History & Staff
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.
Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.
Our History
Our family has been in funeral service for six generations! Gerrit Jonkhoff (1st generation funeral director) was born in 1840 in the Netherlands. He came to America in 1872 at the age of 32. Gerrit settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan as he was a furniture craftsman and Grand Rapids was known for fine furniture. He worked for the Barcklay & Gray Furniture Company for approximately 30 years as a cabinet maker.
He also perfected his skills at “coffin” making and started the first Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Grand Rapids in 1884 along with his son Ralph (2nd generation funeral director).
In the early ’30s, Ralph’s son Harold (3rd generation funeral director) entered the funeral service profession as well. Eventually Harold took over the family business and remodeled their facilities in 1941. He and his wife Margaret had two sons, Jack and Bob. Jack became a licensed funeral director in 1950 and Bob in 1955. For ten years the funeral home provided the local ambulance service too. Jack and Bob eventually acquired the Jonkhoff Lake Drive Chapel and Jonkhoff Caledonia Funeral Home after their father died in 1966. Over the years, Jack became responsible exclusively for the Caledonia Funeral Home and Bob merged with the Metcalf family to form Metcalf-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in 1976. Jack and Maxine decided to sell their Caledonia Funeral Home that same year and leave their hometown for northern Michigan.
Jack (4th generation funeral director) and Maxine made the bold move from Grand Rapids to Traverse City in December of 1976 and purchased the Reynolds-Hansen Funeral Home from Fred and Bert Hansen effective January 1, 1977. Dan (5th generation funeral director) came to work with his parents that same year after having just completed his degree in Mortuary Science at Wayne State University. In 1983, the family changed the name to the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. In 1992, Dan and Peg Jonkhoff acquired the funeral home from Dan’s parents when Dan’s father retired after 40 years in funeral service.
In terms of the future, Chris Jonkhoff graduated from Michigan State and Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Illinois. The latter college was the same college her grandfather Jack graduated from in 1950. Lindsey graduated from Bowling Green University in Ohio with a Psychology degree. In 2009, she graduated from Wayne State University, just like her father Dan. Both of Dan and Peg’s daughters are proud to carry on the Jonkhoff family tradition of excellence in funeral service.
The Jonkhoff family has been fortunate to be able to surround themselves with a gifted, dedicated staff. In 1977, it was just Jack, Maxine and Dan. Today, 28 full and part-time staff members work at the funeral home. We are able to help so many families each year thanks to our highly trained, compassionate “work family”.
Our Valued Staff
Dan Jonkhoff, Co-owner, Fifth Generation Funeral Director, CFSP
Dan graduated from Wayne State University in 1976. Dan started his career in funeral service at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in 1977 working with his father, Jack Jonkhoff, a fourth generation funeral director. Dan is a member of First Congregational Church, Past President of the Rotary Club of Traverse City and the Michigan Funeral Directors Association, Munson Medical Center’s Corporate Board member, Munson Hospice Advisor, US Coast Guard Auxillary and a member of the Traverse City Golf and Country Club.
Peg Jonkhoff, Co-owner, Administrative Director
Peg has a Bachelors and Masters Degree from Ferris State University. She has worked full-time at the funeral home since 1992. Peg is a member of the First Congregational Church, Traverse City Golf and Country Club, Zonta Club of Traverse City and The Friendly Garden Club (life member and Master Gardener), Founding Member of the Botanic Garden of Northwest Michigan, Immediate Past Chair of the Board of Directors of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, History Center of Traverse City Board Member and National Cherry Festival Board of Governors.
Chris Jonkhoff, Sixth Generation Funeral Director, CFSP
Chris graduated from Traverse City Central High School, Michigan State University and Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 2006. She is an avid golfer having played on both her high school and college golf teams. She is a member of the Traverse City Junior Golf Association Board of Directors, Traverse City Golf and Country Club and the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals organization. She also on the board for the Grand Traverse Center. Chris is currently serving as President of Michigan Funeral Director Association’s District 8.
Lindsey (Jonkhoff) Rogers, Sixth Generation Funeral Director, CFSP
Lindsey graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 2004, Bowling Green State University in 2008, and Wayne State University in 2009. Lindsey is married to another TC Native, Chris Rogers and they are expecting their first child, a son, in April. Chris is an attorney at Calcutt Rogers & Boynton specializing in real estate and estate planning. They enjoy spending time outdoors, especially with their St. Bernard, Yogi Bear. Lindsey serves on the NMC BBQ Board and attends Central United Methodist Church.
John Roeser, Funeral Director, CFSP
John graduated from Wayne State University in 1972. He has been a licensed funeral director at the funeral home since 1988. John is a member of St. Francis Catholic Church and the Elks Club.
Rick Harkert, Funeral Director, CFSP
Rick graduated from Wayne State University in 1976. He has been a licensed funeral director since 1976 and with the funeral home since 1997. He is a member of the West Side Community Church, noon Kiwanis Club of Traverse City and Past President of Michigan Funeral Directors District 8.
Don Rigda, Funeral Director
Don graduated from Wayne State University in 1992. He has been a licensed funeral director since 1995. In January 2013, Don and his family moved to Traverse City to continue his work in funeral service at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Don and his wife Kathryn are of the Catholic faith and have two daughters, Emily and Gwen.
Dan Zolik, Funeral Director, CFSP
Dan graduated from Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in 1970. He has been a licensed funeral director since 1971 and with the funeral home since 2004. He is a member of St. Francis Catholic Church, Lake Ann Lions Club, a current member and Past President of the Polish Century Club of Detroit. As of October 2010, Dan is an emeritus (on-call) member of our staff.
Nicole Westrick, CPC (Certified Preplanning Consultant)
Nicole is a graduate of Michigan State University. She has been a licensed funeral prearrangement specialist with the funeral home since 1997. She is a member of Faith Reformed Church in Traverse City.
Nicole is married to Kevin Westrick and has two daughters, Clare and Ellen.
Christine Taylor, Administrative Staff
Christine was born and raised in the Traverse City area. She has been married to Kirby Taylor since 2005, has three children, five step children and 11 grandchildren.
When she is not at work, she enjoys horse back riding, watching the sun go down on the beaches of Lake Michigan and spending time with her family.
Ann Miller, Administrative Staff
Ann is originally from Saginaw but has been a resident of Traverse City for almost 30 years. She is married to her husband Jack, and together they have two children and five grandchildren.
While not at work, Ann enjoys travelling, spending time at doors, and having fun with her family.
Jeannie Thaxton, Accountant
Jeannie was born in Plymouth and moved to the Traverse City area in 1972. She lives in Williamsburg with her husband Tim. She is the mom of Ross and Jillian and the grandma of Cameron.
While not at work she enjoys simple flower and vegetable gardening, sewing and quilting, and spending time with her friends and family.
Cheryl Kloosterman, Administrative Staff - Accounting Department
Cherly was born and raised in Traverse City. She is married to her husband Dale and they enjoy spending time boating.
John Block, Funeral Director's Assistant - Veteran's Benefits Specialist
John is a retired United States Coast Guard Chief, and served four years in the United States Air Force and is a veteran of the Vietnam War.
John and his wife Judi have been married for over 40 years and they enjoy spending time with their family.
Kyle Barsheff, Funeral Directors Assistant - Media Specialist
Kyle is married to his wife Liz and they have five wonderful children. Kyle produces our one of a kind video tributes, webcasts services, and helps with other technology-related projects.
Russ McNamara, Funeral Director's Assistant
Russ is a veteran of the United States Navy. He is married to his wife Carol and they have five children, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
In his spare time he loves to fly. He has been a pilot for over 35 years, a flight instruction for 33, and has logged over 3,900 hours.
Mr. Dave Maxson, Funeral Director's Assistant
Dave is a native of Traverse City and veteran of the United States Navy. He is married to his wife Sally, and is the proud father of Scott and Amy, and the extremly proud grandfather of three.
Prior to his time here at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Dave was a radio broadcaster for 43 years. He has a few hobbies, but loves to work and spend time with his family, especially his grandsons and their sporting events.
Ron Howard, Director's Assistant
Ron is a retired member of the United States Coast Guard. He is married to his wife Julie and together they have two sons.
George Prewitt, Funeral Director's Assistant
Jeremy Metcalf, Funeral Director's Assistant
Wilma Radcliffe, Administrative Staff
Wilma is a native of Traverse City and has been with Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home for over 20 years. She has a son, Gary; grandson Zachary; and great grandson Dylan.
In her spare time Wilma likes to read and dance.
Sharon McDermott, Administrative Staff
Sharon is married to her husband Jim. In her spare time she enjoys baking cheesecakes, drawing with pencil, charcoal and graphite, and volunteering for the State Theater.
Karen Bolhuis, Funeral Director's Assistant
Karen has been married to her husband Paul for almost 50 years, and together they have two daughters and three grandchildren. Prior to working for Reynolds Jonkhoff, she worked for the Mona Shores School District for 27 years. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, floral arranging, travelling, reading and spending time with her family. Her motto - sleep fast, play hard!
Ann Harrison, Administrative Staff
Ann has four children, one step daughter and six grandchildren. She is also a great grandmother and great aunt.
In addition to Reynolds Jonkhoff Ann works for St. Francis Catholic Church.
Sherry Schmalenberg, Adminstrative Staff
Sherry and her husband Dan have six children and six grandchildren.
In her spare time she likes to make digital scrap books.
