John "Mort" Ward Mortakis

John W. “Mort” Mortakis, 69, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away peacefully on April 22nd, 2026, surrounded by friends and family, after a long illness he’d endured with grace.

Mort was born in 1956, the eldest child of William and Patricia Mortakis of North Liberty, IN. As a child, he enjoyed visiting his grandfather Peter’s Deluxe Sandwich Shop.

After graduating from North Liberty High School in 1975, Mort enlisted in the Army. He served with the 546th Military Police Company, where he made lifelong friends with whom he has kept in touch and met regularly for reunions all over the country.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Affairs from Indiana University South Bend, and was later certified by the Department of Defense as a Polygraph Examiner. He served for 34 years as a detective with the South Bend Police Department before retiring as a Sergeant. In addition to his day job, Mort occasionally worked security at the Morris Performing Arts Center, where he enjoyed many live performances over the years.

Mort also served with distinction as a devoted family man, caring for his parents in their final years as well as those who survive him. He was close with his sister, Karen, her husband, Alan, and beloved niece Kalan and nephew Josh. In 2000, Mort began dating the love of his life, Ann Carol, whom he married in 2005. He promptly took on the role of loving parent to her two daughters, Anna and Sara, becoming a patient and supportive teacher, putting his detective skills to work when necessary, and leading by example, letting his actions speak louder than words. Later, he was overjoyed to welcome the spouses of Anna (Larry), Sara (Taylor), Kalan (Kent), and Josh (Katie), granddaughters Sloan and Piper, grandsons William and Elliot, and great-niece Kori.

Mort was a lifelong fan of IU and the lady Irish, a talented grillmaster, and a loyal friend who made a point of checking in on his many buddies. He is preceded in death by his parents as well as beloved dogs Sandy and Custer. He will be remembered for his cheeky wit, his easygoing, gentle nature, and his fondness for relaxing with a beer by the water. Rest easy, dear man. You are deeply loved.

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