Dykes Funeral Home

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

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.

01/14/2025

Rebecca Sue West

Rebecca Sue (Fieldbinder) West, 70, of Valparaiso went to be with her Lord in Heaven on Saturday, January 11, 2025.
Becky, as most friends and family know her, was born to parents Robert and Shirley (Rowe) Fieldbinder on May 25, 1954 in Champaign, IL. She grew up in Urbana where she graduated high school, attended beauty school, and met the love of her life, Gary D. West. They were married in 1974.
Soon after getting married, Becky and Gary moved to Hobart, IN and shortly after that settled in Valparaiso, IN. There, she fulfilled her life’s dream of being a mother to four children and eventually grandma to nine grandchildren. She was the best at both of those roles! Becky was an active member of Liberty Bible Church, loved to sing, was an avid quilter, as well as a joyful tap dancer. Her family was always blessed and excited to be treated to one of her creative and delicious birthday cakes!
She is survived by her husband Gary, four children Justin (Lexy) of Munster, IN, Joshua (Kristy) of Valparaiso, IN, Lauren (Brian) Poncsak of Valparaiso, IN and Leslie (Eddie) Lareau of Valparaiso, IN, nine beautiful grandchildren: Adeline, Gwendolyn, Ronald, James (JD), Harper, Kamden, Hudson, Logan and Garrett, her two sisters Cindy (George) Hubert of Fairmount, IL and Amy (David) Tomasko of Columbus, OH, as well as several nieces and nephews, and many, many friends. She was preceded in passing by her parents and sister Bobbi Jean Gudgel.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 16 from 5-7pm at D***s Funeral Home in Valparaiso, IN. Funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, January 17 at 11am.

Ronald E. Erdelac, age 77, returned to his heavenly home on December 23, 2024. Ron is survived by his children - Dana (E...
12/26/2024

Ronald E. Erdelac, age 77, returned to his heavenly home on December 23, 2024. Ron is survived by his children - Dana (Ed) Malone, Jeff Erdelac (Kayla Shelton), and Ryan (Melissa) Erdelac. Also surviving are Ron’s grandchildren - Clara, Nolan, Finn, Elliot Erdelac, Stacy (Brett) Carney, and his great-grandchildren - Isabelle, Knox, Will and Cole Carney. His close family also includes brothers-in-law Frank Fransioli (Eileen McGinnity), Bob (Sandra) Fransioli, and sister-in-law, Dianna Erdelac and several nieces and nephews. Ronald was also dearly loved by Sandy Belancin. He’s preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Kathleen, his parents, Matthew and Michaeline, and brother, Don Erdelac.

Ron relished being the life of the party, lively times, and especially his Florida birthday celebrations, affectionately deemed “Ronniepalooza.” He was known for his ability to banter, connect, and the gift of the gab. This served him well when selling cars at Paul Sur or appliances at Sears. He absolutely loved sealing a deal during his working years and beyond, which he amusingly referred to as “clubbing a baby seal.” Ronald also played many hours of pickleball with a supportive, cherished group of friends he found joy with on and off the courts. He was powered by sunshine, which was evidenced by his year-round deep glow. He was a big fan of a snazzy, layered outfit and his playful motto, “It’s better to look good than to feel good.” He touched the lives of many with his warmth, one-liners, light heartedness, and an endless supply of $2 bills. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

A memorial mass will be held at Nativity Catholic Church in Portage on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 11:00AM. There will be a visitation 10:00-11:00AM, December 28 at Nativity Church preceding his mass, and additionally a celebration of life at Peddler’s Pizza in Valparaiso from 1:00-5:00PM where family friends are welcome to gather in remembrance of Ron. Rather than flowers, his family requests sharing your favorite Ronnie story to this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gPmJqkMzay6GkYYsQNwSKQg1NVyKUuiVadeIq8FvPXE/edit?pli=1&tab=t.0 so his kids and grandkids can read and remember in the years to come.

 

12/11/2024

Daniel "Dan" Gottschling
Mar 30, 1960 - Dec 7, 2024

VALPARAISO, IN - Daniel "Dan" Gottschling, age 64, passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024, surrounded by his wife, daughter and son. Born on March 30, 1960, in Gary, IN, to the late Daniel G., Sr. and Irene (nee Morris) Gottschling.
Dan grew up in Valparaiso, IN, attended Immanuel Lutheran School and was a 1979 graduate of Valparaiso High School. He was a tireless master woodworker and cabinet maker residing in Wanatah, IN, for over 20 years. Dan had a great sense of humor, good hearted, saw the best in everyone he knew and loved and cherished every dog.
Survived by wife, Mona (nee Briggs) Gottschling; children, Shaina Gottschling and Daniel Johnston; grandchildren, Benjamin, Blakeley and Baileigh; sister, Nancy (Tom) Buttny; and many devoted friends.
Preceded in death by parents.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1700 N. Monticello Park Dr., Valparaiso, IN. Pastor Andrew Fields officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Porter County Animal Shelter or the American Lung Association.
Arrangements made by D***s Funeral Home, Inc., Valparaiso, IN, (219) 462-3125

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Valparaiso, IN

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