compassionate professionals

Our Staff

Our compassionate team, rooted in the local community, is dedicated to providing unwavering support and guidance during difficult times and ensuring that every detail is handled with the utmost care, professionalism, and respect. We help families honor their loved ones with dignity and peace of mind.


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Our Values

At our core, we value putting family first, ensuring that every decision is made with their needs and well-being in mind. We are committed to compassion and integrity, providing honest support and heartfelt care during difficult times.

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Family First

We believe families experiencing a loss are our number one priority.

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Compassion

Our staff offers compassionate support while guiding families through loss.

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Integrity

Our staff shows integrity by handling every detail with honesty and respect.

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Charlie Choate

Licensed Funeral Director and Owner

A 1991 graduate of Southern Illinois University, Charlie is a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He holds degrees in business management and mortuary science. Charlie purchased Hartzler Gutermuth Inman Funeral Home in February of 2011, relocating from Marion, Indiana. He is the proud father of his daughter Sydney. Charlie is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, Elks, Moose lodge and Lions Club.

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Kevin Wirt

Licensed Funeral Director

A 1989 graduate of the Mid-America College of Funeral Service, Kevin joined the Hartzler-Gutermuth Funeral Home in 1987, prior to attending mortuary college and then returned upon graduation. Kevin was employed here for 16 years and then returned in January 2015 after 11 years with Hahn Funeral Home in Mishawaka, Indiana. An Elkhart native and veteran of the United States Army, Kevin is married to Virginia and has three children: Nicholas, Ryan and Allison, a "bonus daughter", Shelby and two grandsons. He is a member of the Elkhart Kiwanis Club, the Knights of Columbus, and the Italian-American Relief Association. A licensed insurance agent, Kevin also helps families who wish to make pre-arrangements.

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Lily Raymond

Licensed Funeral Director

Lily graduated from Ivy Tech’s Mortuary Science Program in 2021 and began her career as a funeral director in Indianapolis. In 2022, she moved to Mishawaka to be closer to her family. She joined the Hartzler Gutermuth Inman staff in 2024 and is eager to become more involved with the Elkhart community. When she isn’t working, she loves spending time with her three cats.

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LaTonya King

Preneed Counselor

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Jim Patterson

Assistant

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John Lerner

Assistant

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Shawna Price

Assistant

Ashley Zimmerman

Assistant

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Celia Weiss

Organist & Pianist

Celia Weiss has been part of Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home for over 30 years as the Organist and Pianist. Celia is also the Director of Music and Organist at First Presbyterian in Elkhart. She is an adjunct assistant professor of Music for the Raclin School of the Arts at Indiana University South Bend. Celia also maintains an active teaching and performing schedule throughout the Michiana area.