Terri Lynn (Miltenberger) Aeschelman-Cass

Terri Lynn Aeschelman-Cass, age 64 of South Bend, passed away Jan. 26, 2023. Terri was born May 28, 1958, in South Bend, Indiana to the late Ernest and Willadean (Hale) Miltenberger.

She was a graduate of Clay High School.

She is survived by her husband Joe Cass, her daughters Shanaka (Matt Stumpf) Aeschelman and Tammy (Noe) Rodriguez, her stepson Bradley (Courtney) Cass, her grandchildren Taedon Stumpf and Shayley Stumpf, and her brothers Ernest (Cheryl) Miltenberger and Millard (Deborah) Miltenberger.

Her brother, Daniel J. Miltenberger and infant sister Christine Miltenberger preceded her in death.

Visitation will be held from 3-6:30 pm Tue., Jan. 31, 2023, at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home (formerly Goethals and Wells) in Mishawaka, with funeral services to follow at 6:30 pm. To view her complete obituary or watch the livestream of her service, visit www.GoethalsWells.com

01/29/2023 EJS

Update 02/05/2023 JFC

 Terri Lynn Aeschelman-Cass, age 64 of South Bend, passed away with her family by her side on Thursday, January 26, 2023.  Terri was born May 28, 1958, in South Bend, Indiana to the late Ernest and Willadean (Hale) Miltenberger.  She was a graduate of Clay High School.  Following her graduation, she began a long and rewarding career as a patient insurance benefits specialist at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center and later at Memorial Hospital.  She later worked in customer relations at the South Bend Four Winds Casino from the time it opened until recently.  On February 26, 2005, Terri married Joe Cass.  They were eagerly preparing to celebrate their 16th anniversary.

Joe survives, along with her daughters Shanaka (Matt Stumpf) Aeschelman and Tammy (Noe) Rodriguez, both of South Bend and her son Bradley (Courtney) Cass of Mishawaka.  Surviving as well are her grandchildren Taedon Stumpf of Mishawaka and Shayley Stumpf of Anderson, Indiana.  Terri is also survived by her brothers Ernest (Cheryl) Miltenberger of Murfreesboro, Tennessee and Millard (Deborah) Miltenberger of Ocala, Florida.  Her brother, Daniel J. Miltenberger and infant sister Christine Miltenberger preceded her in death.

Visitation will be held from 3-6:30 pm Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home (formerly Goethals and Wells) in Mishawaka, with funeral services to follow at 6:30 pm.  A livestream of the service will be available in the window below beginning at 6:15 pm. 

Terri enjoyed watching Notre Dame football, playing BINGO, planting flowers, cooking dinners for special holidays, particularly Christmas and Thanksgiving, spending time with her family at get-togethers and barbeques, and visiting casinos throughout the area with her Aunt Elsie, where the two of them would rock out to Elvis tunes along the way.  Terri was an animal lover, not only of those she owned, but all of her family’s pets as well.  She also loved attending car shows and riding with her husband Joe in their 1971 Dodge Charger.  She was also extremely proud of her Native American heritage and was a longtime member of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma.

Most of all, Terri put her family first.  She often referred to Taedon as the “Light of her life.”  Her generosity, outspoken personality and caring heart will be missed by those who were fortunate enough to get to know her.