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PETER GUNDERSON
President |
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MIKE SMITS
General Manager and Licensed Funeral Director
Mike is originally from Antigo, Wisconsin, graduating from Antigo High School in 1981. He has worked in funeral service since 1983. Mike graduated from the funeral service program at Milwaukee Area Technical College in 1985, and has been part of the Gunderson Funeral Home since 1987.
Mike and his wife, Cindy, along with their three daughters, have made McFarland their home since 1988. He is very involved in the McFarland community, serving on the McFarland Education Foundation Board of Directors, is a member of the McFarland Optimists Club, and a former member of McFarland Basketball Boosters Board of Directors and Christ the King Catholic Church where he had served as an usher, Eucharistic Minister, and a religious education committee member and instructor. In addition, Mike has also been active in Stoughton; having served on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, including two terms as president and the Stoughton Area Community Foundation Board of Directors.
In his free time, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, running, golf, and Badgers football and basketball. |
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DAN DEDERICH
Manager and Licensed Funeral Director
Dan was raised in the Sauk Prairie area, and currently resides in Waunakee with his wife and two children. After earning his degree in mortuary science in 1982, Dan worked for the Winn Funeral Home in Waunakee, and later Slettten McKee Hanson Funeral Home in LaCrosse before joining Gunderson Funeral Home in 1990. He is a member of the Middleton Optimist Club and is involved with both the Middleton and Cross Plains Chambers of Commerce.
Dan says that trying to help people through the most challenging moment of their lives with the loss of a loved one and being able to make that difficult situation memorable and positive are what compel him to be a compassionate funeral director.
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JIM DUPOR
Manager and Licensed Funeral Director
Jim graduated from Madison LaFollette High School in 1981. He later attended and graduated from Madison Area Technical College with a degree in mortuary science. Jim joined Gunderson Funeral home as an apprentice, and has now been a licensed funeral director since 1986. Jim and his family have resided in McFarland since 1988.
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STEPHANIE VONBEHREN
Manager and Licensed Funeral Director
Stephanie is formerly of North Freedom, Wisconsin. She graduated from Baraboo High School in 1990 Stephanie continued her education at the UW-Baraboo/Sauk County campus, focusing her career on being a registered nurse. Her career took a different direction after she experienced the loss of a close family member. The positive experience at a terrible time was made possible through her hometown funeral director. Stephanie went on to graduate from Milwaukee Area Technical College with an associate degree in mortuary science, and began working at Gunderson Funeral Home in 1998. Stephanie currently resides in DeForest with her husband, David, and their children, Jordan and Taylor.
On the beautiful, Wisconsin winter days, you can find Stephanie downhill skiing. When all the wonderful snow has melted away, Stephanie enjoys biking and hiking in the state parks. |
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DINA A. OPSAHL
Administrative Manager
Dina grew up in DeForest, Wisconsin. She was a graduate of DeForest High School in 1992. She had resided in Green Bay for the last 18 years, where she became involved in Funeral Service. She has recently moved back to her roots, and now resides in Deforest with her husband, Mark, and two daughters, Kali and Arianna. Dina loves to spend time with her family at her children's sporting events, down-hill skiing, snowmobiling, boating, fishing and hunting.
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LISA BRONK
Licensed Funeral Director
Lisa graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1996, with a B.S. in mortuary science. She previously was a licensed funeral director in California before she obtained her funeral director's license in Wisconsin in 2001. Lisa resides in Sun Prairie with her husband and two children. She is a member of Door Creek Mother's of Preschoolers (MOPS). Lisa enjoys her profession because of the families she meets and the stories they share about their loved ones. |
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DAVID GOVE
Licensed Funeral Director
David grew up in the Deforest area, graduating from Deforest High School. He attended the at University of Wisconsin- Madison in the school of education and graduated with honors from the Milwaukee Area Technical College Mortuary Science program. David has been a licensed funeral director since 1989.
In his spare time, he has been a licensed football, basketball, baseball and softball official for 40 years. Additionally he is an avid Wisconsin Badger football fan who has held season tickets for the past 30 years. Like most Wisconsinites, David enjoys the Packers, Brewers and Bucks.
His family includes his wife, Janice; daughters, Megan (Phil) Reynolds and Rachel (Samuel) Orr; step-daughter, Shannon (Jason) Lebal; and grandchildren, Ewan, Emerson, Gabriel, Judah, Rainne and Ascher.
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DALE HOLZHUTER
Licensed Funeral Director
Dale was born and raised on a farm near Deerfield, Wisconsin. He is a graduate of Madison East High School, UW-Whitewater and Milwaukee Mortuary School. Dale served his apprenticeship with Gunderson Funeral Home in 1959 and became a licensed funeral director in 1964. For over 20 years, Dale co-owned funeral homes in Stoughton, McFarland and Deerfield, Wisconsin. He has been with Gunderson Funeral Home since 2001.
Dale is married to the former Marian Christenson of Stoughton. He and Marian enjoy all sports, but especially Wisconsin football and basketball. |
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JEFF HRON
Licensed Funeral Director
Jeff is a lifelong Madison area resident. He graduated from DeForest High School in 1990. He continued his education, graduating from Madison Area Technical College in 1993, with an associate degree in marketing, and from Milwaukee Area Technical College in 1996, with an associate degree in mortuary science. Jeff served his funeral service apprenticeship in Waukesha, Wisconsin and then joined Gunderson Funeral Home in November 1995.
Jeff has been an active member in the Monona Grove Optimist Club since 1999. He has served as club president and as a lieutenant governor for the Southern Wisconsin District. Jeff has been a lifelong member of Christ Lutheran Church in DeForest, where he has lived for many years.
He and his wife, Candi, have been married since 2000. Together they enjoy spending time with their two dogs, Buddy and Bam Bam. Jeff likes camping, antique and collection cars, car shows, hiking and generally spending time outdoors.
“I love my job working as a funeral director because I feel I can be a helpful guide to families through some of the most difficult time in their life.” |
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MARK LINDER
Licensed Funeral Director
Orginally from Nebraska, Mark joined our funeral home in 2011. Becoming a funeral director was a lifelong dream for Mark.
He spent 20 years in the insurance industry serving as an agency owner and manager of a branch agency. Mark attended the University of Nebraska and graduated from the Milwaukee Area TEchnical College Funeral Science Program with an Associate's Degree in Applied Science. He has served as a Funeral Director in Marshfield, as well as the Philadelphia area.
Mark and his wife, Helen, have two children, son, Mark II, and his wife Erin, and daughter, Jennifer. They are proud grandparents of Violet and Avalo. In his free time, he enjoys hunting, camping, traveling, sports and spending time with his grandchildren. Mark and his wife reside in Madison.
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PATRICK MAYO
Licensed Funeral Director
Patrick was born and raised in Anitgo, Wisconsin. After several years of college, Patrick decided to become a funeral director. It served to be a good fit being raised in a family of funeral directors. He and his wife, Amanda, came to Madison in 2003. They enjoy their old home and their dogs, Katie and Lennie, and cats, Carl and Homer. Patrick loves to fish and you can usually find him on a lake in Northern Wisconsin when he is not working. |
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LUKE McCOY
Licensed Funeral Director
Luke was born and raised in Tomah, Wisconsin. In 2010, he received his bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Minnesota- Duluth. Following that he went on to receive his degree in funeral service from Milwaukee Area Technical College. Luke joined us at Gunderson’s in April 2013 and is looking forward to being part of the dedicated team here.
Outside of work, Luke enjoys playing tennis, attending Badger football and basketball games and spending time with his family.
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SIERRA MELLO
Licensed Funeral Director
Sierra is an Alaskan Native. She joined the United States Army in 2001, was stationed in Germany and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom I & II. Sierra earned her Bachelor of Science in Management and Masters in Business Administration at the University of Phoenix in Arizona. Sierra earned her Associates in Funeral Service from Milwaukee Area Technical College. Sierra loves spending time with her two young daughters; Serenity and Raina. Sierra has fallen in love with Wisconsin’s culture, seasons and people. “I’ve never lived or worked in a place where people care so much about one another. Gunderson’s really exemplifies the Golden Rule towards both employees and the families served.”
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EMILY ROTHS
Licensed Funeral Director
Emily is originally from Muskego, Wisconsin. She moved to Madison in 2012. She graduated from Muskego High School in 2008. Emily earned her Associates in Funeral Service from Milwaukee Area Technical College.
In her free time, Emily enjoys being with her family, singing, and camping.
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MICHELLE RINEHART
Licensed Funeral Director
Michelle was born and raised in Madison, and currently resides in her childhood home with her daughter, Samantha. She graduated from Madison East High School and went on to attend UW-Richland Center, majoring in sports medicine. After her freshman year of college, Michelle’s grandfather died, which changed her career path. Michelle graduated from Milwaukee Area Technical College in 1993, with an associate degree in mortuary science. She worked for Ward Funeral Home in Edgerton/Evansville for two and a half years, and for Joyce Ryan Funeral Home before settling in at Gunderson Funeral Home in February of 1996.
Michelle enjoys playing volleyball, watching men’s college basketball and watching her daughter’s sporting events. She is also active with her church, St. Bernard Catholic Church, the Women’s Group and is very involved with Girl Scouts. Michelle is currently on the executive committee of the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association, becoming president in June 2009. |
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LINDSAY SMITH
Licensed Funeral Director
Lindsay is from the town of Gladstone, MI, located in the Upper Peninsula. She is a 2007 graduate of Gladstone High School prior to attending Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary School in Atlanta, GA, graduating in February of 2010. In her spare time, Lindsay enjoys spending time with family, friends and her yellow lab, Josie.
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NICOLE PERRIN
Accountant
Nicole Perrin has been with the Gunderson Funeral Home since 1998. She is originally from Wauwatosa. Nicole graduated from Edgewood College with her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. In her free time, Nicole enjoys reading, crafts and spending time with family & friends.
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DEDE SIMON-KESSENICH
Billing Specialist
DeDe was raised in Martinsville, Wisconsin and graduated from Middleton High School and has lived in the rural area of Middleton since 1976 with her husband, Dennis. Together they proudly raised three daughters, Kendra, Kelsey and Kate. DeDe also has a son-in-law, Tim and three darling grandsons, Alden, Hudson and Madden. DeDe loves any activity that involves her family and enjoys traveling, attending sporting events and is active in helping raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
When I came to Gunderson Funeral Home I knew it would be a perfect fit for me. To work with a group of people that are compassionate for the staff that works with them, and to see firsthand that each family Gunderson Funeral Home works with is handled with the upmost respect and provided with everything needed to get them through this devasting time.
DeDe comes to us with an extensive background in insurance, billing and customer service and is enjoying putting her experience to work here at Gunderson Funeral Home.
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DIANNE SCHMIDT
Accounting Assistant
Dianne was born and raised on a dairy farm near Algoma. She and her husband Tom came to Madison in 1967 for college. They both loved Madison and chose to stay, becoming Fitchburg residents in 1971. Dianne and Tom have three adult sons, their wives and now three beautiful granddaughters. She enjoys most outdoor activities, sewing, doing crafts and spending time with friends and family, especially the grandchildren.
In September 2009, Dianne joined the Gunderson staff providing accounting assistance. She enjoys working with the team of dedicated, caring individuals that are committed to helping families at a very difficult time.
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BETTY DAUCK
Administrative Assistant
After working for Gunderson Funeral Home for over 10 years, Betty thought that it was her time to retire. She soon realized how much she missed greeting the public and helping families in difficult times and returned working part time at the Gunderson West location. |
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TANYA DUPOR
Administrative Assistant
Tanya grew up in McFarland graduating from McFarland High School in 2006. After spending a few years in Milwaukee and Stoughton, she moved to the east side of Madison in 2012. Tanya is working towards her bachelor's degree in accounting.
Between classes and working, Tanya enjoys running in local 5k races with her grandfather (who sadly she has yet to beat), attempting beginner's quilting projects and golfing with her family and friends. Lately though, she has been spending most days training her new English Springer puppy, Memphis and playing with her two cats, Mallory and Charlie.
Tanya has been working with Gunderson Funeral Home since May 2008. She is the fourth member of the Dupor family to work at Gunderson Funeral Home.
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LAURIE DYBEVIK
Stoughton Office Manager and
Certified Pre-Planning Consultant
Laurie previously worked in Stoughton as a barber for more than 30 years. She joined Gunderson Funeral Home as a pre-need specialist. Laurie says she enjoys working closely with people, and that it is very rewarding to assist others in pre-arranging their funeral plans. Laurie also works full time in the front office as an administrative assistant.
Laurie is very active in the Stoughton Chamber of Commerce. She serves on the chamber board of directors and as a chamber ambassador, and is a graduate of Leadership Stoughton. Laurie has two grown sons, both residing in the Stoughton area.
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JOAN LAUFENBERG
Middleton Office Manager
Joan has been with the Gunderson Funeral Home since 1999, working in the Middleton location in a support role for the funeral directors. She says that customer service, care and compassion are important to her, and working at Gunderson Funeral Home gives her the opportunity to use these skills, along with family core values, to help families in their time of need. |
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KAREN KICMOL NELSON
Executive Assistant
Karen started working for Gunderson’s in June 1999. Karen was born and raised on the East Side of Madison, graduated from LaFollette High School and attended Madison Area Technical College. She moved to Monona in 1977. Her most important job was raising her son, James Kicmol, as a single parent. He is now a sergeant with the Wisconsin State Patrol. Karen previously worked as a medical assistant for Dr. J.P. Keepman, M.D. for 10 years and as a lead dispatcher at Monona Police Department for 20 years. She was a charter member of Monona Emergency Medical Service, the first female EMT in Monona, and received her State of Wisconsin and National Registry certificates in 1978. Karen was a volunteer for 10 years with Monona EMS. Her husband, Bob Nelson, is the assistant fire chief in the City of Monona and has been a volunteer firefighter with Monona for more than 35 years. Karen says that they are “very proud to live and work in our beautiful community. We really enjoy being able to help our friends, neighbors and families in their time of need.” When Karen and Bob are not working, their favorite place to be is at their cabin in Phillips. |
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KALI OPSHAL
Administrative Assistant
Kali grew up in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin before moving to DeForest, Wisconsin, where she graduated in 2011. She attended UW-Stevens Point and currently continues her education at Madison Technical College, majoring in Respiratory Therapy. Kali loves to spend time with her family; her parents Mark and Dina, and sister Arianna. She also enjoys to hunt, fish, snowboard, snowmobile, and go boating. Kali also has a great passion for volleyball, and plans to be the Assistant Varsity Coach for the DeForest Girls Volleyball team come fall of 2013.
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PATTY SEILER
Lodi Office Manager and Funeral Assistant
Patty started working for Gunderson Funeral Home in March of 2012 after retiring from the Veterans Administration Hospital with almost 35 years of service. She works as a family service assistant and adminstrative assistant to the funeral director.
Patty is a life-long resident of Lodi and has two children, Becky and Garret. She loves spending time with her family, especially her grandson, Ty. Patty can be seen everyday in Lodi being walked by her two German Shepherds, Chubbs and Dixie.
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CARALYN STELLFLUE
Fitchburg Office Manager
Caralyn is a 1983 graduate of UW-Madison. She and her family, husband, John and daughters, Carissa and Katelyn, recently relocated to Sun Prairie from Rhinelander, where they resided for 13 years. Caralyn enjoys traveling, gardening, boating, any Badger sporting event and has been a loyal supporter of her daughters' swim careers over the years.
Caralyn began working in funeral service in Rhinelander and is happy to continue this calling at Gundersons.
"Being part of a compassionate, professional team helping families at such a difficult time is rewarding both personally and professionally. I thoroughly enjoy being here every day."
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DEBBIE STUDT
Administrative Assistant
Debbie was born and raised in Monroe, WI. She moved to Madison in 2000 and spent most of her career in the building business. After losing her father to cancer in 1999, Debbie realized what comfort it was to have HospiceCare walk her and her family through the end stages of his life. It was shortly thereafter that she became an inpatient Hospice volunteer. She is presently serving as a vigil volunteer. It was through her volunteering that lead her to a position with Gunderson Funeral Home. Debbie is proud to be part of a team who is dedicated to compassionately serving families in need with integrity and respect. Each day her life is touched by someone else’s sadness. Debbie feels the deepest experiences of life are impacted by those around us that guide us through them. She truly believes pain does not always have to be private.
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LINDA COLLETTI
Grief Counselor and Aftercare Specialist
Linda is an aftercare specialist who seeks to comfort those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Drawing from personal experiences and those of others, she has a deep understanding of the challenges of grief. Linda has been a grief counselor for over 20 years, and believes we all have the resiliency and wisdom to find our way on the journey.
Linda resides in Belleville with her husband, Wayne, and a very cute and spoiled Cocker Spaniel. She has two grown sons, two daughters-in-law, and a step daughter. Linda loves being a grandma to three year old Evan. She says, “If I would have known being a grandma was so much fun, I would have done that first!” |
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KATE FORD ROBERTS
Grief Counselor and Aftercare Specialist
Kate has been with Gunderson Funeral Home since 1991.She is the co-founder of the Center for Life and Loss Integration at San Damiano, a grief-counseling center in Madison. She was involved in starting the University Hospital and Clinics Palliative Care Program in 1999. Her education has also earned her End of Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) certification, and is certified in Hospice and Palliative and Nursing (CHPN). She has a bachelor's degree in nursing and a master's degree in psychology-palliative care and bereavement. |
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JUDY KOEPPL
Grief Counselor and Aftercare Specialist
Judy has been a grief counselor and aftercare specialist at Gunderson Funeral Home since 1990. Prior to joining Gunderson Funeral Home, Judy developed the bereavement program at HospiceCare, Inc. of Madison and served as the program director for numerous years. Judy is the co-founder and director of the Center for Life and Loss Integration at San Damiano, a grief-counseling center in Madison.
Judy feels it is a great privilege to work with and support individuals and families as they go through difficult times in their lives. She is a member of the Academy of Credentialed Social Workers and is a certified thanantologist. Judy also holds a master's degree in social work, and is a member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling. She is a Red Cross volunteer in the Disaster Mental Health field and was able to work with the Red Cross to help surviving family members of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
Judy loves the outdoors, and among some of the more active trips she and her husband and family have taken, she has especially enjoyed backpack canoe trips in Quetico, hiking in the Grand Canyon, and sea kayaking in the Apostle Islands. Other less active pursuits include travel, a love of books, and spending time with family and friends. |
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ROSS BENJAMIN
Funeral Director Apprentice
Ross grew up in a small town in western Minnesota. He graduated from the Universiy of Minnesota's Morturary Science program in 2012 and joined Gunderson Funeral Home shortly after.
During his free time, Ross enjoys playing golf and hockey. He also enjoys getting out in Wisconsin's beautiful outdoors by hiking, camping and most of all biking. After getting enough fresh air, Ross spends his time reading about numerous historical, political and classic books.
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EMMA CHEPLAK
Funeral Director Apprentice
Emma is orginally from Janesville. She graduated from Edgewood College in December 2010 with a bachelors degree in Psychology. Emma will be attending Milwaukee Area Technical College in the Fall of 2012 to receive a degree in funeral services. In her spare time she enjoys running, dancing, Badger football and spending quality time with family and friends.
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MATT GUNDERSON
Funeral Director Apprentice
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EILEEN TERRIEN
Funeral Director Apprentice
Eileen grew up on Madison's west side, graduating from West High School in 2004. Eileen then attended Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. She received her degree in Corporate Communications in 2008. In her free time, Eileen enjoys spending time with her family, camping, reading books about history, relaxing with her two cats, Duvy and Monster, and going on road trips around Wisconsin in search of the perfect piece of pie.
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LARRY AMBROSE
Funeral Assistant
Larry was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He grew up in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin, graduating from Johnson Creek High School. Larry enlisted in the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 1965, and retired in 1995, at the rank of command sergeant major. He then worked for the State of Wisconsin, Capitol Police Department, in 1969 as a police officer. After attaining the rank of lieutenant, Larry retired in 2001.
Larry says that he enjoys every minute working at Gunderson Funeral home as a funeral assistant, helping out on services and visitations. |
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SHARON AMBROSE
Beautician
Sharon is from Madison, Wisconsin. She graduated From LaFollette High School, and earned her degree at Madison Area Technical College in cosmetology in 1967. Sharon worked and managed a salon in Madison for 16 years. She then worked with the elderly in a salon at a nursing home for over 14 years. Sharon now has a salon in Madison for the last several years. She started working at Gunderson Funeral Home while working at the nursing home. Families would ask her to do their loved ones hair after passing. They felt more comfortable with someone that was familiar with them. Sharon says she feels that she can best serve the families and their loved ones by making a pleasant lasting memory for the family. |
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KEN BERG
Vital Statistics Coordinator
Ken is from LaCrosse, Wisconsin. He is a 1960 graduate of La Crosse Central High School. Ken served on active duty in the U.S. Navy from 1961 to 1963. He graduated from Madison Business College in 1966. Ken enjoys fishing, card playing, and is a fan of the Packers and the Badgers. He is a member of McFarland Lutheran Church. Ken and his wife, Jane have three children and six grandchildren.
Ken has served as the vital statistics coordinator at Gunderson Funeral Home since 1998. He says, “It is a honor to work with great staff that share the same feelings in serving families, to work together towards a common goal.” |
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CLARENCE "BOB" BYRNE
Bob Byrne farmed all his life, until 2002. He is now retired from farming and currently takes care of the lawn work and flowers at Gunderson Funeral Home. He also enjoys traveling.
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GREG DAHMEN
Funeral Assistant
Greg has been with Gunderson Funeral Home since 1990. After working in the retail management field for his entire career, Greg says that he was happy to use his customer services skills in such an rewarding way. “Meeting and assisting the many wonderful families has been a privilege and I look forward to continuing to be there in their time of need.” |
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DEAN "DON" DENSON
Funeral Assistant
Don is a lifelong resident of Middleton. After working in the concrete business for 45 years, he retired in 1997. Don joined Gunderson Funeral Home in 2005, and says that he enjoys working with people and helping families in any way that he can. |
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HERBERT GUNDLACH
Funeral Assistant
Herb is originally from Oregon, Wisconsin. He was drafted into the Army in 1955. Herb returned home, and played in a dance band for 43 years. He currently resides in Fitchburg with his wife. They are members at Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church, where he has played the organ and been a member since 1946.
Herb says that he has always had an interest in the funeral business since he retired from a repair and maintenance business in 1993. He has been with Gunderson Funeral Home since 1993. |
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JOY GUNDERSON
Hair Designer
Joy Gunderson was born and raised in Madison. She currently resides in Stoughton with her husband Jeff and their two boys, Zander and Skyler. As a hair designer, Joy owned and operated her own business for over 20 years, mainly within Monona. She takes pride in her job and receives a real sense of satisfaction; whether it's working on her own clients, or those at the Gunderson Funeral Home. |
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JOE KELLERMAN
Funeral Assistant
Joe is originally from Watertown , Wisconsin . He attended St. Lawrence Seminary, Watertown High School and earned a graphic arts degree from Madison College . Before joining Gunderson Funeral Home, he worked 49 years at Webcrafters Printing Company as an IT manager.
Before moving to Madison , Joe and his wife, Joan, lived in McFarland where they raised four children. Joe is a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in McFarland were he served on the finance committee, was a member of the Men’s Club, taught religious education and volunteered at Luke House. He was on the board of directors of the Madison Jaycees, was the charter president of the McFarland Jaycees, and was the past presidents of the McFarland Music Boosters and the Blackhawk Home Owners Association. He delivered meals for Meals on Wheels for many years and served as a volunteer for United Way.
In his free time Joe enjoys spending time with his 10 grandchildren, watching their sporting events, music performances and drama productions. He is an avid Badger basketball fan, a Packer fan and a Brewers fan.
Joe feels very fortunate to work with a team of dedicated caring individuals committed to helping families at a very difficult time in their lives.
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JUDY LAUFENBERG
Funeral Assistant
Judy is passionate about her career. A 40-year veteran of the insurance industry, she started her journey in health, life, and disability. Judy shifted her focus mid-career on medicare supplements and long-term care. She became a well-respected team member amongst companies such as National Guardian Life, WPS, North American Life, Woodman Accident and Life, CNA, Equitable and AFLAC. Since 2004, Judy has been working in pre-need with FDLIC and Gunderson Funeral Home. Most recently, she used her experience in a management position with FDLIC. Here, she trained new funeral home directors and owners in pre-planning. In four short years, Judy earned honors as a million-dollar producer with Gunderson Funeral Home and FDLIC.
Judy has an impressive history working with people. "It gives me a great pleasure meeting personally with families and individuals and providing them the the information and help they seek," she says. "It is very rewarding, at their time of need, when these families come back and ask for me."
Judy lives in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. She and her husband John raised three children in McFarland. She enjoys gardening, playing with her dog Kassie, and visiting with her six grandchildren.
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LYLE MEEKER
Funeral Assistant
Lyle is formerly of Richland Center, Wisconsin. He graduated from Richland Center High School in 1959, and from Richland County Teachers College in 1961, and spent the next five years in the teaching profession. In 1966, Lyle joined the New York Life Insurance Company and retired after 37 years in 2003.
Lyle has resided in Middleton since 1969; he is very active in the community and his church. He enjoys sports of all kinds and has participated in bowling and golf for many years. Since retiring, Lyle volunteers at St. Mary’s Hospital. He has always been a people person and gets a great deal of satisfaction by helping others, especially in a time of need. |
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RICHARD E. "DICK" PETERSON
Funeral Assistant
Dick Peterson was born on September 22nd in Viroqua, WI. He was a member of the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Dick received his Funeral Director’s license on January 1, 1963. He joined the staff at Gunderson Funeral & Cremation Centers in the Spring of 1976.
Some organizations, memberships and activities Dick is involved with include a 45 year member and past Grand Knight of KC Council #4586; 40 year Honorary Life Member of the Bishop Wm. P. O’Connor 4th Degree Assembly Knights of Columbus; 41 year Life Member of the Madison Elks Lodge No. 410; 33 year member of the East Madison/Monona Optimist Club, and currently serving as their President for the year 2008-2009. |
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RICHARD "DICK" RINEHART
Funeral Assistant
Dick moved to Madison after graduating high school in 1965. He and his wife, Jan, have been married for over 40 years. Together they have a daughter, Michelle, and a granddaughter, Samantha. Dick spent 36 years with the Madison Police Department, retiring in 2001. He worked as a cadet officer, police officer, sergeant and lieutenant. Dick had the opportunity to work a patrol beat, work in communications, special operations, and served as a district lieutenant for both the Central and North Police Districts. During his years as a lieutenant, he also coordinated the field training of all police recruit officers.
Dick has been a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1997. He has served two terms as grand knight of Council 9082. Dick has also served as faithful navigator for Bishop O’Connor 4th Degree Assembly 1200, and recently served three years as district deputy for the five Madison Knights of Columbus Councils. He is a past president of the Board of Directors for the ATTIC Correctional Facility on Madison’s east side, and is a former big brother with Big Brother Big Sisters of Dane County. Dick is a current member of Saint Bernard Catholic Church and is active in numerous parish ministries and events. He has been a staff member since 2001, serving as the director of volunteers.
Dick finds his work at Gunderson Funeral Home very rewarding. He says that he has found several similarities to his career in police work, allowing him to continue to offer help, compassion and comfort to individuals and families during a difficult time. |
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PAUL SELBO
Certified Pre-planning Consultant and Funeral Assistant
Paul has been with Gunderson Funeral Home since 2003. He is a graduate of Stoughton High School and UW-LaCrosse. Paul is a member of Stoughton Village Players, the Honorary “S” Club, Christ Lutheran Church, Stoughton Festival Choir and the Stoughton Hall of fame Committee.
Paul and his wife, Sue, have two sons, Dan and Tom. He enjoys running, golf, motorcycling, theater and small town festivals.
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JOHN SIMON
John was raised in Martinsville and comes from a family of seven sisters and four brothers. He graduated from Middleton High School and then started working for Feiner Furniture. He worked for Feiner for 38 years, learning numerous skills that includes, but not limited to, furniture repair, floor coving installation and repair and general maintence. He joined Gunderson Funeral Home in March of 2012
John lives in Cross Plains with his wife Katie. Together they raised three children, that were very active in sports. Lots of time was spent at the ball fields! For many years John coached and for the past five years he has been the business manager for the Cross Plains Home Talent Baseball Team.
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PETE THORPE
Funeral Assistant
Pete grew up on the east side of Madison and Monona, graduating from Monona Grove High School in 1964. He and his wife, JoAnn have been married for 46 years and have three daughters and nine grandchildren all in the area.
He worked for the City of Monona as a Police Officer for 31 years, with the last 16 years in the investigative division where he attained the rank of Lieutenant, retiring in 2000. Pete then worked in the Dane County Coroners Office for 10 years, before coming to work for Gundersons.
Having worked in law enforcement and the Coroners Office taught him to be able to deal with people in crisis situations and with grieving the death of someone close to them.
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TOM ULLSVIK
Funeral Assistant
Growing-up on Madison's Eastside, Tom worked at his family's Scandinavian market while attending East High School and UW-Madison. A Viet Nam vet, Tom returned to Madison and a banking career lasting 40 years. Long-time members of Bethel Lutheran Church, Tom and his wife Sue live in Middleton where they raised a son and two daughters and now are delighted to have seven grandchildren, all in this area. Tom joined Gunderson Funeral Homes in September of 2011 and has been honored to serve many families, some of which he has known for decades. |
