Our Staff

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.

Fax: 574-295-1268

Telephone: 1-574-295-1230

Email: 

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 has three children: Nicholas, Ryan and Allison.  He is a member of the Elkhart Noon Kiwanis Club, the Knights of Columbus, Elkhart Moose Lodge and the Italian-American Relief Association.  A licensed insurance agent, Kevin also helps families who wish to make pre-arrangements.

Fax: 574-295-1268

Telephone: 1-574-295-1230

Email: 

Kanyon Hamby

Licensed Funeral Director's Apprentice

A 2020 graduate of Jimtown High School, Kanyon graduated from Worsham School of Mortuary Science in 2023. He joined Hartrzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home in 2022. Living in and around the Elkhart area his entire life, he is the youngest of four children as well as an uncle to four. Some of his favorite hobbies include fishing and napping with his cats. An avid lover of flora and fauna, Kanyon is a member of the Wellfield Bontanic Gardens and the Indiana Wildlife Federation. 

Fax: 574-295-1268

Telephone: 1-574-295-1230

Email: 

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.

Jim Patterson

Assistant

John Downing

Assistant