Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home

Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home We are here for you

At Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, we take great pride in caring for our f on Division Street in historic downtown Elkhart.

Who We Are and Our Story
STEMM-LAWSON-PETERSON FUNERAL HOME·
Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Boulevard, Elkhart, Indiana, a family owned and operated funeral home, has been serving families of all faiths in the Michiana area since 1954. We pride ourselves in providing families with excellent service and care, while holding to the highest professional standards. From the initial notification that a death has occurred to the final graveside prayers, families know they can trust the funeral directors at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home to be there and assist the family in every step along the way. Our Beginnings
Our funeral home was founded in 1954 by William and Florence Stemm Sr. The funeral home was operated from that location until 2003 when owners Vic Lawson and Steve Peterson saw the need to expand their facilities to accommodate the growing needs of the community. The vision was completed in the fall of 2003 when the Division Street building was closed and operations were moved to the new facility at 1531 Cobblestone Boulevard on Elkhart's near north east side just north of Bristol Street. Our funeral home is conveniently located, and is easily accessible from anywhere in the area. We are capable of handling any sized service or visitation. Additionally, we offer complete pre-need planning-so you can pre-determine all of your own detailed decisions and take away any cost concerns from those you love. We also offer monuments and markers, and stepping stones aftercare service.

Sandra K. BaylorSandra K. Baylor, age 81of Elkhart, IN passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Belltower Health and Re...
03/19/2026

Sandra K. Baylor

Sandra K. Baylor, age 81of Elkhart, IN passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Belltower Health and Rehabilitation in Granger, IN. Sandy was born on November 15, 1944 to Paul C. and Flossie E. Stemm in Elkhart, IN. She married Thomas "Tom" E. Baylor on July 26, 2002 at Faith United Methodist Church in Elkhart, IN. He preceded her in death on August 12, 2020.

Sandy is survived by her brother Charles "Chuck" Stemm of Elkhart, IN., several nieces, nephews and cousins, and her sister-in-law Dee Stemm of Elkhart, IN. Sandy was preceded in death by her parents Paul C. and Flossie E. Stemm, husband Tom Baylor, siblings Paul Stemm, Jr., and Sue Hoetger.

After graduating high school, Sandy began working at Ziesel's Department Store in Elkhart. She worked her way up to store manager and stayed with the company until they closed their doors. Sandy had a big heart, she was kind, caring and loved her family and her cats. She enjoyed watching the television. Sandy will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

Services for Sandy will be held at a later date. She will be laid to rest near her parents at Rice Cemetery in Elkhart, IN. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting Sandy's family. Online condolences may be sent to her family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com

View Sandra K. Baylor's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Leonard Russell, JrLeonard Daniel Russell, Jr., age 77 of South Bend, IN formerly of Elkhart, IN passed away on Wednesda...
03/19/2026

Leonard Russell, Jr

Leonard Daniel Russell, Jr., age 77 of South Bend, IN formerly of Elkhart, IN passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Center for Hospice Care -Ernestine Raclin House in Mishawaka, IN. Leonard was born on May 10, 1948 to Leonard and Jane Russell in Elkhart, IN. He married the love of his life Lynne Harwood on June 3, 1983 at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Elkhart, IN.

Leonard worked in sales for the aluminum extrusion industry supplying the RV Industry in Elkhart, IN. He enjoyed bowling and golfing. He also enjoyed going to drag car races, sprint car races and NASCAR races. Most of all he loved to spend time wintering with his wife in St. Croix US Virgin Islands over the cold winter.

Leonard is survived by his wife of over 42 years, Lynne; daughter Angie (Derek) Long of Edwardsburg, MI., son Bret Shaw of Arizona and his daughter-in-law Josie Shaw of Detroit, MI' 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Jane Russell, son Chad Shaw and brother Peter Russell.

In keeping with Leonard's wishes there will be no services. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting his family. Online condolences may be made to Leonard's family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com

View Leonard Russell, Jr's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/19/2026
Richard "Rick" LentRichard “Rick” Allen Lent, age 81 of Union, MI passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his famil...
03/17/2026

Richard "Rick" Lent

Richard “Rick” Allen Lent, age 81 of Union, MI passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, March 16, 2026. Rick was born on May 6, 1944 to Otis “Ted” and Isabel R. Lent in Akron, OH. Rick married the love of his life and his high school sweetheart Kay Kronenthal on August 6, 1966 at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Akron, OH. This year they would have celebrated 60 wonderful years together.

Rick graduated from Manchester High School, class of 1962 where he loved playing sports. He graduated college from Akron University. Rick moved with his family to Union MI in 1978, where he worked at Montgomery Wards. He also worked at Trans-Aire and Glaval selling conversion vans. Rick enjoyed looking at and talking about cars, old and new. Rick loved getting friends and family together, especially during the 4th of July at his home on the lake. Rick will be sadly missed.

Rick is survived by his wife, Kay, their children, Cindy (Dave) Perala of Chesterfield, MI., Steve Lent of Auburn, IN., and Jenny (Doug) Souter of Elkhart, IN; grandchildren, Austin (Allie) Perala, Bryce Perala, Abigail and Trevor; great-grandchildren Jamie and Casey and his brother Tom (Mary) Lent of Arizona. Rick was preceded in death by his parents Ted and Isabel Lent, brothers Jack Lent and Don Lent and his grandson Brandan Perala.

Visitation will be from 1-4 pm on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 where funeral services will be held at 4pm. Memorial donations may be made in memory of Rick to Centrica Care Navigators, 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 www.centricare.org Online condolences may be made to his family at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com

View Richard "Rick" Lent's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Address

1531 Cobblestone Boulevard
Elkhart, IN
46514

Telephone

+15742936411

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Who We Are and Our Story

Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Boulevard, Elkhart, Indiana, a family owned and operated funeral home, has been serving families of all faiths in the Michiana area since 1954. We pride ourselves in providing families with excellent service and care, while holding to the highest professional standards. From the initial notification that a death has occurred to the final graveside prayers, families know they can trust the funeral directors at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home to be there and assist the family in every step along the way.

Our Beginnings

Our funeral home was founded in 1954 by William and Florence Stemm Sr. on Division Street in historic downtown Elkhart.

The funeral home was operated from that location until 2003 when owners Vic Lawson and Steve Peterson saw the need to expand their facilities to accommodate the growing needs of the community.