10/01/2026
We will be closing today at 4p.m. so that our entire staff can attend Michael's services. We are shocked and devastated of his passing. Thank you for understanding.
Chesterton resident Michael Durkin passes at 16
Michael D. Durkin, 16, of Chesterton, Ind., passed away on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.
He was born on May 29, 2010, in Crown Point, Ind., to Michael and Nicole Durkin. Michael was a junior at Chesterton High School.
Michael was a confident, brilliant, articulate son and brother. As a member of the CHS debate team, he enjoyed the thrill of a good argument. When he wasnโt busy with debating, he enjoyed working at Dairy Queen and gaming with friends, including spending time building Minecraft, surviving the backyard in Grounded, and mastering tactical battles in War Thunder. He enjoyed Japanese culture, reading anime and One Piece, and learning the language. He especially loved his chocolate lab, Nala, who was his constant companion and loyal friend.
Michael is survived by his parents, Michael and Nicole Durkin; sister, Isabel Durkin; great-grandmother, Alice J. Allen; grandfathers, David W. Turnipseed and Michael G. Durkin; aunts and uncles, John and Kimberly Tancos and Eric and Amanda Carpenter; cousins, Gabriel Carpenter, McKenzie Carpenter, Easton Tancos, and Vincent Tancos; and a community of extended family and friends who will miss his intellect and presence every single day.
Michael was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Diana Turnipseed and Michele Durkin.
A visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso, with a funeral service beginning at 7 p.m., Pastor Charlotte Kroft officiating. Private entombment at Graceland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Porter County Su***de Prevention and Awareness Task Force; or to the Alzheimerโs Association.