Dr. Mann Spitler III, age 77, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, at Avalon Springs Health Campus in Valparaiso, Indiana, after a lengthy struggle with dementia. Born June 2, 1948, Mann graduated from Valparaiso High School in the Class of 1966. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree from DePauw University in Greencastle in 1970 and completed his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland in 1975. He pursued a year of surgical training there in 1976. A dedicated and board-certified podiatrist, Mann served his patients with care and professionalism for over 30 years.
After retiring from his medical career, Mann was certified in addiction counseling through Purdue University and gave back to his community through various avenues. He was an RRCA-certified race director for Manda’s Race, honoring the memory of his daughter and raising funds for drug prevention and treatment programs in Porter County. He spoke to middle and high school students, graduate schools, civic groups, church congregations, parent groups and any assembly with an interest in drug prevention.
Mann is survived by his wife of 54 years, Phyllis (née Childers) Spitler; his sister, Barbara Spitler (Jo Balogh); his brother, David Spitler (Kathleen); and his niece, Brooke Spitler-Nigh (Kalin). He was preceded in death by his parents, Mann Jr. and Imo (née Ferguson) Spitler; his sister, Susan E. Spitler; and his beloved daughter, Manda Spitler.
Mann found joy in distance running, watching local high school basketball, collecting fountain pens, and spending time with family. Known for his gentle speech and quick wit, he had a legendary sense of humor and a deep commitment to serving others with humility and grace.
Per Mann’s wishes, a private ceremony was held at Moeller Funeral Home, in Valparaiso on December 16, 2025, with burial at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice of Valparaiso or Opportunity Enterprises. The family wishes to thank the wonderful nurses and aids at Avalon Springs and VNA Hospice.
Mann was a very caring person who touched the lives of many with his generosity and love. He will be profoundly missed by those fortunate enough to know him.
GUESTBOOK
Heartbroken to learn of Dr. Mann passing. He had a passion to reach as many young people as he could to warn of drug addiction. It was when he and his wife lost their daughter Amanda, and I lost my son Ron through heroin addiction. I admired his dedication to deliver the message over and over to hundreds of high school students. Losing a child to drug addiction is such an avoidable death. God Bless this wonderful man. He worked through his grief to help others. -Faye Ellen Tully
