indiana, passed away at home on January, 19th, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 1st, 1950 to Raymond and Leita (Bowlby) Misener.

Mr. Misener graduated from Elkhart High School and proudly served in Vietnam with the United States Army, 101st Airborne.

On March 15th, 2004, he married the love of his life, Rosanne (Jankowski) Cooper. She survives, along with his children; Heather Ryman (Jamey) of Elkhart, Shawn (Heather) Misener of Sturgis, MI, Amber (Rich) Raeder of Bristol, IN and Michael Misener of Indianapolis, IN, a step-son, Cole (Amber) Cooper of Elkhart, IN. Grandchildren; Travis (Christine) Ryman, Maddie (Levi) Ryman, Carter (Stacie) Misener, Dylan Raeder, Caleb Webster, Danny Misener. Step-Grandchildren; Brianna, Lilly and Alexandria Cooper, and 8 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Pat Misener, two son-in laws; Eric Ryman and Danny Groves, and his grandson, Kevin Misener. Mike also leaves behind his beloved Chihuahua, Ricky, his father-in-law, Frank Jankowski and a brother-in-law, Larry Jankowski.

Mike was employed with the city of Elkhart for 32 years, working in the street department and forestry division. He retired in 2009. Mike spent many winters in Florida after his retirement, the last five years in Englewood, FL, where he enjoyed time with family and many new friends. Mike loved his family very much and enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing in his younger years.

Per Mike's wishes, no funeral services will be held, but a celebration of life will take place at a later date.

The family wishes to thank Luminary Hospice for their compassion during Mike's illness as well as his long-time physician, Dr. Sam Borrelli, for many years of care and friendship.

Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd, Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting the Misener family. Online condolences may be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com

View Michael Misener's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/20/2026

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