Candace J. Von Tobel, 75, of Valparaiso, IN, passed away peacefully after a brief but courageous journey with glioblastoma brain cancer on June 17, 2026.
On July 24, 1950, in Lima, Ohio, as the youngest of 4 sisters, Candy was born with a spirit of curiosity and adventure. As a child, she was often found riding her horse, at a church event, or dreaming up her next creative project—early signs of the resourceful, nurturing, and imaginative woman who would later build her life around faith, family, and serving others.
After graduating with a BA from Olivet University, she began her career as a Home Economics teacher at Cuyahoga Falls Christian Academy- even running the school's Ski club in the winter.
A blind date with Paul Von Tobel grew into a beautiful love story spanning 52 years. They married on June 8, 1974, and together built a life centered on faith, family, and unwavering devotion to one another.
Candy had a remarkable gift for creating beauty wherever she went. There is hardly a wall in her family’s homes that she didn’t paint, a curtain she didn’t hem or hang, or a plant she didn’t nurture and share. She expressed love through countless acts of service transforming houses into homes and ordinary moments into treasured memories.
While she found joy in her many creative pursuits—sewing, painting, gardening, and her lifelong love of horses—her greatest joy was always her family. Even as her children settled across both state and country lines, Candy remained the thread keeping family tied together. She poured herself into relationships, visiting, celebrating milestones, and finding ways to keep everyone connected. She made sure her grandchildren loved one another deeply and understood the cherished legacy of family.
Candy will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Paul; her children, Michele (Lisandro) Montenegro, Paul (Jenni) Von Tobel IV, and Peter (Heather) Von Tobel; her cherished grandchildren, Judah, Chloe, Mia, Summer, Piper, Paul (Porter) V, Everly, Henry, Finley, and Sam; and her loving sister, Rachel Williams.
While friends and family feel the tremendous loss of the beloved wife, mom, grandma and friend, there is comfort in knowing she is reunited with her parents, Stanley and Juanita Tam; her sisters, Becky and Prudy; her brother-in-law, Jack, and her beloved Shepherd and friend, Jesus.
As a family, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible caregivers who walked alongside Candy as well as all of us during these past several months. Your compassion, prayers, encouragement, and loving care were an immeasurable gift, and we will never forget the kindness you showed our family. Thank you for helping bring Candy home.
Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Candy’s life. Visitation will be held at Liberty Bible Church, 824 N. Calumet Ave., Chesterton, IN on Monday, June 29, from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Liberty Bible Church on Tuesday, June 30, at 11:00 a.m. Candy will be privately laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Candace Von Tobel to: The Caring Place, 607 Bullseye Lake Road, Valparaiso, IN 46383; or Northwestern University (memo: Dr. Lucy Godley Research and Education Fund), 1201 Davis Street, Evanston, IL 60208.
The Caring Place – serving local women in need
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/lrINrA?vid=1qykae
Or:
Dr. Lucy Godley Research Fund at Northwestern – supporting breakthroughs in the treatment of glioblastoma
GUESTBOOK
My words could not come close to how I felt about Candy. She was truly “special” in many ways. -Becky Graham
Paul. Condolences to you and your family over the loss of Candy. May the Lord be with you during your time of sorrow. Sincerely, -Mark and Mary Ennes
May the “Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (ll Cor 1:3-4) be encouraging and comforting you in your loss of Candace. She was truly a caring, loving and devoted woman of God. We are sorry for your loss but grateful that she is eternally home with her Heavenly Father. -Bill & Susan Gates
Paul and family, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God bless you with courage and strength. -Jerry and Jean Phelps
We are blessed to have known Candy and gratefully await the day we are all reunited. -Vic, Mary, and Sam Smith
