Deborah S (Heeter) Tetzlaff

Deborah “Deb” Tetzlaff, 77, a longtime resident of South Bend, Indiana, was born in Hartford, Michigan, and passed away peacefully on July 1, with her daughter, Hillary, by her side and held in the hearts of her family and friends.

Deb lived life on her own terms. Independent, adventurous, hardworking, and fiercely devoted to the people she loved, she left an unforgettable impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

In her youth, Deb joined a carnival, where she worked as a game barker, an experience that may have laid the foundation for her lifelong career as an auctioneer. That adventurous spirit never left her. In 1969, while expecting her daughter, Heather, she proudly attended Woodstock, a story she loved to tell. Her love of live music lived on through her daughters, who carried on her tradition of making concerts and music-filled adventures part of their own lives.

Deb was a pioneer as one of the few female auctioneers of her time. She spent 35 years at an auction barn in Shipshewana, Indiana, where she became respected for her talent, professionalism, and ability to captivate a crowd. In addition to selling at the auction barn, she conducted countless personal property auctions throughout the region. During her career, she handled record-setting sales of rare and valuable items and generously donated her talents to countless charity auctions, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and laughter to every event. Whether auctioning a priceless antique or a sheet cake, Deb had an extraordinary ability to make people want to bid one more time. For decades, the sound of her unmistakable auction chant became familiar to thousands, and she had a remarkable gift for turning every auction into an event.

Throughout her working life, Deb also enjoyed careers in real estate and customer service, including positions with Office Depot and Menards. She believed in doing things right the first time and expected the same from herself. She took pride in exceptional customer service and in treating every customer with honesty, respect, and attention to detail.

Deb embraced life’s simple joys. She loved spontaneous road trips, especially taking her daughters to Chicago on a whim. She cherished the shores of Lake Michigan and Clearwater Beach, where some of her favorite family memories were made, including cruising the beach while blasting “Wild Thing.” She faithfully watched Days of Our Lives for more than 50 years, loved playing cards, and was a fierce competitor who expected everyone else to bring their best game. She enjoyed visiting the casino as much for the friendships and conversations as the games themselves. She was also famous for her homemade zucchini bread, delighting family and friends by sharing countless loaves through the years.

More than anything, Deb loved people. Many of her daughters’ friends became affectionately known as “Deb’s kids,” and countless others came to think of her as a second mom. Over time, she was also blessed with many bonus grandkids who loved her just as deeply. Her oldest grandson gave her the cherished name “Mammy,” a title she treasured and one that many others lovingly adopted. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, cared for, and like part of the family.

Deb wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. She was genuine, direct, and unapologetically herself. If you knew Deb, you always knew where you stood with her. Her colorful vocabulary was legendary, but so was her generous heart.

One of the greatest blessings of Deb’s life was Burt. Through the years they shared, he remained a steadfast source of love, support, and care. In her final days, reflecting on their life together, Deb simply said, “Burt did so much for me.” Those few words beautifully captured the gratitude, devotion, and enduring love they shared.

Her greatest joy was her family. She especially cherished her three grandchildren—Ezra Smith, Daisy, and Pike—each of whom held a unique place in her heart. She would proudly say Ezra was special because he was her first grandchild, Daisy because she was her only granddaughter, and Pike because he was the youngest of the three.

Deb was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene “Butch” Heeter and Lucille Heeter; her beloved husband, Burt Tetzlaff; her daughter, Heather Tetzlaff Smith; and her sister, Patricia Heeter Kirkpatrick.

She is survived by her daughter, Hillary Tetzlaff Beck; her sister, Sandi Sanders; her treasured grandchildren, Ezra Smith, Daisy, and Pike; many beloved members of the Tetzlaff and Heeter families; and numerous nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

Deb’s faith in Jesus Christ gave her hope and guided her through life’s joys and challenges. She often reminded herself and others to take life “one day at a time,” and her family is confident she is now at peace in His presence.

The final bid has been called, but the stories, laughter, lessons, and love Deb shared will continue to echo through the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy lives on in her family, her friends, and every person who was welcomed, encouraged, entertained, or simply loved by the remarkable woman so many knew simply as Mammy.

Memorial contributions in Deb's name may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or to the Wounded Warrior Project.

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