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.

Our History

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-Hanson 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

  • Chris  Jonkhoff-Hater

    Chris Jonkhoff-Hater, Co-owner, Sixth Generation Funeral Director, CFSP, Licensed Funeral Insurance Agent

    email: [email protected]Chris graduated from Traverse City Central High School, Michigan State University and Worsham College of Mortuary Science. She is a member of the Traverse City Country Club and serves on the Sports Committee as well as a member of the Traverse City Elks Lodge. Chris is currently serving as Michigan Funeral Director Association’s District 8 Director. Chris is married to Brian Hater and they reside in Traverse City with their daughters Maxine and Molly. Christy become co-owner of the funeral home on June 30, 2022 along with her sister Lindsey (Jonkhoff) Rogers.

  • Lindsey  (Jonkhoff) Rogers

    Lindsey (Jonkhoff) Rogers, Co-owner, Sixth Generation Funeral Director, CFSP

    email: [email protected]Lindsey graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 2004, Bowling Green State University in 2008, and the Wayne State University Mortuary Science Program in 2009. Lindsey is married to another TC Native, Chris Rogers. Chris is an attorney at Kuhn Rogers specializing in real estate and estate planning. They enjoy spending time outdoors, especially with their sons Harvey and Carson, and Havanese Chip. Lindsey is past-president of the NMC BBQ Board, member of Central United Methodist Church and Traverse City Country Club where she currently serves on the Board of Directors as well as the Traverse Symphony Orchestra as a Board Member. She serves as Vice President of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association District 8. She was appointed in 2022 to the state Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and will represent funeral service professionals through June 30, 2026. She also serves on the Institute Advisory Council for Selected Independent Funeral Homes. She is the creator of Hannah Bear, a coloring book for children who experience a death in their family. For more information on the coloring book please email Lindsey. Lindsey became co-owner of the funeral home on June 30, 2022 along with her sister Christy Jonkhoff-Hater.

  • Peg  Jonkhoff

    Peg Jonkhoff, Administrative Director

    email: [email protected]Peg has an Associates Degree from Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) and Bachelors and Masters Degree from Ferris State University. She has worked full-time at the funeral home since 1992. She is a former Board Chair (2011) of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Grand Traverse alumni class of 1997 and enjoys attending the Chamber’s (now Traverse Connect) Annual Distinguished Service Award luncheon celebration. Peg is a member of First Congregational Church, Traverse City Country Club (President 2008-2010) serving currently on the Nominating and chair of the Membership Committee, NMC Foundation Board member, Zonta Club of Traverse City (President 2004-2006) working on the Festival of Trees event held annually at Golden Fowler Home Furnishings in November, The Friendly Garden Club (President 1990-1991 and life member) Grand Traverse Area Children's Garden Chair of the Board of Directors and Master Gardener, mAIDens of Michigan member and founding member of the Botanic Garden of Northwest Michigan. She is a co-author of the book Perry Hannah's Gifts Then and Now with further details at www.perryhannah.com or Like Perry Hannah on Facebook.

  • Dan  Jonkhoff

    Dan Jonkhoff, Fifth Generation Funeral Director, CFSP, Emeritus

    email: [email protected]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, Rotary Club of Traverse City, active member of the Traverse City Country Club currently serving on the Member Guest Committee and Past President of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association. He has previously served on Munson Medical Center’s Corporate Board, Munson Hospice Advisor and the Traverse City Golf and Country Club Board of Directors. He currently serves on the Northwestern Region Airport Commission and is the founder of the new Legacy Aviation Learning Center.

  • Don Rigda

    Don Rigda, Funeral Director, CFSP

    email: [email protected]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.

  • Henry Parvel

    Henry Parvel, Funeral Director Resident Trainee, Certified Crematory Operator

    email: [email protected]Traverse City native, Henry Parvel is dedicated to all aspects of funeral service; committed to providing compassionate and meaningful support to families during their most challenging moments. Henry's journey in Mortuary Science began during his time at Central High School, when he was only 17. After graduating in 2020, he continued his education at Central Michigan University for two years before graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Mortuary Science from Wayne State University in August, 2023. Known for his level-headedness and sense of humor, Henry takes pride in his ability to bring a smile even during the most challenging times. His genuine care and empathy make him a reassuring presence for those he serves. Beyond his professional life, Henry enjoys the world of movies, music, and was an active member in choir. You can find him spending time with friends, exploring local breweries, relishing the natural beauty of Northern Michigan, and hanging out with his cat, Clyde. Henry is set to join the Rotary Club, where he looks forward to contributing to the betterment of the communities he serves. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or require assistance.

  • Harold  Kranick

    Harold Kranick, Funeral Service Specialist

    email: [email protected]Harold is a native of Traverse City and graduated from St. Francis High School in 2012. While in school, he was known as "Mr. Theater". Harold has been acting since he was 9 years old and loves every moment of it. His favorite shows to act in are comedies. One of his favorite things to do is making others laugh. Laughter is "medicine to the soul". Harold loves to volunteer with local organizations around town especially the Old Town Playhouse and National Cherry Festival. Harold joined the staff at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home in April of 2023. In his spare time, he loves to act, record and edit his podcast show, go to sports outings with family and friends, officiate weddings and help teach the importance of Faith and Self Esteem to local schools.

  • Nicole  Westrick

    Nicole Westrick, CPC (Certified Preplanning Consultant)

    email: [email protected]Nicole grew up in Traverse City and graduated from Traverse City Senior High. She is a proud Spartan having graduated from MSU. Nicole joined the Reynolds Jonkhoff work family in 1997 as a Certified Preplanning Consultant and feels honored to have helped over 7,000 families so far plan their funerals in advance. In her free time, Nicole enjoys family and friends, yoga, running, travel, reading, and the fresh water of Northern Michigan. She is married to Kevin and the proud mother of two grown daughters, Claire and Ellen. In the absence of kids at home, her dogs, Bo and Foster, keep her entertained.

  • Brooke  Stevens

    Brooke Stevens, Preplanning Consultant

    email: [email protected]Brooke grew up in Flint, Michigan. After spending several years in Traverse City, she moved to Bozeman, Montana where she spent 12 years living and working amidst the mountains. She welcomed a move back to Traverse City to be closer to family. Bozeman and Traverse City are both cities that often make the “best places to retire” lists. It will be a tough decision for her someday because, as she says, “when I am here I miss the mountains and when I am there I miss the water.” Luckily she has many years before needing to make that decision! Brooke is married to Wayne, has three children; Charlie, Garrett, and Abby, and a Miniature Aussiedoodle named, Mocha. Wayne works for BATA and is responsible for the advertising you see on our public transportation vehicles and shelters. Brooke’s “happy place” is the family cottage on Green Lake in Interlochen. There is little she enjoys more than spending time with her family and friends.

  • Alexis Nink

    Alexis Nink, Administrative Services

    email: [email protected]Alexis is a Traverse City native who has recently returned home after almost 20 years away from northern Michigan. She is a married to her husband Jake Nink, another TC native and engineer and together they have two children. Alexis is an interior designer and has been the owner of a residential design/build firm for the last decade serving the Washington DC area and Treasure Valley of Idaho. She’s an avid collector of art and books, a lifelong gardener and lover of all forms of music. Her number one joy in life is her family and sharing the beauty and humor of life with them.

  • Rick  Harkert

    Rick Harkert, Funeral Director, CFSP, Emeritus

    email: [email protected]Rick graduated from Wayne State University in 1976. He has been a licensed funeral director since 1976 and with the funeral home since 1997. Rick and his wife are members of Redeemer Presbyterian Church. Rick is a member of the noon Kiwanis Club of Traverse City and Past President of Michigan Funeral Director Association's District 8. Rick and his wife Jody, who is employed by The Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District in Student Placement, have three grown children, four grandsons and two granddaughters. They enjoy biking, camping, kayaking and snowshoeing. Rick retired as a funeral director in May of 2021, but continues to serve in other capacities such as a Funeral Director's assistant, Celebrant, organ or pianist for Funeral or Memorial services and helps with special projects.

  • Ann Miller

    Ann Miller, Administrative Services

    Ann is originally from Saginaw but has been a resident of Traverse City for almost 40 years. She is married to her husband Jack, and together they have two children and nine grandchildren. While not at work, Ann enjoys travelling, spending time outdoors, and having fun with her family.

  • Tim Gutowski

    Tim Gutowski, Administrative Services - Accountant

    Tim graduated from Davenport University. Tim and his wife Sandie have two sons, Mark and Luke. He and his family are members of St Patrick Catholic Church. In his spare time, he enjoys camping, boating and the warm summer days that Northern Michigan has to offer.

  • Cheryl  Kloosterman

    Cheryl Kloosterman, Administrative Services - Accounting

    Cheryl was born and raised in Traverse City. She is married to her husband Dale and they enjoy spending time boating.

  • Barb Valesano

    Barb Valesano, Administrative Services

    Barb is originally from Cleveland, Ohio but has lived most of her life in Traverse City. She is an alumna of Traverse City Senior High School and Northwestern Michigan College. She previously worked as an administrative assistant in the health care field. She has been married to her husband, Jim, since 1986. They have 4 children and are members of Central United Methodist Church. Barb is an avid walker and loves reading and camping.

  • Brandon Lohr

    Brandon Lohr, Veterans Benefit Specialist, Media Services

    Brandon was born and raised in Michigan and graduated from Western Michigan University. In his free time, Brandon enjoys playing music, reading, hiking, kayaking, and enjoying all of the great outdoor opportunities Northern Michigan has to offer.

  • Melanie  Sheets

    Melanie Sheets, Administrative Services

    Melanie is a Traverse City native and graduated from Traverse City Central High School in 1997. She attended NMC for two years. Melanie and her husband Eric have three children, Walker, McKenna and Christian. As animal enthusiasts, the family has two dogs (Fergus and Dane) and two cats (Andre and Anubis) and a bearded dragon, Eragon. In Melanie's free time, she enjoys music, art, reading, spending time outdoors whether it be camping, long walks, playing in the yard or hiking the many beautiful disc golf courses in the area with Eric. Above all else, Melanie loves spending as much time with her family as possible and cherishes every moment of it. She thoroughly enjoys helping people always with a smile.

  • Sharon McDermott

    Sharon McDermott, Administrative Services

    Sharon is a graduate of Carnegie Institute, a certified medical assistant and a cardiology technician. She was employed with NBD/Bank One as an executive assistant, semi-retiring prior to joining the funeral home in 2005. Sharon is a member of West Side Community Church. Sharon and her husband, Jim, volunteer for the State Theatre, Traverses City Film Festival, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and she also volunteers at her church. In her spare time, she enjoys bowling with Wally’s Seniors, baking cheesecakes, pencil/graphite drawing, reading, and traveling.

  • Dave Maxson

    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.

  • George Prewitt

    George Prewitt, Funeral Director's Assistant

    George was born Lexington, KY. He has been married to Judy Prewitt since 1973. They have two children, 1 grand child. He and Judy moved to Traverse City in 2004 to open the FASTSIGNS store. The Prewitts sold it in 2011. When not at work, he enjoys fishing, water sports and wood working.

  • Ann McNamara

    Ann McNamara, Funeral Director's Assistant

    Ann is married to Russ McNamara and has four children, one step daughter and six grandchildren. She is also a great grandmother and great aunt.

  • Val Winans

    Val Winans, Funeral Director's Assistant

    Valerie Winans is a retired state government manager. She graduated with honors from Northwestern Michigan College. She is an author, participates in reader’s theatre at the Old Town Playhouse, tap dances with the Happy Tappers at the Senior Citizens Center, and enjoys membership in a local writing group.Valerie is a member of Christ the King church, and serves as both a lector and Eucharistic minister there. She has been a member of the Zonta Club of Traverse City since 2002. Valerie has been married for 52 years, and has 5 children, 19 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.

  • Cathie Cline

    Cathie Cline, Funeral Director's Assistant

    Cathie grew up in Traverse City, graduating from Traverse City Senior High and received her Associate Degree in Medical Assisting from Northwestern Michigan College. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Central Michigan University in 1979. Cathie lived 25 years in the Keweenaw Peninsula of Upper Michigan where she raised three daughters. She returned to Traverse City in 2005 to be closer to family. Her greatest joy is spending time with her two granddaughters and grandson.

  • Mary Jo Dent

    Mary Jo Dent, Funeral Director's Assistant

    Mary Jo is a true Michigander originally from Mancelona. She lived and worked in New Jersey for an insurance company before moving to New Mexico where she worked as a nurse and later as an Occupational Therapist then returned to Michigan in 2012. She attended MSU, Eastern NM University, Wayland Baptist University and Clovis Community College.Mary Jo loves spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking and entertaining, gardening, reading, sewing and continuing education opportunities. She attends St Francis Catholic Church and is an active volunteer with funeral luncheons. She also volunteers at the State and Bijou Theater, TC Film Festival, City Opera House and Adult Day Care at the Grand Traverse Pavilions. Mary Jo has two children and three step children. She has been married for 6 years and her blended families have blessed her with 16 grandchildren. Mary Jo joined the Reynolds Jonkhoff work family in July of 2021.

  • Kathy  Tate

    Kathy Tate, Funeral Director's Assistant

    Kathy is retired from the Department of Defense Dependent Schools. She graduated form Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah. Kathy is an active parishioner and volunteer at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Her hobbies include gardening, hiking and traveling. Kathy is a Funeral Director's Assistant who helps with visitations and funeral services.

  • Pat  Brady

    Pat Brady, Funeral Director's Assistant

  • Barb Coleman

    Barb Coleman, Funeral Director's Assistant

  • Lisa  Rosendahl

    Lisa Rosendahl, Funeral Director's Assistant

    Lisa grew up in East Lansing . After high school she moved to Denver where she attended college and graduated with a Bachelors Degree from Metropolitan State University. While living there she met her husband Duke who was attending art school. After they graduated they moved around to Chicago, Cleveland, Grand Rapids and finally settled in Traverse City.Lisa and Duke have lived in Traverse City for 21 years, raising two daughters and caring for two adorable dogs. During the summer months, they enjoy camping in their vintage trailer and swimming in the beautiful rivers and lakes that surround them.

  • Evan  Spaulding

    Evan Spaulding, Administrative Services

    Evan is a Traverse City local whose journey took him from the familiar halls of West Senior High School to the breathtaking landscapes of Norway. In 2015, he received his Bachelor's Degree in Outdoor Education from Volda University College. During his Bachelor studies, he did one semester of study abroad in Lyon, France at Universite' Jean Moulin, Lyon III. After graduating from college, Evan moved back to Traverse City to be closer to family. When he's not working as an Administrative Assistant at the funeral home, he loves spending his time DJing, making music, attending concerts and traveling. Evan resides in Traverse City with his girlfriend, Brittany, along with their two cats (Jax and Pi) and dog (Babs). One fun fact about Evan is that he speaks three languages including English, Norwegian and French. Evan loves meeting people from all walks of life and please say Hi if you see him.

  • Cheryl  Johnson

    Cheryl Johnson, Administrative Services

  • Lisa  Muller

    Lisa Muller, Funeral Director's Assistant

  • Tim Sinclair

    Tim Sinclair, Funeral Director's Assistant

    Prior to moving to Traverse City with his wife Marva, Tim worked as a commercial real estate broker and attorney in the greater Detroit market. I also taught business law at several private adult education colleges. Within the community, he was the charter president for Grosse Pointe Rotary – Sunrise and was a 25 year member. He also served as a corporate board member for Henry Ford Hospital – Macomb. Presently, Tim continues to serve as a case facilitator for the Mediation Tribunal Association in Detroit and have written a continuing education program produced locally in Traverse City. Tim enjoys golf and long walks. He is involved locally with Power Book Bags and Pastoral Care and Hometown Heroes and volunteered at Safe Harbor. Before COVID I did things with and for resident’s of Marva’s mothers assisted living facility.

  • Doug  Tull

    Doug Tull, Funeral Director's Assistant

    Doug was raised in Royal Oak, Michigan. He and his wife, Lori, moved to Traverse City in 2006 to be with family. The Tulls have a blended family of three daughters, two sons, and 8 grandchildren. Over 9 years, they have fostered 31 children. The Tulls are members of Living Hope Church where Doug is a Deacon and head of the Security Team. Doug attended Central Michigan University and retired after 30 years in the automotive industry as an engineer and a Corporate Quality Executive. He served his community for over 8 years by patrolling for Canton Township, and with the Michigan Police Department as a Certified Police Reserve Officer. Doug keeps busy during ‘retirement’ running Advanced Driving Academy, bus driving for special needs children, and as a security Officer for NMC and Cherry Capital Airport. His favorite pastime is spending time with his family.

  • Mark  Garabelli

    Mark Garabelli, Funeral Director's Assistant

    Mark and his wife (Peggy) of 37 years have three grown daughters. They moved to Traverse City in 2020. Mark retired after 34 years in law enforcement in Saginaw County. Mark and Peggy love to hike, bike ride and Mark loves to work on his old corvette. The couple have worked on a number of different fundraisers for local families. Mark joined the Reynolds Jonkhoff work family in August of 2021.

  • Tom Rockne

    Tom Rockne, Funeral Director's Assistant

    Tom was was born in Fargo, ND. As he is winding down an over 40 year career in the travel industry, including nearly twenty with Northwest Airlines, he is returning to one of his earlier part-time positions. His father, Glen, was trained at Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago and Tom spent summers working with Uncle Maynard Lindsey assisting at Page Funeral Home in Page, ND. Tom and is wife, Jana, a professional therapist, enjoy traveling, golfing, kayaking, and snowshoeing. They are members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and have two grown sons.

  • Barb McCurry

    Barb McCurry, Administrative Services

    Barb joined our talented team of administrative assistants.

  • Brad Kroupa

    Brad Kroupa, Funeral Director Assistant

    Brad joined our talented team of funeral director assistants.

  • Dom Kroskie

    Dom Kroskie, Funeral Director Assistant

    Dom is a native to Northern Michigan where he currently resides with his wife and two dogs. He enjoys spending time outdoors playing disc golf and for a short time coached junior high soccer. Dom loves to serve at his home church, The Tabernacle, in kids ministry along with leading a small group of junior high boys on Wednesday nights. When he isn't doing those things, you'll find him out on the two tracks in his beloved, blue Jeep!

  • Scott Bills

    Scott Bills, Funeral Director's Assistant

    Scott joined our talented team of funeral director assistants.He retired from Faith Reformed Church in June from a pastoral and administrative position after a career in ministry spanning 43 years. He has served churches in Michigan, Indiana and Wyoming. He is married to Elaine and their blended family includes 6 grown kids who live coast to coast and 17 grandkids. Scott’s hobbies include photography, kayaking and reading.

  • Steve Apostal

    Steve Apostal

    Steve joined our talented team of funeral director assistants. He is married to Karen and raised five children in Canton, MIchigan before moving to Traverse City in 2016. Steve enjoys being outdoors camping, hiking, kayaking and rock hunting during beach walks. He also enjoys being a volunteer Crisp Point Lighthouse keeper for one week every summer.

  • Jill Peters

    Jill Peters, Funeral Director's Assistant

    Jill is originally from Grosse Pointe. She with her husband Rod moved to Traverse City in 1982. They have a son Ryan who also resides in TC. They are members of Trinity Lutheran Church where Jill serves as secretary on The Altar Guild. She is a volunteer at Munson Medical Center in the ER. In 1990 she began teaching tap dance which evolved into the current Happy Tappers. Jill enjoys golfing with girlfriends known as the Chippin’ Chix.Jill joined our talented team of funeral director assistants.