Obituaries

Nov 28, 2023

Frederick H. Shearer, Jr. Rick is celebrating Christmas with his Lord and Savior, Jesus. He died on November 28 after a brief and courageous battle with liver cancer. From the moment he entered St. Joseph Hospital, he told friends and family that he was at peace and God was in control. Rick was born in South Bend, Indiana, to...

Nov 23, 2023

Valentin Bravo-Sanchez was born into Heaven on November 23, 2023. He is survived by his parents Fernando Bravo and Norma Sanchez and his siblings Fernando and Ximena Bravo-Sanchez, who had eagerly awaited his arrival, as well as his maternal grandparents Salvador Sanchez and Delia Hernandez, and his paternal grandparents, Fernando Bravo and Yara Lopez.

Although his time...

Nov 23, 2023

Faustino Jose Alcantara Caraballo, age 79 of Osceola, passed away at Memorial Hospital on Thursday, November 23, 2023.  He was born December 4, 1943, in Zulia, Venezuela to the late Jovito and Julia Carabello Alcantara.  On May 13, 1971 he married Irma Lopez Yajaira.

He is survived by his wife Irma Lopez and his children Faustino “Javier”...

Nov 18, 2023

Liliana Marie Gaona was born into Heaven on November 18, 2023.

Liliana’s arrival brought a sense of joy and anticipation into the lives of her parents, Edgar David and Emily Ruth (Peterson) Gaona and her big sisters Todriyana and Isabella Gaona, as well as her maternal grandparents Darrell and Leslie Peterson, and her paternal grandparents, Arturo and...

Nov 15, 2023

James Richard Byrnes II, 42, of Elkhart died unexpectedly the morning of November 15, 2023. He was born September 4, 1981, to Brian William, Sr. and Margaret Hester (Golden) Byrnes in Bristol, PA. On July 21, 2023, he married Lisa Samuel in Key West, FL.

She survives along with their children; James Byrnes III, Aubrie (Adam) Davies, ...

Nov 11, 2023

Cecil “Bus” Ray Kelver (96) passed away peacefully on November 11, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.  Bus was born in Osceola July 9, 1927, to William and Francis (Ray) Kelver.  One of five children, four boys and one sister (Kenneth, Leo, William and Kay “Cookie”). Bus never knew a stranger and always had a friend close by,

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Nov 9, 2023

Joseph “Joe” Douglas Mott, 62, of Osceola died peacefully at home, surrounded by family on November 9, 2023.

He was born in Flint, MI on July 19, 1961, to the late Thomas Edward and Gale (Johnson) Mott and married the love of his life, Tina Riffle in South Bend on June 28, 1986.

She survives...

Nov 2, 2023

Victor Dewane Bailey, age 60 of Bristol, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, November 2, 2023.  Dewane was born March 3, 1963, in Manchester, Tennessee.  He was employed for many years as a service technician in the RV industry throughout the Elkhart area.

He is survived by his parents, Bill R. and Donna (Pendleton) Bailey...

Nov 1, 2023

Edward N. Krutul Jr., age 65 of Elkhart, passed away November 1, 2023. Ed was born April 26, 1958, in Valparaiso, Indiana.  He was employed as a carpet layer and later worked for several factories in the Elkhart area.

Surviving are his children Josh Krutul of Orlando, Florida and Tiffany Harlacher of St. Petersburg, Florida. Ed is...

Oct 26, 2023

Thomas J. Haas, age 71 of Mishawaka, passed away October 26, 2023.  Tom was born January 3, 1952, in South Bend, Indiana to the late Joseph F. and Margaret A. (Foley) Haas.

Services will be private.

Cruz Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with his care.

Oct 25, 2023

Ethan Gurich, the son of Aaron Gurich and Kimberly (Cunningham) Shaw was born on October 26, 1989, passed away on October 25, 2023. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers Ray Gurich and Larry Cunningham. He is survived by his grandmothers Karen Gurich, Carol (Cunningham) Coop, and Judy Cunningham, Aaron (Reverie) Gurich, Kim (Jerry) Shaw, Robert (Ashley) Gurich,...

Oct 23, 2023

Steven Jay Manges, 67, of South Bend passed away peacefully in Mishawaka on October 23, 2023. He was born November 10, 1955, in Mishawaka, to the late Dean Manges and Betty (Bailey) Jones. Steve married his beloved wife Susie Feliciano on May 27, 2006. Their combined families gave Steve great joy. They held and attended many family parties and...

Oct 21, 2023

John P. Bennett, of Nappanee, was taken home to his Lord and Savior on Saturday, October, 21, 2023. He was born March 14, 1965, to the late George and Wildas Bennett, in Toledo Ohio. On September 1, 2012, he married his beloved bride, Cheryl Bontrager.

She survives, along with step-children Brittani (Josh) Harber of Noblesville, John (Alicia)...

Oct 20, 2023

Jason Lee Lillard, age 45 of Elkhart, passed away on October 20. 2023.  Jason was born October 27, 1977, to Arnold Dale Boggs and Faith Ann (Lillard) Baughman.  He was a graduate of Elkhart Central High School (Always a Blazer!!).  During his high school years, Jason worked for Lithotone of Elkhart, Indiana and following his graduation from Vincennes University...

Oct 20, 2023

Brogan Casey Oldfather, age 14 of Osceola, passed away Friday, October 20, 2023.  Brogan was born on May 22, 2009, in South Bend, Indiana to Steve and Jodi (Goon) Oldfather.

He is survived by his parents Jodi Oldfather of Mishawaka and Steve Oldfather of Osceola as well as his sister Teagan Oldfather. Also surviving are his grandparents...

Oct 14, 2023

Kirk D. Kenaga Sr., age 67 of Mishawaka, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 14, 2023.  Kirk was born April 26, 1956, in Elkhart, Indiana to the late Robert and Gwendolyn (Crume) Kenaga and was a graduate of Penn High School.  In July of 1984, Kirk married Patricia Schmitt.  They celebrated 38 years of marriage before Patti’s passing in...

Oct 12, 2023

Gerritt Lee Hunting, 84 of Osceola, IN entered heaven’s rest surrounded by family on Thursday, October 12, 2023.  Born in Mt. Pleasant, IA to the late Marvin and Grace (Siverly) Hunting, Gerritt later married his high school sweetheart, Mary Renee Henessee, in Mt. Pleasant on August 27, 1961.  They enjoyed a great life together over 62 years.

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Oct 12, 2023

Ruth Jean “Jeannie” Reppert, age 74, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 12, 2023, while surrounded by her family at her home in Mishawaka.  Jean was born December 9, 1948, in South Bend, Indiana to the late John and Velma (McCallister) Miller. She was a graduate of Adams High School, class of 1967 and on November...

Oct 11, 2023

Erika Dzidra Purviance, age 76 of Elkhart, formerly of North Carolina, passed away at her daughter Toni’s home in Elkhart on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Erika was born April 21, 1947, in Wuerzburg, Germany to the late Zanis and Anna (Dzidra) Pupols.

She is survived by her children Dawn (Scott) Nordman of Elkhart, Robert (Andrea) Harness of...

Oct 11, 2023

Russel Allan Thomas Sr., age 76, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at his home in Mishawaka.  Russ was born August 30, 1947, to the late Delmas and Evelyn (Hill) Thomas in South Bend, Indiana.  While at Riley High School, Russ met Karel Lee Miller and they were married on March 12, 1966.  They celebrated 53 years...