Jackson Funeral Chapels, 250 N McKinley Avenue, Rensselaer, IN (2026)

09/04/2026

Harley Gibson Jr., age 77, formerly of Lake Village, Indiana, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2026, in Francesville, Indiana.
Harley was born January 16, 1949, in Rensselaer, Indiana, to Harley Gibson Sr. and Betty (Menser) Gibson. He graduated from Mount Ayr High School with the Class of 1966 and proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Navy Seabees.

In 1969, Harley married Karen Lomax Gibson in Rensselaer. They shared many good years together until her passing. He worked throughout his life as a truck driver, diesel truck mechanic, and farmer. He loved the outdoors and spent his free time fishing, hunting, camping, woodworking, and gardening. He had a green thumb and took great pride in his gardens. His daughter will always remember the beautiful sunflowers he planted every year.

Harley had a big personality and was well-loved wherever he went. He made friends easily, enjoyed a good conversation, and could often be found outside with a cup of coffee in hand.
Harley’s daughter, Shari, was deeply loved by her dad, and she loved him just as much. Some of her most treasured memories are the times they spent together making something out of nothing—working side by side and creating things together.

Harley dearly loved his grandchildren, Karley and Jaydon, and was very proud of them. In his later years, he was especially delighted by his great-grandchildren, Braelyn, Emilia, and Elias. He was especially looking forward to meeting the...

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08/28/2026

Timothy Schwanke, age 62, of Jonesboro, Indiana, formerly of Hebron, Indiana, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Born on August 19, 1964, in Valparaiso, Indiana, Timothy was the son of Leland and Eileen (Starastu) Schwanke. He graduated from Hebron High School with the Class of 1982 and went on to attend both Indiana University and Purdue University.

Timothy proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps for eight years. During his time in the Marines, he served in air traffic control and attained the rank of Sergeant. He was also a former member of Hebron Christian Church.

Timothy will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Eileen Schwanke; his siblings, Dave (Jan) Schwanke, Ronald (Beth) Schwanke, and Laura (the late Tom) Oxley; nephews, David Lee, Matthew, and Ronald Jr.; and great-nieces and great-nephews, Ella, Whitaker, Miller, Olsen, and Arlo.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leland Schwanke; brother-in-law, Tom Oxley; and grandparents, Earl and Ada Schwanke and Joe and Ann Starastu.

A graveside service will be held at DeMotte Cemetery on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 2:00 PM. Private family viewing beginning at 1:00 PM.

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08/27/2026

Delores K. Heemstra, 84, of Wheatfield, Indiana, entered the presence of her Savior on August 25, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with vascular dementia. She was born on May 30, 1942, to the late Theodore and Marie (Fase) Prince.

Delores married the love of her life, Frank Heemstra, on November 20, 1965. Together, they built a life filled with family and many memories until his passing in December 2015.

She was a loving mother to Rich (Tabby) Heemstra of Rensselaer, Indiana, and Jill (Scott) DeBruin of Denton, Texas. She was a proud grandmother to Bailey (Tyler) Bogaard, Jon DeBruin, Christian (Kyra) DeBruin, Devin Heemstra, and Kara DeBruin, and a great-grandmother to her only great-grandchild, Noelle.

Delores loved Jesus and openly shared her faith with everyone she interacted with. She could often be found singing hymns, reading her Bible, volunteering at First Church, and spreading the joy of the Lord wherever she went. Her faith was not just simply something she talked about; it was a part of the way she lived her life and loved others.

Delores was full of life and had a personality that was impossible to miss. She was loud, joyful, and never met a stranger. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and was quick to strike up a conversation with just about anyone she met. She enjoyed playing in softball and volleyball leagues, bowling, singing, antiquing, arts and crafts, gardening, puzzles, and making blankets. She found joy...

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08/26/2026

Diane Kaiser, age 81, of DeMotte, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, surrounded by the comfort of home and the love of her family.

Born on December 8, 1944, in Danville, Illinois, Diane was the daughter of Paul and Pauline “Bonnie” (Crose) James. She graduated from Crown Point High School with the Class of 1963. On February 17, 1968, Diane married the love of her life, Dennis Kaiser, and they shared 58 years of marriage together. Dennis survives.

Diane spent many years caring for and assisting patients and their families at St. Anthony Hospital in Crown Point. She was a woman with many unique interests and a heart for giving. She had a special love for flags and generously supported Indian schools. Diane also had a wonderful knowledge and appreciation for flowers and plants, taking great joy in tending to them and watching them grow. She especially enjoyed spending time in her kitchen, cooking for the people she loved.

Diane’s greatest joy was her family. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Dennis Kaiser; her daughter, Allison (Brian) Coslet; grandchildren, Austin (Sarah) Kaiser and Amanda (Jack) Coslet; and great-grandchildren, Maylene, Jenna, and Major. She is also survived by her brother, Bob (Becky) James, along with numerous cousins and dear friends.

Diane will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, but her memory will live on in the family she cherished and the many lives she touched...

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08/18/2026

Mary Wanetta Myers, age 99, of DeMotte, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 17, 2026, with her family by her side.

Mary was born on December 6, 1926, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to Glen and Bertha (Harris) Cormican. She married Albert Myers in 1955 in Terre Haute. In 1976, Mary and Albert moved to DeMotte, where they raised their three children. Albert preceded her in death in 1982.
Mary worked in customer service at IGA Grocery Store and JCPenney. She was a dedicated member of the Church of Christ and continued attending services while living at the nursing home.

Mary enjoyed flowers and gardening, crocheting, and spending time with her family. She never missed a birthday and always made an effort to celebrate those she loved. She also enjoyed going out to eat at Red Lobster, especially for the cheddar biscuits and fisherman’s platter.

Mary is survived by her children, Connie (Robert) Wildrick, Phillip Myers, and Robert (Charlene) Myers; three grandchildren, Nachole (Derek) Cavinder, Michael Davis, and Kyle Myers; and two great-grandchildren, Chloe and Caleb Cavinder.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; her parents; and her siblings, Denzil Cormican, Vera Kitchen, Betty Devine, and Barbara Hylman.

Family and friends may gather at Jackson Funeral Service of DeMotte on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m., with Pastor Daniel Thomason officiating. Interment will follow at DeMotte Cemetery.

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08/13/2026

Nickolos “Nick” L. Hamer, age 82, of Rensselaer, Indiana, passed away on August 11, 2026, at IU Health Lafayette.

Nick was born on September 2, 1944, in Rensselaer, Indiana, to Robert L. Hamer and Mary Ann (Trudeau) Hamer. He graduated from Rensselaer High School with the Class of 1963 and later graduated from DeVry University.

On August 13, 1969, Nick married Susan J. Lesh in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, and she survives.

Nick worked as a business tech for the former United Telephone Company before his retirement. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam conflict. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, American Legion Post #29, and VFW Post #1279.

Nick enjoyed traveling to Canada each year to fish with his friends and later shared that passion with his grandchildren. Above all, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who treasured spending time with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Susan Hamer; his children, Jason (Jen) Hamer of Morris, Illinois, and Nicole (Brian) Zacher of Rensselaer, Indiana; his grandchildren, Madeline Hamer, Zack Hamer, Jackson Zacher, and Drew Zacher; and his siblings, Doug (Adele) Hamer of St. Charles, Louisiana, and Elizabeth Ellrich of Rensselaer, Indiana.

In accordance with Nick’s wishes, no services will be held at this time. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer.

Nick will be remembered as a devoted family...

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08/07/2026

Mark Anthony Heinig Jr. passed away Saturday, August 1, in Kokomo, IN. He is leaving behind a profound legacy of education, storytelling, and deep devotion to his family. A lifelong educator, Mark dedicated his career to shaping young minds and fostering deep connections with his students.

He began in the classroom teaching High School German and History before stepping into leadership roles as a principal at Lafayette Central Catholic, Rensselaer Central Highs School and within the Evansville Catholic Schools. Guided by his true passion for teaching, he later returned to the classroom to teach middle school German, ultimately retiring in the early 2000s. As a long-standing German Club sponsor, Mark loved sharing the German culture, famously teaching students how to polka and leading several immersive trips to Germany. Beyond the classroom, Mark was a man of words and of history.

An avid writer, his work was featured in various publications, most recently as insightful editorials in the Kokomo Tribune, where he championed educational issues and common sense. His family roots ran deep into the railroad industry of Terre Haute, Indiana, and he could spend hours enthusiastically detailing the history of the city and the stories that ran along the tracks. Mark was a captivating storyteller with a legendary sense of style. His family will forever cherish the memory of a late-1970s Fourth of July pool party, where Mark made an unforgettable entrance...

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08/04/2026

Krystal Renee Cappelli, 24, of Brimley, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on
Thursday, July 30, 2026. She was born on August 22, 2001, in Charlevoix, Michigan, to Ron and Dawn
Grubaugh.

On June 20, 2026, Krystal married the love of her life, Dante Joseph Cappelli, in
Brimley. They were madly in love with each other, and enjoyed spending time with their
four-legged babies, Maverick, Goose, and Mabel. Krystal especially cherished caring for
her plants, and she had a special place in her heart for rescues.

Krystal was a 2019 graduate of Boyne City High School and attended Lake Superior
State University. She was employed as a veterinary technician, a career that perfectly
reflected her compassionate nature and love for animals of all kinds.

She enjoyed playing softball and was very competitive even at a simple game of UNO.
Although her life was far too short, Krystal had just recently begun an exciting new
chapter as a newlywed. She was looking forward to being an aunt, and one day
becoming a mother herself. She had a heart full of love, kindness, and compassion for
everyone she met.

Surviving are her loving husband Dante Cappelli of Brimley; her parents Ron and Dawn
Grubaugh; her sister Melissa (Tanner) Grubaugh of Benzonia, MI; her parents-in-law, Amy
and Fiore Cappelli; brother-in-law Fiore Steven Cappelli; grandmother-in-law Rosa
Paradiso; grandparents-in-law Duane and Debbie Piche; her Uncle Milton (Samantha) Grubaugh; Aunt-in-law Grace;...

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08/03/2026

Vivian Joyce Mansfield, 92, of Rensselaer, Indiana, passed away peacefully. Known affectionately to all as "Joyce," she was a beloved wife, daughter, and dedicated worker within her community.

Joyce was born on March 11, 1934, in Rensselaer, Indiana, to the late Edward Zickmund and Gertrude (nee Brunton) Zickmund. She grew up in the area and was a proud graduate of the Rensselaer Central High School class of 1952. On June 10, 2015, Joyce wed Claude "Slow" Mansfield, who preceded her in death.

A woman of strong work ethic, Joyce spent several years operating her own business as a self-employed housekeeper. She was also a dedicated employee at the Permonite Factory in Morocco, Indiana. Outside of work, Joyce was an avid bird lover who found great joy in watching and caring for nature's creatures.

A graveside service will be held at Memory Gardens Cemetery of Rensselaer, IN on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 10:30 AM CST. Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer has been entrusted with the handling of services.

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08/03/2026

Patricia Strayer, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away with the love of her life by her side on August 3 at the age of 75.

Patricia was a 1969 graduate of Morton High School and a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana. Patricia and Jim were married for over 55 years, and Jim remained by her side until she was called home. Patricia’s life was defined by the love she had for her family and the relationships she treasured throughout her life. She was a loving mother to Douglas, Rebecca, and Andrew, and a proud grandmother to Annmarie, Stephen, Emily, Aubrey, Ava, and Colin.

Her family will always remember her beautiful smile. She loved playing games, cheering on the Chicago Bulls, traveling, spending time on her boat, and sharing stories about her children with her grandchildren. She leaves behind countless memories that will continue to bring smiles, laughter, and comfort to all who loved her.

She is survived by her beloved husband, James; her children, Douglas (Melissa) Strayer and Rebecca Strayer; her grandchildren, Annmarie Garcia, Stephen Garcia, Emily Mick, Aubrey Mick, Ava Strayer, and Colin Strayer; her great-grandchildren, Cyris, Emmit, and Damian; her sisters, Annie (Tom) and Jenny; and many other family members and friends who were fortunate to share in her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Andrew Strayer; and her sisters, Sandy, Donna, and Sharon.

Patricia’s...

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