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

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Dykes Funeral Home, 2305 Campbell Street, Valparaiso, IN (2026)

01/22/2026

James Ellsworth
1941-2026

James Robert Ellsworth, 84, of Holland, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, following a brave battle against cancer.
Jim was born in 1941 in Lafayette, Indiana, son of the late Robert F. and Laura E. (Schuster) Ellsworth. He graduated from Marian University with a degree in Economics, received his MBA from Indiana University, along with continued post-graduate studies at Rutgers University. Jim served in the Indiana National Guard as a Chaplain's Assistant. Starting as a teenager collecting coins from bank branches, Jim had an exceptional life-long career as a community banker. He was especially proud of the years spent with Centier Bank, helping grow the business over his decades-long tenure. He served as a Council member on the Valparaiso City Council, and was honored with the Sagamore of the Wabash award in 1998 for his extraordinary contributions to the State of Indiana by late Governor Frank O'Bannon.
His entire life, Jim was a craftsman and maker, an architect of tree forts and doll houses, an artisan of furniture and stained- glass windows, and eventually becoming an award-winning wood turner. Upon retirement, Jim and his dearly loved late wife Diana Ellsworth captained their boat for six months on The Great Loop - the continuous waterway that includes part of the Atlantic, Gulf Intracoastal Waterways, the Great Lakes, Canadian Heritage Canals, and the inland rivers of the Midwest. He was a dedicated volunteer, and a loud and proud Democrat. He loved playing bridge with his dear partner Mary Essling, researching strategies and traveling to tournaments. His biggest amusement was watching his grandchildren grow up, traveling around the country for their birthdays and graduations.
Loving father to Scott (Melissa) Ellsworth, Laura Ellsworth (Josh Chicoine), and Chris (Kristyn) Ellsworth; brother to Joyce (Steve) Brooke, David (Becky) Ellsworth, Debra (Pat) Hrdy, and Susan (Marvin) Reeves (deceased); cherished grandfather to Max, Zoe, Nina, Sylvie, Watson, Avery and Cora; and beloved partner to Mary Essling.
A funeral service at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W. Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso, IN will be held on Thursday, January 22, at 10:00 AM CST, with visitation at 9:00 AM. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of James Ellsworth can be made to Habitat for Humanity.
Arrangements made by D***s Funeral Home, Inc., Valparaiso IN, 219-462-3125.

01/22/2026

Dana Duane Downing
Apr 2, 1931 - Jan 8, 2026

Dana Duane Downing, 94, longtime resident of Valparaiso, Indiana. Passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026 in Brooklyn, Ohio. He was born on April 2, 1931, to Dana Dymond and Lelah Melvin Downing in Willoughby, Ohio.
Downing grew up in the Fulton, NY area, where he was a member of the Fulton High School class of 1948. He received his associate degree in food science/technology from Morrisville (NY) College. He then went into the Army Security Agency of the U.S Military. Upon discharge he enrolled in the University of Georgia's food science and technology program. Downing received his B.S. degree from UGA in 1957 and his M.S. in Food Technology in 1958. He also did post graduate work at the Ohio State University as well as attended several courses sponsored by the American Management Association. He married Patricia Lott, Hamlet, NC. On December 21, 1957 in Athens, GA.
During his career, he worked for Clinton Corn Processing Co. a division of Standard Brands, Clinton, IA. Diamond Crystal Salt Col, St. Clair, MI, Keever Starch Co., Columbus, Ohio, ADM, Minneapolis, MN and Anheuser Busch, St. Louis. In 1975 he joined American Maize Products, Whiting, IN and retired in 1996 as a general manager of a new venture product, cyclodextrins.
He was predeceased in death by his twin brother, Donald L. Downing, and an infant son, Drew Duane Downing. Surviving are his beloved wife of 68 years, Patricia; three awesome children, Donna Conway (Jonathan), Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Dana Dymond Downing II (Mary Kelley), Strongsville, Ohio, and Deborah Pettenuzzo, Joliet, Ill.; and 13 loved grandchildren, David, Scott, and Lelah Conway, Christian, Jacob, Noah, and Gabriel Downing, and Jessica, Alexandra, Michaela, Andrew, and Daniel Pettenuzzo, and Mateusz Pianiazek.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to; Pines Village, 3303 Pines Village Circle, Valparaiso, IN 46385, Valparaiso University, Chapel Dr., Valparaiso, IN 46383.
Arrangements made by D***s Funeral Home, (219-462-3125), 2305 Campbell St., Valparaiso, IN 46385.

01/07/2026

Mary Ann Joyce
1969 - 2026

Born on June 1, 1969 in Klamath Falls, Oregon and passed away at 56 years old. Preceded in death by parents Joseph and Charmaine Joyce. Survived by brother Patrick Joyce of Valparaiso and Charmaine McGee of Indianapolis. Loving aunt to John and Jason Sawa. Mary Ann was loved by all who met her. She was always ready and willing with the biggest smile and best hugs. She enjoyed her early years at Self School in Valparaiso. She later became a professional clown with her mother. Also want to recognize Providence Hospice in Merrillville, Indiana for their loving support and kindness in her last few months. We are at peace knowing Mary Ann is in the arms of our heavenly father and has been rejoined with Mom and Dad. Their sweet angel is back together with them for all eternity. I am certain she is smiling her biggest and best smile ever. Viewing on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 11am - 12pm at D***s Funeral Home at 2305 N Campbell Street in Valparaiso. Funeral Service to follow at 12pm at D***s Funeral Home on January 9, 2026. Father Douglas Mayer Officiating. Burial Ridge Lawn Cemetery in Gary, Indiana. Arrangements by D***s Funeral Home. 219-462-3125.

12/29/2025

Martha Galvan
1943-2025

Martha Galvan, age 82 of Valparaiso IN, passed away on December 26, 2025 surrounded by her dear family in the loving care of the VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana. She was born November 28, 1943 in Venado, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Martha was the beloved daughter of the late parents, Jose N. and Aurora Galvan-Silva; dearest sister of the late Filiberto (Celina) Galvan, the late Maria Cristina (late Jose D.) Vega, Rosa (late Carlos) Villarreal, Jose A.
(Maria Elena Martinez) Galvan, Margarita Galvan and the late Luis (Florantina) Galvan; adored and unforgettable aunt, survived by her treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. During Martha's professional career, many knew her as a dedicated Hyde Park salon owner, hairdresser and friend. It was her deep Catholic faith and generosity to the less fortunate that she was most known for. Martha was deeply loved by her family and will be missed very much. Visitation for Martha will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at D***s Funeral Home, 2305 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso IN. A Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 3 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W. Harrison Blvd.,
Valparaiso IN. Interment, Holy Cross Cemetery, Calumet City IL. Arrangements made by D***s Funeral Home, Inc., Valparaiso IN, 219-462-3125.

12/24/2025

Patrick Thomas Durkin

(2000-2025) - With Profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our son Patrick T. Durkin, age 25, on December 20, 2025.
From the moment he entered this world, Patrick taught those around him the deepest meaning of love, patience and resilience.
After a courageous life journey with Zellweger syndrome, Patrick's presence was a gift that forever changed the hearts of his family and all who knew him.
He was deeply loved and will always be remembered for the light he brought into these lives of so many.
Patrick is survived by his mother, Kathleen Hayes; father, Patrick Durkin; stepmother, Aom Durkin; sisters, Riley Hayes and Emilie Durkin; brother, Daniel Hayes; and grandmothers, Leanor Bandura and Janet Durkin Max. He is also lovingly remembered by many aunts, uncles and cousins who adored him and held him close to their hearts.
A memorial service will be held at D***s Funeral Home, 2305 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso, IN on Saturday, December 27, 2025. Open visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:30 am with a prayer service immediately following at 11:30 am. Funeral procession to Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso IN.
Patrick's spirit will live on in the memories, hearts and lives he touched.
Arrangements made by D***s Funeral Home, Inc., Valparaiso IN, 219-462-3125.

12/15/2025

Janice Rae Reynolds
1949-2025

Janice Rae Reynolds, 76, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in Valparaiso – a city that she proudly called home her entire life.
Born in 1949 to Ray and Genevieve (Jean) Selman, Janice grew up with a love for family and community. She attended Union Township and St. Paul’s Catholic Elementary School before graduating from Andrean High School in 1967. A year later, she married and soon began her journey as a mother, welcoming a daughter and a son.
Janice was never afraid of hard work. After working in her parents’ restaurant and ice cream trucks, and later at Bethlehem Steel, she built a long and successful career at IIC/CSI in Valparaiso, starting as a key punch operator and retiring as an Administrative Assistant.
Life brought changes, and after her first marriage ended, Janice found the love of her life, Darrell Reynolds. Together, they built a blended family, adding two more daughters and two more sons to her heart.
Janice was the kind of person who made life better for those around her. She was a talented cook who loved to feed the people she cared about. She loved a good card game, never backed down from a Scrabble or Bananagram challenge, and had a laugh that could brighten a room. She loved people-watching, enjoyed a good casino win, and cherished every moment spent with her family. Her greatest happiness came from her “grandbabies,” who were at the center of her heart and the reason for her biggest smiles.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Kenneth Selman. Janice leaves behind her loving husband, Darrell L. Reynolds; children Tina (Darryl) Pruitt, Stacey (Rick) Ehlers, Darrell Jr.(April) Reynolds, Donna (Scott) Groves, Danny (Michele) Reynolds, and Shannon (Jennifer) Combs; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; her sister Ruth (Jack) Potter; sister-in-law Linda Selman, and many dear nieces, nephews and friends.
A Memorial Mass will be held Monday, December 15, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Valparaiso. Interment at St. Paul’s Cemetery will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Our Lady of Sorrows Parish.

11/26/2025

Doris "Deanie" Janjecic
Mar 11, 1943 - Nov 16, 2025

Valparaiso, IN - Doris Deane Janjecic, 82, passed away on November 16, 2025, in Valparaiso, Indiana. Deanie was born on March 11, 1943, in Gary, Indiana, to Emil and Bessie Bradon. She attended Lew Wallace High School (Class of 1961), graduated from Indiana State University, where she was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority, and attained a master's degree from Indiana University. Deanie was an English and French high school teacher for many years in the Gary and Portage school systems. She also taught college English courses.
Deanie enjoyed reading, traveling, attending concerts, volunteering, and time with her grand pugs, family, and friends. Deanie traveled to Europe several times and visited many states and national parks. She loved the French language and culture.
Deanie was preceded in death by her parents and husband, George Janjecic. Deanie is survived by her daughter, Dr. Marcy Jance; grand pups, Bugsy and Freddy; sister, Marsha (Jack) Sisson; brother-in-law, James Bagaloff, many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Deanie was a wonderful wife, mother, family member, volunteer, and friend. She will be missed.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W. Harrison Blvd, Valparaiso, Indiana. Family and friends may gather beginning at 9 a.m., with a Catholic mass to follow at 10 a.m., Fr. Roque Meraz officiating. Luncheon will be held after services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Share Foundation (www.sharefoundation.org), or St. Agnes Adult Day Service (www.stagnesvalpo.org). Deanie was strong supporter of both organizations.
Arrangements made by D***s Funeral Home, Inc., Valparaiso, IN, 219-462-3125.

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

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.

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.

Dykes Funeral Home

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