Jon Kent Deal, 71 of Valparaiso, IN, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 18, 2024. He was born June 6, 1953, in Valparaiso to George and Norma (Kouts) Deal. Jon graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1971, and made his career as a Steelworker in Wastewater Management at Bethlehem Steel/ArcelorMittal/Cleveland-Cliffs for over 40 years.
Jon enjoyed solving crossword puzzles, cheering for the Chicago Cubs and proudly flying the “W” flag, being “beach bums” at Porter Beach with his wife and collecting Hawaiian shirts. He loved spending time with his beloved family, and his dog, Harper Lee. Jon loved everyone he met, and the feeling was always reciprocated. He won strangers over with his charismatic personality and wonderful sense of humor. He had a caring nature and courageous spirit, which guided him through tough times. Jon was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed every day.
On August 24, 2017, Jon married Claudia Chastain, who survives, along with his daughter, Erin (Mike DiBari) Deal; grandson, Max; stepson, Dylan (Victoria Stewart) Totzke; twin brother, Don (Rachelle) Deal; brother, Jeff (Leann) Deal; sister-in-law, Nancy Deal; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Travis Deal.
A celebration of Jon’s life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jon’s name to St. Jude Research Children’s Hospital.
GUESTBOOK
Claudia, I am so sorry to hear of Jon’s passing. Even though, we haven’t kept in touch; I often think of you and my Porter friends. Hope this helps a little to know you are in my thoughts and prayers , especially at this difficult time. -Theresa Frame
Jon was a great guy. Brought smiles to all even as a young guy. I played in our basement band with he and Don along with my brother Russ Saunders. Good times and memories. Rest in peace no more pan. -Jim Saunders
Thinking of you all at this sad time! I was happy to see Jon and Claudia out a few months ago, and he looked great and was enjoying time with her and some friends. Know I’ll be holding you in thought and prayer in the time ahead. -Deb Koeppen
We only met Jon a short time ago, but it didn't take long to know what a nice man he was. He and Claudia have been such good neighbors and friends to our son and daughter-in-law. We are honored that we got to make his acquaintance. -Gary and Amy Smith
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I always enjoyed seeing Jon around holidays and loved running into you guys in town. Send love to you, Claudia. -Molly Payne
Claudia, I am so sorry that you and the world lost Jon and that I never got a chance to really know him. Seems he was pretty awesome. How could your guy be anything less? Hugs to you, my friend. -Fran Kras
Very sorry to hear this. Sorry for your lost Claudia. May all the beautiful memories you made together bring you smiles forever. Never got to know Jon very well.....but I know he was a funny guy, and you guys were great together. In my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs, -Ruth Lustgarten
Jon, It was my utmost pleasure meeting you, working with you at WasteTreat, laughing with you. You made everyday at the mill fun. I often catch myself saying what you always said to me.."you're showing your age..." I'm gonna miss your wise cracks, your laugh, mostly I'll miss your comradery. I wish I'd have met you a long time ago. But the 11 years I had in knowing you, I will ALWAYS cherish. My deepest condolences and love to the Deal Family... until we meet again, my dear friend...CHEEEEEEEEESE -Cheese Vara
So Sorry to hear of Jon's passing, Jon was a selfless giver, working with Jon, you were never hungry, known as the party crew, Jon and his partner always had snacks at the least, if you happened to work over he would make it a point to find you and see that you were well fed. His always positive personality was so infectious, he could brighten your worst day, and always made you feel that you were special, he had a dry sense of humor, that made you stop and think before you burst into laughter after deciphering his sometime sarcastic Humor .The world lost a very special person, .God bless you Jon as you watch from heaven. Keep them all laughing til we meet again..love you like a brother! -David Bobrowski
It is with a heavy heart that I write this. Claudia, please know that it was our honor to be there for you during this difficult time and we want you to know that we will continue to be here for you and the family as long as the GOOD LORD lets us! Jon and I had more in common than most people know. Neither of us knew a stranger, we enjoyed some of the same foods and adult beverages. As well as both of us having the same love for the Chicago Cubs, a fascination for Hawaiian shirts, and wonderful loving dedicated caring wives. When we would see each other at class reunions - both dressed in Hawaiian shirts - it was like the big kahuna (Jon) and little kahuna (me) had arrived. Last October when I made a trip to Valpo after my stroke, Jon showed up at Buffalo Wild Wings where many of our classmates had come to get together to visit with me. Jon and I talked and he told me It was amazing I had come as far as I had. Before we parted ways, we hugged and said we loved each other - a memory that will stay in my mind forever. Thank you for being a part of my life "Big Kahuna". Your memory will live on in those who knew you and loved you. -Steve Garcia
My thoughts and prayers go out to Jon’s family. He will be greatly missed. Jon was always a refreshing change from many of the people in the mill. Whenever I had the chance to work with him, I was always happy to take a little extra time to chat about the Cubs, the beach or whatever would come up. He was always a joke teller and I envied him for his timing when telling his jokes. They sometime made people groan a little but, I always took time to listen to them because he was such a great guy and always tried to brighten everybody’s day. Rest in peace Jon. -Steve Fortin
I was lucky. Knew Jon since junior high. Had a lot of great times…a lot of laughs…a few cold beers, softball, etc. Jon had an infectious laugh and time for everyone. My dad enjoyed playing volleyball with him at the Y! Had not seen him in quite some time but I won’t forget him. He’ll be missed. -Rob Harkel
I’m so sorry to hear about Jon’s passing. I grew up at the Lake and knew the Deal’s very well. Again I’m so sorry prayers for you and the family. -Marcella Thompson (Ehlers)
