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”.
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Dan Jonkhoff, Co-owner, Fifth Generation Funeral Director, CFSP
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 Central United Methodist Church, Rotary Club of Traverse City 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. -
Peg Jonkhoff, Co-owner, Administrative Director
email: [email protected]
Peg has an Associates Degree from Northwestern Michigan College 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 Annual Celebration. Peg is a member of Central United Methodist Church, Traverse City Golf and Country Club (President 2008-2010) serving currently on the Nominating Committee, 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, life member, Grand Traverse Area Children's Garden) 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. -
Chris Jonkhoff-Hater, 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 Junior Golf Association Board of Directors, Traverse City Golf and Country Club Sports Committee member and is a member of the Traverse City Elks Lodge. Chris is currently serving as President of Michigan Funeral Director Association’s District 8. Chris is married to Brian Hater and they reside in Traverse City with their daughters Maxine and Molly. -
Lindsey (Jonkhoff) Rogers, 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 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. Lindsey is past-president of the NMC BBQ Board, is a member of Central United Methodist Church and the Traverse City Golf and Country Club. She serves as the treasurer for the Michigan Funeral Directors Association District 8. 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 stop in or email Lindsey. -
Rick Harkert, Funeral Director, CFSP
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. He and his wife attend West Side Community Church and Rick is a member of the noon Kiwanis Club of Traverse City and Past President of Michigan Funeral Directors District 8. He 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 a granddaughter. They enjoy biking, camping, kayaking and snowshoeing. -
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. Don enjoys volunteering at his daughter's school, Westwood's Elementary, and at Hawthorne House where his mother lives. -
Eric Rizzio, Funeral Director, CFSP
Eric is from Michigan’s great Upper Peninsula! He was born and raised in Marquette and was a 2010 graduate from Marquette Senior High School. While in high school, Eric began working at the local funeral home, where his initial interest in funeral service began.
Following high school, Eric enrolled at Northern Michigan University where he received his bachelor’s degree in Business Management. In 2015 Eric enrolled at Des Moines Area Community College’s online Mortuary Science Program where he received his associate’s degree in 2016.
Eric made Traverse City home during his time in Mortuary School as he wanted to be closer to his grandfather. Eric was offered a job at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in 2016 where he became a Licensed Funeral Director.
Eric is a member of the TCYP Fuse program, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Traverse City Track Club. He enjoys all things outdoors and most specifically running. This past year Eric qualified for the Boston marathon, which he plans to run in eventually.
email: [email protected] -
Megen Fryer, Funeral Service Specialist
email: [email protected]
Megen is a native to Traverse City. She graduated from Traverse City West Senior High in 1998. While in high school she was the Editor and Chief of the high school yearbook. Megen is joining the staff at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home after fifteen years in the medical field where she traveled from coast to coast with the company implementing new contracts in hospitals and training. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her two children; camping, fishing, hunting and boating. -
Shawn Lowe, Funeral Director
email: [email protected]
Shawn is proud to be a Traverse City native. He was raised on his family’s farm and local business, Casalae Farms Inc. Class of 2009 graduate, West Senior High. He attended Grand Valley State University, transferred to Universidad de Málaga, Spain, earning a Bachelor's Degree. He graduated University of Minnesota’s Department of Mortuary Science in 2015. After serving families in Minneapolis, Shawn felt Traverse City calling him home. He joined our team February 2019, after working in Manistee and Benzie Counties. Shawn is dedicated to serving families in the Grand Traverse region. He loves all things outdoors in northern Michigan, spending time boating, hiking, hunting, and tending his own small farm and orchard. As Double Bassist, Shawn tries to play as many local opportunities as possible such as the Benzie Area Symphony and Crooked Tree Arts Center. He loves repairing and restoring cars, especially vintage imports. -
Nicole Westrick, CPC (Certified Preplanning Consultant)
email: [email protected]
Nicole graduated from Traverse City Senior High in 1990 and Michigan State University in 1994. She is a Certified Preplanning Consultant, earning her license in 1997. Nicole is a member of Bay Area Senior Advocates, Faith Reformed Church, and served for five years on the Traverse City Senior Center Advisory Board. Since 1998, she has been a mentor to young students with Kids Hope USA. She is married to Kevin Westrick and has two teenage daughters, Claire and Ellen. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys Bikram Yoga, running, travel, reading and outdoor activities. -
Brooke Stevens, Preplanning Consultant
email: [email protected]
Brooke is originally from Flint, Michigan. She is married to Wayne, has three children, Charlie, Garrett, and Abby, and a Pomeranian-mix dog named, Bogey. Brooke's family attends Bayview Wesleyan Church. She enjoys spending time with her family, golf, and attending community and church related activities. Previously, Brooke served in development roles at hospitals in both Michigan and Montana.
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Debra Jackson, Community Liaison
Deb joined our talented team as a Community Liaison in 2018.
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Jillian Thaxton, Administrative Services
email: [email protected]
Jillian was born and raised in Traverse City and has lived here her whole life. Jillian graduated from Traverse City Central High School and went into food and beverage management where she spent 15 years. Jillian managed one of the top restaurants in the area. She has a son named Cameron who was born on Easter. Jillian and Cameron do everything together especially anything that involves being outside in the warm sun, walking, cooking, cleaning - yes cleaning, traveling to tropical places and learning other cultures.
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Christine Taylor, Administrative Services
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 Services
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. -
Tim Gutowski, Administrative Services - Accountant
Tim was born and raised in Manistee and graduated from Davenport University. Tim and his wife Sandie have two son's Mark and Luke. Tim is an active member of his community by serving as a scout leader for Boy Scouts of America and assisting as a parent volunteer at school events.
Both of Tim's sons have earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Tim and his family are members of Saint Francis Catholic Church. -
Cheryl Kloosterman, Administrative Services - Accounting
Cherly was born and raised in Traverse City. She is married to her husband Dale and they enjoy spending time boating.
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Deb Cormier, Administrative Services
Deb is originally from Boston, Massachusetts. She married her husband, Ray, in 1979 and together they raised 2 children, Michelle and Ryan. Deb and her family attend Bayview Wesleyan Church in Traverse City.
In her spare time, Deb enjoys camping, kayaking, gardening, working in stained glass, and acting in her church’s Christmas Dinner Theatre. -
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.
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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. -
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.
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John Block, Veteran's Service Volunteer
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 now volunteers with many local Veterans organizations and helps coordinate Veterans-related events.
John and his wife Judi have been married for over 40 years and they enjoy spending time with their family. -
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. -
Jon Chaisson, Funeral Director's Assistant
Jon is a veteran of the U.S. Army and is a former Detroit Police Officer. He lives in Elk Rapids with his wife Stephanie. Jon and Stephanie enjoy traveling.
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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. -
Nate Cook, Funeral Director's Assistant
A Michigan native, I grew up in the tiny town of Bellaire, graduating from Bellaire High School in the spring of 2007. That fall, I moved to Traverse City to attend Northwest Michigan College to pursue degrees in business management and education. Shortly afterward I met my now wife, Shannon, whom was also a student at Northwest Michigan College. Together, we enjoy hosting back yard barbeques and bonfires for our friends and family at our home in Traverse City. A few personal hobbies of mine include fresh water spear fishing, rustic camping in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, derby car racing, and snowboarding.
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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.
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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, 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. -
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, 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. -
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.
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Barb McCurry, Administrative Services
Barb joined our talented team of administrative assistants.
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Brad Kroupa, Funeral Director Assistant
Brad joined our talented team of funeral director assistants.
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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!
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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. -
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.
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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. -
Sue Nanasi, Funeral Director Assistant
Sue was born in Dearborn, Michigan and comes from a large family – six sisters and two brothers. She has two grown sons with wives that are like daughters to Sue. They have blessed her with four little grandkids. Sue is a proud Marine Mom, retired Novi Kindergarten teacher of 37 years and a volunteer for the Grand Traverse County Court System. A graduate of Divine Child High School and Eastern Michigan University, Sue landed here permanently six years ago after making the “downstate/up north” drive for over 40 years. Sue enjoys baking, fishing, riding four wheelers and early morning walks around Duck Lake Peninsula.
