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Dwight Sleman Obituary
Dwight was born on November 20, 1959, in Knox, IN, to David B. Sleman and Betty R. (Miller) Ellis. Dwight's father, David B. Sleman, preceded him in death. On December 20, 1985, in South Bend, he married Teresa "Terri" Holt, she survives, along with their son, Derek S. Sleman. Dwight's mother, Betty R. Ellis, and his stepfather, Jim Ellis of Knox, IN survive, along with two sisters, Lisa (Chris) Krueger and Jessica (Jan) Craig, both of Knox, IN; and his brother, Duane (Barb) Sleman, of Knox. Also surviving are two stepsisters, Jodi (Larry) Amidei of North Judson, IN and Julie (Scott) Tabler of South Bend; and two stepbrothers, Jeff Ellis of Plymouth, IN and Jimmy Ellis of Knox, IN. Dwight graduated from Knox High School and from Ivy Tech State College with an Associates Degree in Medical Lab Technology. He was employed with the South Bend Medical Foundation at Elkhart General Hospital, where he was a Medical Lab Technician. He was a member of the American Society of Clinical Pathologist and a former Cub Scout Master of Pack 105. Dwight touched many lives; he loved everyone. He would always greet you with a smile, genuinely caring how you felt. He always wanted to make someone else's day pleasant, whether from a weekend call, a daily weather update, or in the manner in which he would watch his loved ones leave his home everyday with a simple wave until they were gone. Dwight loved science; he was fascinated with the earth and space and always ready for a debate, just like his father. Most of all, he loved life. He will be greatly missed. Until we meet again... and as he would say "Life Is Good!" The Funeral Mass will be offered at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 9, 2007, in St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, IN 46545, with Rev. Jeffery Largent Officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, in the Palmer Funeral Home, 2528 Mishawaka Ave., South Bend, IN 46615, where a Parish Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the service time Wednesday in the Narthex of the Church. Cremation will take place with burial of his cremains in Crown Hill Cemetery, Knox, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.
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Memories and Condolences
for Dwight Sleman
Wanda Rosales (Nale)
May 23, 2007
I knew Dwight mainly from hearing about him from Lisa. Lisa admired Dwight and knew Dwight was the one who would always be there for her. She talked about how much she enjoyed spending time with Dwight and his family.
I was reading about what a kind man Dwight was. I remembered a time 20 years ago when I was staying at Lisa's house and Dwight cheered me up. It was Christmas time and it was my first Christams without my family. I felt very alone and missed my parents. I did not know Dwight very well but when he brought presents for his famliy he wished me a Merry Christmas and handed me a gift as well. I was amazed that he barely knew who I was but knew I was feeling alone and tried to help.
My heart goes out to all of Dwight's family and friends.
Jennie {Gullans}Bertetto
May 17, 2007
To Dwight's Family, on behalf of my family and myself, we send our condolences and deepest sympathies. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike Rostron
May 10, 2007
Dwight was a high school buddy of mine and unfortunately we lost contact after I moved back to the Chicago area. What an unbelievable guy. Not only did we do our fair share of cutting up in High School but we also worked together for 2 years (and his brother Duane also) at Five Star food store in Knox during our last two years of high school. As has been said by others, Dwight was the type of human being that you just can't forget meeting. His sense of humor was priceless yet his compassion and thoughtfulness were just as special. I remember quite a few times when Dwight went out of his way to help senior citizens with their groceries or carts at Five Star. He was a great coworker. He always had this upbeat and positive attitude. As a matter of fact, I cannot ever remember him raising his voice or losing his temper. And he was an extremely smart guy. I remember him amazing me more than once in the classes we took together. Very special.
I received the news of Dwight's passing by email from another KHS '79 classmate the morning of 5/9. I cried my eyes out after reading it. I'm still not doing too well. Once again we're left to wonder why God takes the good ones early.
I'll always remember Dwight for all the times he made me laugh. Both in school and at work. Just an incredible guy. Those memories will make the coming days a lot easier.
Terri and family, you have my deepest sympathies. I'll say a prayer for all of you. Keep your spirits up.
Cousin Ronald and wife Patti Grossman
May 9, 2007
It is hard to believe he is no longer here on this earth, but hopefully it won't seem very long until we see him again. I'm sure we all will have this angel named Dwight watching over us everyday.
Just wanted you to know that we did not find out soon enough to be able to come and please know that Ronald and I both wanted to come. The longer I spoke with Dorothy, I realized that this was the man that I had known from school at Ivy Tech that introduced himself one day and asked how my classes were going and we also talked about how his were going too. This man had such a calming voice and always reminded me that God was in control and that we would make it. Those words of encouragemant were so precious and I just knew that God was speaking through him. To Aunt Betty, please know that you should be proud of raising such a wonderful son. I just wish I would have put it together while I was in school that he was Ronald's cousin. He definitely had a positive impact on me. He spoke highly of his wife and son and I'm thankful he reached his goal of graduating to be a lab technician. I doubt that he would want us to be sad for him, so I'll just thank God for the precious moments that I did have in speaking with him. We hope that time will ease the pain and may God be with all of you in this time of need.
MARJORIE FERRIER
May 8, 2007
I have only known Dwight for a short time. I was the housekeeper in the lab where he worked. He was a wonderful man.One of a kind. Truely unique. He would thank me for everything I did. I will miss him. We all will.
Marge Ferrier
Pat Norment
May 8, 2007
I worked with Dwight in the pressroom at Gemeinhardt. His greatest joys were you and Derek you have my deepest sympathies. He was a great guy.
Sue Stuban
May 8, 2007
I worked with Dwight at Gemeinhardt for 8 yrs. His smile was infectious, as was his love of life. Dwight always loved bringing in whatever cub scout project they had going at the time, and we loved helping and being involved. I will always remember him singing "And now the time has come" at the time clock at the end of the day. He always brought a smile to many faces. His caring way and kindness will always be remembered. As he would say "Until we meet again, my friend." I will always think of Dwight with a smile in my heart. My deepest sympathy and prayers to his family.
Chuck Smith
May 8, 2007
I worked with Dwight at Martins, and Gemeinhardt. I had a lot of fun with him at work and at band practice. He will be missed!!!!
May 8, 2007
Terri,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Dwight was such a kind person. He always had a smile and warm welcome for everyone. May God bless and comfort you and Derek during this difficult time.
Steve Schwab and Family
Angel Taylor
May 8, 2007
Teresa -
I was very sorry to hear about your husband Dwight. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Derek.
Love, Angel Avery Brady and Cole
Linda Griffo-Couts
May 8, 2007
Terri,
I am so sorry to hear about Dwight. I remember visiting with both of you at our last class reunion. My prayers are with you.
Linda, Class of 79
Carol Leathem
May 8, 2007
Teri
I am so sorry to hear about Dwight. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Derek.
Dawn Witek-Summers
May 8, 2007
It's been many years since I have seen Dwight and his family. I know that he will be greatly missed! My prayers go out to the family and Dwights loved ones. May GOD give you strengh and peace.
Love,
teresa troyer
May 8, 2007
Terri,
So sorry to hear about Dwight.Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your son.
Terri(class of 79)
Esther Flora
May 8, 2007
I had the privilege of knowing Dwight for the short time he was working for SBMF. He would tell me how he couldn't wait to come to work that day, and what he'd made for dinner for Terri and Derek to enjoy later. His love for his family was very evident. His upbeat attitude would always make me think about all that I had to be thankful for also. His family can be thankful for the "legacy of a happy heart" that Dwight left. I pray that Terri and Derek would sense God's peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Rick&Darlene Pirtle
May 8, 2007
I was Dwights supervisor at Gemeinhardt.What a positive outlook.He would tell me everyday God Blessed You WITH ANOTHER DAY .What a great worker and would do anything you ask him to do .Our thoughts and prayers are with his family for there loss
lisa krueger
May 7, 2007
Hi,
I'm Dwight's sister. Dwight has always been there if I ever needed him.
He's been my inspiration in life and even now is his death. I see how
many people he has touched and it's wonderful to know that many people
cared so much for him, cause if my brother could put a smile on
someones face that's all that mattered to him at the end of the day. He
will be sadly missed and I will always love him and that will never end.
Amber Schnitski
May 7, 2007
I work at Elkhart General. I often would go down to the lab to get blood and Dwight was always smiling. It amazed me that every time I saw him he was in a good mood. No matter how his day had gone he was smiling. He was an awesome man and he will be missed. My sympathy goes out to his family.
Kathy Snyder
May 7, 2007
I worked with Dwight a short time at SBMF, and I too was touched by his most positive outlook on everything. He loved life and had a huge impact on my outlook. You will be missed Dwight. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Good Bye Friend H&K Kathy
Pamela B. Primrose
May 7, 2007
Dwight was the nicest MLT student that I have had in my 19 years at Ivy Tech. I was Dwight's program advisor and one of his instructors. His smile, his genuine appreciation of everyone and everything, and his positive outlook will always be remembered as a part of his legacy at Ivy Tech and with his former classmates and instructors. He will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with you his family - may you feel the presence and the comfort of God during your time of sorrow and in the future.
Delphine Ball
May 7, 2007
My name is Delphine Ball and I had the privledge of meeting this wonderful man at IvyTech State College. He was always polite and didn't know whom I was but he was always willing to help and always, always, POLITE. I am sorry for the lost and my prayers are with the family. Thank you Dwight.
Nora Henry
May 7, 2007
Dwight will be sadly missed, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Seanna Scheibelhut
May 7, 2007
I never met Dwight, but his wife, Teresa and I would often talk about our husbands, so I felt like I knew him. My deepest sympathies to all of Dwight's family.
Shayla Banks-Shepherd
May 7, 2007
Dwight will be missed greatly. We all loved him very much.
Love Shay and family
Deb Whitt
May 7, 2007
I remember working with Dwight at Gemeinhardt and appreciated his pleasantness and optimism. I can remember him always saying "life is good", and always finding the positive in everything. He made an impact on my life, and I am sure on the lives of many others.
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