Dykes Funeral Home

Dykes Funeral Home Family owned and operated— serving Northwest Indiana for 72 years! Family Owned and Operated since 1951.

Rev. Joseph M. PawlowskiRev. Joseph M. Pawlowski passed away on Oct. 7, 2025. He was born on Sept. 23, 1947, in Michigan...
10/15/2025

Rev. Joseph M. Pawlowski

Rev. Joseph M. Pawlowski passed away on Oct. 7, 2025. He was born on Sept. 23, 1947, in Michigan City, Indiana, to the late Joseph L. and Berniece (nee Rathnow) Pawlowski.
Father Joe was ordained on Sept. 30, 1973. He retired from St. Paul Catholic Church, Valparaiso, Indiana, in 2018. He served in five parishes as a deacon, five as assistant, three as pastor, culminating in 20 years at St. Paul Catholic Church. He also served in Diocesan responsibilities as CFO and Vicar General.
Father Joe would like to acknowledge the love and gifts of his late parents, Joe and Berniece; surviving siblings, Sue (Ed), Tom (Kelli) and Jim (Michele); and the many parishioners he served. Thank you, Lord for all the blessings of an amazingly long life.
Visitation will be held on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, at 2 p.m. with a 2nd Rite of Reception and a 7 p.m. Evening Prayer at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W. Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso, Indiana. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church with Most Reverend Bishop Robert J. McClory officiating. Interment, St. Stanislaus Cemetery, Michigan City, Indiana, next to his father, Joseph.
In memory of Father Joseph Pawlowski, memorials may be made to his family parish, St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, 109 Ann Street, Michigan City IN 46360, or St. Paul's Capital Campaign at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W. Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso, IN 46385.
Arrangements made by D***s Funeral Home, Inc., Valparaiso, Indiana, 219-462-3125.

09/15/2025

The other night we said goodbye to “Uncle Menny” Mike Karamesines. He would prefer that we continue making the best pizzas around in his name. Making families gather and smile with one another. And spreading positivity through what we do best. His legacy will continue through all of us. Lots of love from the Karamesines family. And thank you always.

A Celebration Of Life will be held October 12th from 1-3pm at the Urschel Pavilion in Downtown Valparaiso

Joan Louise FaberMar 23, 1945 - Aug 3, 2025Joan Louise Faber (Mimi) passed away on August 3, 2025, at the Arthur B. and ...
08/11/2025

Joan Louise Faber
Mar 23, 1945 - Aug 3, 2025

Joan Louise Faber (Mimi) passed away on August 3, 2025, at the Arthur B. and Ethel V. Horton VNA Hospice Center in Valparaiso surrounded by family. She was 80 years old.
Joan was born in Gary on March 23, 1945. She graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1964. Joan worked for John Giolas Photographers in Gary, Harley Snyder Real Estate in Valparaiso, and Associated Pediatricians in Valparaiso and Portage for over 30 years before retiring. She will be remembered for her quiet strength, humor, and kindness. Joan enjoyed ladybugs, birds, dogs, gardening, and preparing Polish food especially around Christmas. She loved her family unconditionally, especially her four granddaughters.
Joan was preceded in death by her mother, Lorraine Simic; stepfather, Thomas Simic; brothers, Joseph Kulavick and Steve Kulavick.
Mimi is survived and missed by her children, Melissa Stoltzfus (Bruce) of Valparaiso and Jeff Faber (Molly) of Fort Wayne. Mimi will be forever cherished and remembered by her four grandchildren, Madeline Anjorin (Matthew), Elise Faber, Amelia Faber, and Emily Stoltzfus. Mimi's memory will live on with her great grandson Julius and soon-to-be-arriving great granddaughter Grace. Mimi leaves behind many other family members, friends, special neighbors, and a church community who will all sadly miss her.
A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held at a later date. Donations in her memory can be made to VNA Hospice NWI (www.vnanwi.org/give.php). Arrangements made by D***s Funeral Home, Inc., Valparaiso IN, (219) 462-3125.

Michael G. KlakerFeb 8, 1946 - Jul 15, 2025Michael (Mike) George Klaker, 79, of Valparaiso, Indiana passed away on July ...
07/18/2025

Michael G. Klaker
Feb 8, 1946 - Jul 15, 2025

Michael (Mike) George Klaker, 79, of Valparaiso, Indiana passed away on July 15, 2025. He was born in Gary IN on February 8, 1946 to the late Frank and Stella Marie (nee Karbowski) Klaker.
He graduated from Andrean High School in 1964, drafted into the Army in 1966 and served in Vietnam. He was a retired ironworker with the Local 395 Ironworkers Union.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Edmund V. Klaker.
He is survived by wife, Ramona (nee Stec) Klaker; children, Amy Milne, Daniel (Beth) Klaker, Sara (Klaker) Paceley; grandchildren, Elaine, Savanna, Griffin, James, Emily, Victoria, and Drew; sister, Janet (James) Morrone
A visitation will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the D***s Funeral Home, 2305 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso IN with a Funeral Service immediately following at 6:00 pm.
Arrangements made by D***s Funeral Home, Inc., Valparaiso IN, (219) 462-3125.

07/09/2025

Michael E. Benefiel
Valparaiso, Indiana

Michael, age 72 of Valparaiso, Indiana passed away on July 3, 2025. He was born on December 29, 1953 in Elwood, Indiana. He worked for GAF Roofing Company in Michigan City, IN. He was an Air Force Veteran. He is survived by two sons, Chris (Marie) Benefiel, James (Christine) Benefiel and partner, Judith A. Wolfe. Cremation.

John B. GearyNov 15, 1940 - Jun 20, 2025MICHIGAN CITY, IN - John Geary, age 84, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025. Bo...
06/28/2025

John B. Geary
Nov 15, 1940 - Jun 20, 2025

MICHIGAN CITY, IN - John Geary, age 84, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025. Born on November 15, 1940 in Chicago, IL to the late John and Mary (nee Cullerton) Geary.
John was a member of St. Mary of the Lake Church, New Buffalo, MI and Electrical Union Local #134. He had a dynamite personality. John enjoyed a good crossword puzzle, the beach, sports and horse races. John loved a good conversation including history, current events, politics and just sharing one of his life stories. He had a way of conversing with everyone! You could find him at a good neighborhood tavern where he'd meet up with "the crew". John will be remembered as a loving father, poppi and a friend to all he met!
Survived by daughters, Laura (Jesse) Huber, Anne E. Geary, Sarah (William Romer) Geary; grandchildren, Lily, Ava and Adler John; sister, Pat (Len) Zaleski.
Preceded in death by parents and brother, James Geary.
Meet with the family on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the D***s Funeral Home, 2305 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso IN with a memorial service at 3:00 pm. Minister Leonard Cross officiating.
Memorials may be to Avalon Springs Health Campus, 2400 Silhavy Rd., Valparaiso IN 46383.
Arrangements made by D***s Funeral Home, Inc., Valparaiso IN, (219) 462-3125.

Joanne WebbMay 9, 1932 - Jun 5, 2025Joanne Webb, age 93, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Born on May 9, 1932 in H...
06/11/2025

Joanne Webb
May 9, 1932 - Jun 5, 2025

Joanne Webb, age 93, passed away on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Born on May 9, 1932 in Hobart, IN to the late Mike and Helen (nee Palm) Shaffer.
Joanne received her nursing degree from Ball State University. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Valparaiso, NWI Nurses Association, Ducks Unlimited and Elks Lodge 500.
Survived by son, Warren Wyatt Webb of Valparaiso; grandson, Warren Larkin Webb; sister, Shirley Sanders of Chesterton, IN; sister-in-law, Jenney (Ray) Buczek of Naples, FL.
Preceded in death by husband, Wilford W. Webb and parents.
Meet with the family on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the D***s Funeral Home, 2305 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso IN. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, June 13, 2025 at the funeral home with Rev. Kimber-lee Adams officiating. Interment, Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso IN.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Arrangements by D***s Funeral Home, Inc., Valparaiso IN, (219) 462-3125.

05/27/2025

Zachary C. Wild
Valparaiso, Indiana

Zach, 32, of Valparaiso Indiana passed away on May 26, 2025. Born on June 19, 1992. Memorial Mass will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W. Harrison Blvd in Valparaiso Indiana on Saturday, May 31st 2025 at 10am with Douglas Mayer officiating. Meet with the family at D***s Funeral Home, 2305 Campbell Street in Valparaiso Indiana on Saturday, May 31st 2025 from 12:30 - 4:30pm. Arrangements by D***s Funeral Home, 219-462-3125.

04/27/2025

Kurt F. Lightcap
Sep 2, 1961 - Apr 22, 2025

Our hearts are heavy as we announce the passing of Kurt Frank Lightcap, age 63. He passed unexpectedly in Chicago, Illinois on April 22, 2025. Kurt was born in Valparaiso, Indiana, on September 2, 1961, to Frank and Evelyn Lightcap.
He attended Valparaiso High School in Valparaiso, Indiana and Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana. He studied abroad at Oxford, London and later received his Master of Business Administration at Northwestern University. He played football throughout high school and college and took great pride in his senior year at Wabash, when the team went undefeated. His love and enthusiasm for sports continued throughout his life. He most recently was an assistant coach of the men's rugby team at Loyola University and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He also took great pride in supporting his nieces and nephews in their sports and activities.
Kurt had a diverse career in commodities and finance that spanned multiple locations and companies. He most recently was the Head of Operations at Plus500 US Financial in Chicago, Illinois. Through his career, he also worked in the Financial Districts in New York and London. He was well known and well respected in this industry. Kurt cherished spending time with family and friends and loved traveling. He was deeply loved and in touch with a great number of friends from around the country and abroad. Kurt and his wife of 28 years, Stacy, enjoyed traveling to Alaska, Fiji, Hawaii, and Mexico.
Kurt was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Evelyn Lightcap; father in-law, Paul (Denny) Robertson; niece, Ashlee Duttlinger. He is survived by his wife, Stacy Lightcap; sisters, Gail (Carl) Schurman, Carol (Dave) Little, and Deborah (Eace) Roberts; mother-in-law, Susie Robertson; sisters-in-law, Wendy Solberg and Teresa Phillips; nieces and nephews, Chris Roberts, Erica Applegate, Derek Schurman, Erin Moore, Brett Roberts, Ryan Solberg, Nicole Solberg, AJ Elgersma, Paul Phillips, Shalyn Phillips, and Tyler Phillips; 11 great nieces and nephews; 3 great-great nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at D***s Funeral Home, 2305 N. Campbell Street, Valparaiso, Indiana. A funeral Mass will be conducted at 10:00 am on May 1, 2025 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W. Harrison Boulevard, Valparaiso, Indiana. Rev. Douglas Mayer, officiating. Refreshments to follow. A burial service will be held at a later date in Hawarden, Iowa.
Contributions may be made to Wabash College Class of 1983, www.Wabash.edu/give, and an Endowed Scholarship in Kurt's name to the men's rugby team at Loyola University, www.LUC.edu/KurtFrankLightcapMemorial.
Arrangements by D***s Funeral Home, Inc., Valparaiso, IN, (219) 462-3125.

Clinton Edward "Clint" MarshallMay 10, 1960 - Feb 28, 2025Clinton Edward "Clint" Marshall, age 64, of Valparaiso, IN pas...
03/04/2025

Clinton Edward "Clint" Marshall
May 10, 1960 - Feb 28, 2025

Clinton Edward "Clint" Marshall, age 64, of Valparaiso, IN passed away at his home, surrounded by loved ones, on Friday, February 28, 2025.
Clint is survived by his wife of 43 years, Roberta "Bobbi" Marshall (nee Lewen); children, Jamie (Nicholas) Fox, Daniel Marshall, Kacie (Myles) Theis, Morgan (Jason) Sawa; grandchildren, Quinn, Ethan, and Dax Fox. Clint is also survived by his brothers, Ross (Stacey) Marshall, Frank (Debra) Marshall, Roger Marshall; sister, Casa Marshall; brother-in-law, Ron (Amy) Lewen; many nephews, nieces, and great friends.
Clint was preceded in death by his parents, Glen E. and Karen J. Marshall; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clifford F. and Ysobel F. Lewen, and sister-in-law, Nancy Marshall (Small).
Clint was a lifelong resident of Valparaiso, IN. He attended Hayes Leonard Elementary School, Ben Franklin Middle School, and Valparaiso High School, graduating Class of 1978.
Clint's journey in the excavation business began when he was a young teenager learning from his father. His father founded Marshall Excavating in 1960, known today as G.E. Marshall, Inc. Clint, together with his brothers, succeeded his father as an owner in the family business where he was proud to work alongside his wife and later, his children. Even as the company experienced growth over the years, he continued to value his relationship with employees and his passion for operating heavy equipment never faded. Clint was a lifelong member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 for 47 years initiating in 1978.
Above all else, Clint prioritized his family. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather "Gee". He met the love of his life, Bobbi, at Porter Beach where their connection was instant. They shared their first date in 1977 then married four years later in 1981. The lifelong love they shared was recognized by all. What Clint cherished most was spending time with her, their children and grandchildren. You could most often find him with his family spending time around his barn, grilling poolside, or riding anything with wheels. Clint enjoyed playing card games like dealer's choice poker and Hearts. His favorite adventures included ATV and snowmobile trips to The Northwoods of Wisconsin, and annual boating trips to Dale Hollow Lake; both of which are family traditions passed on to his children.
Friends and family could always count on Clint, whether it was to lend a hand, give advice, or bring the fun. He built many connections, personally and professionally, over the years and always enjoyed sharing stories of his experiences. Clint made a lasting impact, bringing a humor and energy to the world that was unmatched and will never be forgotten. He will be profoundly missed by all who knew him, most deeply by his family to whom he meant the world.
Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, March 7th, 2025, at D***s Funeral Home, 2305 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso, IN 46385 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Additional visitation will be on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at D***s Funeral Home, from 10:00 am until the Funeral Service at 11:00 am. Procession to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Clint's name to the American Cancer Society, donate.cancer.org; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, stjude.org/donate.
Arrangements made by D***s Funeral Home, Inc., Valparaiso IN, (219) 462-3125.

01/23/2025

Michael J. Walsh
Valparaiso, IN

Michael J. Walsh, 83, of Valparaiso, IN, formerly of Chicago IL, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 17th. Michael was preceded in death by his beloved wife Kathleen (O'Donovan) Walsh. Michael is survived by his children, John (Jenny), Deb (James) Shepherd and Patrick (Melissa). Cherished Grandfather to Michael, Sean, Hannah (Evan, fiancé) and Liam. Devoted Uncle and Great Uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Michael is also preceded in death by his loving parents, the late John and Beulah, and his late sister Joanne (the late James) Schroeder.
Michael served his country with honor as a Private in the U.S. Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserves between 1958-1964.
Michael proudly served 38 years with the Chicago Fire Department, from which he retired as an Engineer in 2004. He was proud and honored to have made so many cherished friends and created so many fond memories through his years with the CFD.
Funeral Mass Friday January 24, 2025 10am at St. Paul Catholic Church (1855 Harrison Blvd. Valparaiso, IN), Viewing from 9am to 10am at the church, Rev. Rogue Meraz officiating. Burial at St. Paul Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Unity Hospice.
Funeral arrangements made by D***s Funeral Home 219-462-3125.

01/23/2025

Mary Jane Thomas
Valparaiso, IN

Mary Jane was born September 30, 1931 and passed away on January 21, 2025.
She was a lifetime resident of Valparaiso, IN, retired school teacher after 36 years with the Valparaiso school system, member of the First United Methodist Church, Tri Kappa, Late Eights Club, a graduate of Valparaiso High School, Indiana University and received her Master’s degree from Valparaiso University.
Survived by sons, Bill (Lori) Thomas, Brad (Krista) Thomas; granddaughter, Bella Thomas.
Preceded in death by husband, John (Jack) Thomas; parents, William M. and Mary L. (nee Jontz) Thomas.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso IN with Rev. Jared Kendall officiating.
Memorials may be made by donors’ choice
Funeral arrangements made by D***s Funeral Home, Inc. 219-462-3125.

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2305 Campbell Street
Valparaiso, IN
46385

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

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