Obituaries Archives for 2026-06

Deborah A. Mansfield

Deborah A. Mansfield, November 8, 1947 - May 28, 2026.
Deborah A. Mansfield, 78, of Michiana Shores, Indiana, passed away Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 5:17 p.m. at Powers Health Community Hospital in Munster, Indiana.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral chapel.
She was born November 8, 1947, in Niles, Michigan, to the late Jack and Vera (Gridley) Slate. On November 16, 1984, she married Michael Mansfield, who preceded her in death.
Deborah is survived by her son, Jason Hinman of Ogden Dunes, Indiana; her stepsons, Brad & Ryan Mansfield; four beloved grandchildren, Mia Hinman, Parker Hinman, Jack Hinman, and Davis Mansfield; sister, Linda (George) Wegener of Buchanan, Michigan; brother, Dee Slate. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Michael.
A devoted registered nurse, Deborah dedicated many years of her life to caring for others through her work at Methodist Hospital. Her compassion, kindness, and commitment to helping those in need left a lasting impression on the many patients, families, and coworkers whose lives she touched throughout her career. 
Deborah loved spending time at the beach and relaxing with a good book. Nearly every Friday night she would cook dinner and watch movies with her grandson, Jack, creating memories that will be treasured by her family for years to come.
More than anything, Deborah cherished the time she spent with her grandchildren. Whether volunteering at their school, traveling on overnight volleyball tournament trips, or torturing Mia and Parker into holiday crafts, her family was the center of her life. She took great pride in her grandchildren and found immense happiness in watching them grow and succeed.
To sign the guest book or leave online condolences, please visit
www.otthaverstock.com.

Austin Michael VanAsdall

Austin Michael VanAsdall, age 22, passed away tragically as a result of an accident in La Porte County on Saturday evening, May 30, 2026.

Born in Elkhart County, Indiana, on December 6, 2003, Austin was the beloved son of Michael P. VanAsdall and Korei (Comeno) VanAsdall. He graduated from New Prairie High School in 2022, where he proudly played football during his freshman and sophomore years. In his younger years, he also enjoyed playing Little League Baseball.

Austin was an outdoorsman at heart and found peace and happiness in fishing whenever he could. He was an avid gamer who loved spending time playing Apex, Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Pokémon. He also enjoyed learning to work on cars and often spent time thinking about his future, making plans, and dreaming about what was ahead.

Above all else, Austin loved his family deeply. He had a tender heart and a special way of making sure the people he cared about always knew it. Whether by phone call or text message, he never ended a conversation without saying, “I love you.” Those words will forever remain a treasured memory to all who knew and loved him.

Austin will be dearly missed by his parents, Michael VanAsdall (Whitney) and Korei VanAsdall; his grandparents, David and Cindy VanAsdall, Eric and Laura Comeno, and Gary and Bonnie Hunsley; his siblings, Wyatt, Emma, Ryland, and Lundin; his girlfriend, Michaela Ingole; along with many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

Austin was preceded in death by his grandmother, Carolyn Rosenbaum, who passed away in 2021.

A Celebration of Austin’s Life will be held at Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM. The celebration will provide an opportunity for all who knew and loved Austin to come together, share memories, and honor his life. In accordance with the family's wishes, the gathering will conclude following the celebration, and no formal funeral service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or New Day Foundation.

 

Gayle Briggs Martyn

Gayle Briggs Martyn, 87, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at StoryPoint Senior Living in Chesterton, IN.

Gayle was born on January 15, 1939, to James Gaylen and Elsie Briggs. As the oldest of five children, she was raised on the family farm outside of Marshalltown, Iowa. She graduated as an RN from Methodist Kahler School of Nursing in Rochester, Minnesota, in 1960. Seeking a new adventure, she moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and met the love of her life, Mike Martyn. They celebrated 55 years of marriage after being married in a Lutheran Chapel in Ann Arbor on August 26, 1967. They started their family in Detroit, raising children, Lynn and Matt, in Pittsford, New York, and then Troy, Michigan.

Gayle had a lifelong dedication to healing and helping people. She had a full and varied nursing career, also serving as a childbirth educator and finally, a healing touch practitioner. In an entrepreneurial shift, she also became a consultant for seasonal color analysis. Gayle infused all of her interactions with her offbeat sense of humor, childlike curiosity, and enthusiasm for connecting with people.

Gayle's pastimes included music, art, gardening, travel, and walks. Gayle very much had a green thumb, tending her vegetable garden, which Mike would till every spring, bringing the kids berry picking, and canning strawberry jam and pickled beets.

Gayle shared a love of music with Mike. Together they enjoyed their season tickets at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra concerts with friends. Gayle sang in the church choir and was adept at playing both the accordion and piano.

Throughout her life, Gayle was an influential role model for her children, demonstrating an unquenchable zest for learning new skills. Ever creative, one of Gayle's joys was participating in a watercolor painting course she organized at StoryPoint. Lynn and Matteo have framed several of her beautiful pieces in their home in Italy.

Gayle had a lifelong commitment to the Christian faith. She attended the Lutheran Church of the Master in Troy for decades. Becoming "born again" was a revelatory moment in her life and later a guide in surviving lung cancer for over 37 years.
Gayle was preceded in death by her husband, Mike; parents; brothers, Robert and John; and sister, Janet.

Gayle is survived by her children, Lynn Michelle Martyn and Matthew (Andrea) James Martyn; two beloved grandchildren, Matteo James and Russet James; sister, Debra (David) Patterson; sister-in-law, Susan Martyn; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Chesterton United Methodist Church, 424 S. 2nd Street, Chesterton, IN 46304.

If Gayle were signing off on this obituary, it would certainly be to wish you "love and blessings" as she closed all her messages and letters.

Condolences may be shared online at www.cutlercares.com.

Patrick Joseph Dedic

Patrick Joseph Dedic, 27, of La Porte, IN, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
He was born on September 18, 1998, in Chicago, IL, to Jerry Dedic and Paula Getautas.
Patrick is survived by his mother, Paula Getautas of La Porte; father, Jerry Dedic of IL; siblings, Jerry Dedic Jr. of Valparaiso, Corey Dedic of Crown Point, Taylor Dedic of Valparaiso, and Joseph Dedic of La Porte; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Joseph and Paula Getautas; paternal grandmother, Francis Dedic; and paternal grandfather, Ervin Sicas.
Patrick loved SpongeBob and Woody from Toy Story, but SpongeBob was his favorite! He enjoyed playing puzzles on his iPad, sorting colors, stacking cups, swimming, bowling, and watching fireworks. Patrick was a fan of strawberry swirl ice cream, donuts and cookies with sprinkles, and McDonald's chicken nuggets followed by "Mommy pop" to drink.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
A time of visitation will be held from 1 p.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Cremation will take place following the service.
Memorial donations may be made to the family c/o Paula Getautas, 2900 Monroe Street, La Porte, IN 46350, or to the donor's choice.
Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.

Darrell Y. Cleek

Darrell Y. Cleek, October 6, 1948 - May 28, 2026.
Darrell Y. Cleek, 77, of Michigan City, Indiana, passed away Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 4:11 pm in his home.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, IN, is handling arrangements.
He was born October 6, 1948, in Halls, TN, to the late Alvin and Vinnie (Ables) Cleek. On April 4, 1970, in Michigan City, IN, he married Carol Schuman, who survives in Michigan City, IN. 
Also surviving are two sons, Michael (Angie) Cleek and Paul (Nicole) Cleek, both of La Porte, IN; eleven grandchildren, Lindsey (David) Nemitz, Dakota (Brittany) Cleek, Jordin Margraf, Austin (Samantha) Margraf, Logan (Kaylee) Margraf, Dallas (Rachel) Cleek, Mikayla (Jacob) Cleek, Ashley Cleek, Audrey Drink, Kalib (Joslyn) Hunsley and Kaylon Hunsley; 14 great-grandchildren; and two brothers, William (Julie) Cleek of Union Mills, IN, and Andrew (Diane) Cleek of Union Mills, IN.
He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Candice Hunsley; and three sisters, Bea Painter, Brenda Baker and Debbie Thompson.
Darrell was a fabricator at Jet Fabricators and a U.S. Army Veteran. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Michigan City, and he enjoyed fishing, riding motorcycles, working on cars, and spending time at Kentucky Lake.
Contributions may be made to the family of Darrell Cleek, c/o Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, IN 46360.
To sign a guest book and leave condolences online, visit our website at
www.otthaverstock.com.

Dale M. Kilgore

Dale M. Kilgore, December 27, 1948 - May 29, 2026.
Dale M. Kilgore, 77, of Michigan City, Indiana, passed away Friday, May 29, 2026, at 8:47 am in Franciscan Health - Michigan City.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1506 Washington Street, Michigan City, IN, with  Rev. Walter Ciesla officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 am - 10:00 am, Wednesday at the church. The Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Michigan City, IN, is handling arrangements.
He was born December 27, 1948, in La Porte, IN, to the late William and Catherine (Sullivan) Kilgore. On November 15, 1986, in Michigan City, IN, he married Brenda Johnson, who survives in Michigan City, IN.
Also surviving are three daughters, Kelly Racek of Michigan City, IN, Caitlin (Bill Ayers) Kilgore of La Porte, IN, and Kelsey Kilgore of Michigan City, IN; son, Michael (Jessica) Kilgore of Michigan City, IN; six grandchildren, Adam, Lorelei, Masen, Luke, Logan and Camren; and his two sisters, Mary Ann Kilgore and Kimberly Kilgore, both of Oceanside, CA.
Dale retired as a quality controller at TP Orthodontics and also had worked at Michiana Industries. He was a member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, Michigan City, IN. Dale enjoyed hiking, nature, watching programs about Bigfoot, and was an avid history buff.
Contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus Campaign, 1506 Washington
St., Michigan City, IN 46360.
To sign a guest book and leave condolences online, visit our website at
www.otthaverstock.com.

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