Victoria M. Achterberg

Victoria Marie (Jasiewicz) Achterberg, 73, of Mishawaka, Indiana, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in South Bend after a courageous fight with a recent illness.

Victoria is survived by her six children: Stephanie, Justin, Melissa, John, Jeremy, and Katharine (Nicholas Getzinger); and her grandchildren: Kelsey (Faith), Alexis (Phoenix), Destaney, Brent (Alyssa), Kenton, Hunter, Keegan, Corbin, Charlotte, and Brinley. She is also survived by her sister, Sandra (Roger) Rose; her faithful dog, Izzy; and her turtle, Lilly.

Waiting to welcome her into heaven is her beloved husband, J. Kent Achterberg; her parents, Stanley and Theresa (Horvath) Jasiewicz; her uncle, Louis Horvath; and her sisters, Christine Parman and Linda Wiedlocher.

Victoria was born on April 22, 1952, in Mishawaka, Indiana, to Stanley and Theresa Jasiewicz. She was born and raised in Mishawaka alongside her three sisters, whom she loved dearly. She often traveled to the family lake house in Michigan, where she enjoyed many summer adventures. A devoted Catholic, Victoria faithfully attended church on Sundays with her family growing up. She attended St. Joseph Grade School and was a graduate of Mishawaka High School.

In 1973, Victoria met J. Kent Achterberg, and they were united in holy matrimony on January 18, 1975, in the chapel at First United Methodist Church in downtown South Bend. They shared 39 loving years together before Kent’s passing in June of 2014. Together, they proudly built a home in Osceola, Indiana, and raised six beautiful children who will continue her legacy.

Victoria attended Indiana University South Bend, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education in 1987. She volunteered and taught in many classrooms over the years, sharing her passion for learning and caring for children. She also dedicated herself to staying home to lovingly raise each of her six children as they grew. She later retired from her career as a dispatcher at Mishawaka Utilities in 2014.

Victoria was a constant presence, always showing up, always supporting. She was the comfort her family needed in difficult times, the steady reassurance in moments of uncertainty, and the warmth that filled every room she entered. Her love was unconditional, deeply felt, and will continue to live on through the family she cherished so dearly.

Victoria will be dearly missed by all who knew and love her. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at Southlawn Cemetery. A private burial will take place at a later date. 

Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel is caring for the family at this time.

Memorial contributions can be made in Victoria’s honor to The Humane Society of St Joseph County - https://humanesocietystjc.org/give-back/

Online condolences to the family may be sent via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.