Meet Our Staff

Ted and Pam Larsen Family

Owner and Operator

As owner, my family has really appreciated the word-of-mouth advertising we have received over the years. We never lose focus of that. Outside of work, Pam and I enjoy watching our five children grow up right in front of our eyes and worry about their next chapter.

David Larsen

Licensed Funeral Director

I am a proud associate of Church and Chapel Funeral Services. Church and Chapel, so widely known today, started from modest family roots over fifty years ago. My father, Darwin, and his brother, Dale, founded Larsen Bros. Funeral Home back in the 1950’s. In the early 1990's dad originated Church and Chapel Funeral Service. As time evolved I purchased Larsen Bros. Funeral Home and my brother Ted purchased Church and Chapel Funeral Service. After merging the two companies in 2004, my brother and I are now continuing the family tradition that my father and uncle so dearly hoped for, arranging funerals for the many families that call on Church and Chapel in their time of need. Since the merger, we have now grown to seven locations, with an eighth location on the horizon.

I became a licensed funeral director in 1985, after having achieved a bachelor degree at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater, followed by completion of mortuary studies at Milwaukee Area Technical College. When not involved in the day-to-day operations of Church and Chapel, I spend my leisure time either on the links at Oconomowoc Golf Club, boating with my two basset hounds, Hank and Daisy, and more importantly, spending time with my lovely new bride, Michele and children Chris and Haley. I also spend time on various charitable activities and am an active member of my community.

Michele Larsen

Licensed Funeral Director and Manager

For the past eleven years I have been happily employed with Church and Chapel Funeral Service. I am one of three managers that share the day to day operations. My main focus is the preparation department where my co-workers and I create a pleasant memory picture for our families. It has been a pleasure working with such caring and professional people who embrace the practice of funeral service as I do. I'm glad to be part of this team.

I enjoy spending time with my new husband, David, who makes life seem like a perpetual honeymoon, and my two children, Christopher and Haley, who never cease to amaze me ith their talents and achievements. Needless to say, I am a very proud wife and mother. Our family is also blessed with the love of our two basset hounds, Hank and Daisy, and our parrot, Louiebird.

Funeral Directors

Marti L. Daniels

Licensed Funeral Director/Manager

I have been in the Funeral Business for over 20 years. I joined Church and Chapel in June of 2009. I am a member of Kiwanis. My summers are spent as the announcer of a water ski club. In the winter I enjoy snowmobiling.

Tim Persinger

Licensed Funeral Director / Manager

I graduated from the Mortuary Science program at Milwaukee Area Technical College in 1975 and have worked in the Appleton area and in the Milwaukee area. I've been with Church and Chapel Funeral Home for ten years and am currently one of three managers on staff. I also served for ten years with 128th Air Refueling Group of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. I have two children, a son, Russell, who is also a Funeral Director at Church and Chapel, and a daughter, Julie Ann. I enjoy traveling (my travels have included trips to Maui three times and Ireland). Some of my favorite cities in the U. S. are Savannah, Palm Springs, San Francisco, Las Vegas and New Orleans.

Marcia Ash

Licensed Funeral Director

I moved to the Milwaukee area from a small community in the Northeastern part of Wisconsin in 2002 to work for Church and Chapel Funeral Homes. I pride myself in listening to the needs of the families that I serve and offer suggestions to create a meaningful funeral. I enjoy spending time with my daughter, MacKenzie, husband, Tony, and our lovely dogs, Hester and Payton.

Kevin Jorgenson

Licensed Funeral Director

I have been a funeral director since 1974 and have worked for the Larsen family for the past twenty five years. It is truly an honor for me to be of service to our families. Thanks to my family, I strongly believe in the value of doing your best no matter what it is you do in life. Away from my career I love to travel and am a voracious reader.

Suzanne M. McDonnell, "Suzie"

Licensed Funeral Director

I have been in Funeral Service for thirteen years, but my most rewarding time has been the last seven years at Church and Chapel. I truly believe we offer families many options at affordable prices. In my free time I like to take walks outdoors, travel and spend time with my family. Realizing that life can be short, I try to keep contact as much as I can with relatives, both close and extended, and dear friends.

Jessica Howe

Licensed Funeral Director

I have been with Church and Chapel for five years. I started here as a secretary and worked my way up to being a Funeral Director after completing school. When I'm not working I enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Kristine Abler

Licensed Funeral Director

I graduated from Milwaukee Area Technical College Mortuary Science Program. I have been with Church and Chapel since September of 2000. I enjoy spending time with my family, pets, and friends. In my spare time I like to work outside, do artwork, listen to music, and play my guitar.

Sue Brueggemann

Licensed Funeral Director

I started in funeral service thirty one years ago in Park Falls, WI, and have been with Church and Chapel for five years. My husband, Bob, a retired funeral director and casket salesman, and I have been married for seventeen years and share our home with two Shih Tzu's, Otto and Ozee. Spending time with our eleven grandchildren and RV-ing keeps us busy. We are avid animal lovers and enjoy being members of the Valley of the Kings Sanctuary & Retreat (a sanctuary for aging, abused, ill, displaced and homeless tigers and lions).

Al DiCastri

Licensed Funeral Director

I began my career in funeral service in 1986 as an apprentice in a Milwaukee area funeral home. I have worked at several firms since then, but none offer me the satisfaction and challenge that Church and Chapel has given me. As a funeral director, I have the opportunity to shepherd families through a difficult myriad of tasks which must be endeavored to ascertain a meaningful and dignified service of remembrance. I also celebrate the joys of parenting my two children with my stunning wife, Nancy. In whatever free time I have, I enjoy gardening, cooking, reading, helping out in community activities and serving as a catechist in both the elementary and junior high programs at St. Eugene's Catholic Church. I also serve on various parish committees and boards.

Steve Kysely

Licensed Funeral Director

Steve has been a funeral director for almost forty years and, except for a brief time up north, he has been with the Larsen Family since 1971. Managing Church and Chapel Cudahy location keeps Steve busy along with being in the Cudahy community as a member of the Cudahy-St. Francis Kiwanis Club and a member of the Nativity of the Lord Catholic Church. Steve likes all sports, with playing softball, bowling and fishing as his favorites.

Debbie Kysely

Licensed Funeral Director

Debbie has been a funeral director since 1996 and, in addition to helping Steve manage the Cudahy location, she also oversees the cremation services offered by our funeral homes while helping families in all kinds of situations. Debbie has been with the Larsen Family for her entire career.

John Rettela

Licensed Funeral Director

I've been a licensed funeral director since 1996. In 2003 I was asked to join the Church and Chapel team to be on call for the evening and overnight transportation needs. Since becoming a widower in 2006 I'm very close and involved with my family.

Donald Wenzel

Licensed Funeral Director

I became licensed as a Funeral Director in 1980 and have been part of Church and Chapel since 1997. I really enjoy family activities during my free time.

Nor Yang

Licensed Funeral Director
Bi-lingual (Hmong and English)

I have been in the funeral business for six years and with Church and Chapel for four years. I am very passionate about my work and family. I am happily married and have five beautiful children. My husband, Xay Xiong also works for Church and Chapel as a Directors Assistant. My children are my pride and joy and give me motivation to succeed. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family as well as outdoor activities. I am also very involved with the Hmong community and church activities.

Tom Skubal

Licensed Funeral Director

I am a licensed Funeral/ Director and Embalmer and have been in Funeral Service for thirty-eight years.

Tom Young

Licensed Funeral Director

Mary H. McCarthy

Licensed Funeral Director

I have been in Funeral Service since 1986. Funeral Service has been an incredibly rewarding profession for me. As a Funeral Director, I am afforded an opportunity to sit in the presence of sadness and lift up the hearts of those who grieve. It is my honor to help families organize a meaningful tribute and celebration for their loved one. I am passionate about my work and my family. We have been blessed with two beautiful daughters who keep us very busy. I enjoy cooking, gardening, reading, traveling and most especially spending time laughing and chatting with friends and family.

Liz Ryan

Licensed Funeral Director

I reside in Bay View and have spent my entire life on the south side of Milwaukee - it is home to me. I have been a funeral director for over fifteen years.

Ken Ullmann

Funeral Director Apprentice

I believe that it is a privilege to serve your family. My desire is to help you find comfort and completeness with your funeral service. I am proud of Church and Chapel's commitment to placing the needs and desires of the families we serve as our top priority. I look forward to meeting and assisting you in conducting a dignified personal celebration for your loved one.

With my wife, Nancy, and my children, Andrew and Lauren, I reside in Sussex and am active in my local church, school, and community sports teams. We spend our winters skiing and our summers in Door County.

Doug Henderson

Director's Assistant

I have worked at Church and Chapel for eight wonderful years. I enjoy the hobbies of gardening and fishing during my 'down times'.

Libby Basler

Director's Assistant

I've been with Church and Chapel for thirteen years and love being part of this company. My hobbies include swimming, reading, bicycle riding, and spending time with my precious family.

Sandy Bensman

Director's Assistant

I have been in funeral service for many years. I enjoy assisting families in their time of need. In my spare time I love playing golf, tennis and traveling.

Kathleen Morawski

Director's Assistant

I've been with Church and Chapel for five years. I find working with our families a very rewarding experience. Jerry and I enjoy spending time with our family, especially our four grandchildren.

Diane Chase

Director's Assistant

For the past 5 plus years, following retirement in Health Care Administration, I have been a Director's Assistant with Church and Chapel. I find great personal gratification in my work at Church and Chapel. We have just one chance to do what we do for families at Church and Chapel, so achieving the very best for them is constantly our goal.

Vince Koehler

Director's Assistant

Being a Director's Assistant at a great firm like Church and Chapel has allowed me to make a difference for people who are in a tough situation - experiencing a loss, and who don't need to be worrying about details. My wife, Ruth, is a diabetes nurse specialist, and I am retired as a detective for Milwaukee County Sheriff's department. We love to travel and enjoy our two grown children, our four grandchildren, our three cats and being involved in our church.

Fred Bartlet

Director's Assistant

My fourteen years with Church and Chapel Funeral Homes have been both very rewarding and challenging.

Alvaro Nova

Director's Assistant
Bi-lingual (Spanish and English)

Bio coming soon!

Stephanie Andringa

Funeral Director Apprentice

I am one of the newer members of the Church and Chapel staff and am currently working towards completing the state funeral service program. I grew up in the lake country area, graduating from Oconomowoc High School. Following high school I went to the University of Wisconsin - Madison and received my bachelor's degree in bacteriology and biology. I appreciate all the challenges and rewards funeral service has to offer and thank everyone that has helped get me to this point and beyond.

(from right to left) Nick and Andrew

Andrew Gassittie

Funeral Director Apprentice

I was born and raised in Kenosha, WI. I am currently in the Funeral Service program at Milwaukee Area Technical College and am scheduled to graduate in the spring of 2010. I currently live in New Berlin, WI.

Nick Breitzman

Funeral Director Apprentice

I grew up in Appleton, WI and lived there through my high school years. After H.S., I graduated from Marquette University. I am currently in the Funeral Service program at Milwaukee Area Technical College and live in New Berlin, WI.

 Grief Support

Pete Reinl

Director of Grief Support Services
and Community Outreach

I have the honor and humbling opportunity to companion our families who are grieving, as well as offering grief education and support to the broader community. I'm thrilled to be a member of such a wonderful caring & professional staff, and a funeral home that consistently offers families excellent funeral services at such fair and honest costs. To me, Church and Chapel is a breath of fresh air in funeral homes. Although I have a number of interests I truly enjoy gardening, sports, exercising, and wood working. Spirituality and faith, my best friend and love of my life, Amy, our kitties, and my three adult children are most important to me.

 Administrative Staff

Joni Bartz

Office Manager

I've been with Church and Chapel for seven years. Bryan and I have been married for thirty three years and are parents to Crystal and Ryan. In addition to spending time with family, I enjoy going up north to our cottage, reading, gardening and going antique and craft shopping.

Pam Schmid

Administrative Assistant

I have been with Church and Chapel for a little over two years, with a funeral service background for over thirty one years. I enjoy the family atmosphere at Church and Chapel and the way everyone works as a team. In my spare time I enjoy playing bingo and time with my family.

Jennifer Felton

Administrative Assistant

I recently graduated from Carroll College with a BA in Spanish and a minor in Hispanic Health and Social Services. I am currently attending Milwaukee Area Technical College to become a bilingual Funeral Director. I have an amazing daughter, Ellie, and together we enjoy ushering at church, swimming, and snuggling to our favorite movies. We also practice Karate together and I am her cheerleader at her Karate tournaments. What a blessing she is!

Michelle Lorbecki

Administrative Assistant (and Licensed Funeral Director)

I have been with Church and Chapel since 2006. My job includes preparing death certificates and other legal documents. I am married to Todd and recently had a son named Tristan in 2008. I enjoy working for Church and Chapel and helping the families we serve. In my spare time I enjoy being with my family and my pet dog, Snickers.

Kathy Henry

Administrative Assistant

My Position at Church and Chapel is in the Accounts Receivable Department and I've been working here for 9 years. I receive any questions our families have regarding billing statements. In my spare time I enjoy reading and spending time with family and friends.

Sandra Schram

Administrative Assistant

Sandra has been employed with Church and Chapel since 2002 and works in the front office at the Waukesha Funeral Home. She has the privilege of producing the Memorial Video Slideshows for families and this is a very rewarding part of her job.

Mark Schram

Maintenance Technician

Mark has been employed since 2004 as a Maintenance Technician for Church and Chapel Funeral Homes. He takes great pride in the appearance of our buildings and the upkeep of the facilities.

Mark and Sandra have 3 children; Kaila, Erica, and Mark Jr. and enjoy spending time together boating, fishing and outdoor activities.

John Battell

Computer Technician

I have worked for the Larsen family for 20 years, and on my days off I serve as a member of the ambulance crew in my home community.

Cindy Leary

Hairdresser

I have worked for Church and Chapel Funeral Homes since 1997. I am married and have two grown children. I enjoy spending time with them and vacationing with my family.

 Pre-Planning Department

Beth Wineland

Pre-planning Counselor

I proudly began my career with Church and Chapel in October of 1999 and prior to that I was employed by another funeral home in the same capacity for almost two years. When not pre-planning funerals, there's a good chance you will find me at my second home in the great north woods on the Wisconsin River with my husband Rich and 2-year old rescue dog named Bailey. Hobbies include spending quality time with my family, obedience training and therapy dog visits to nursing homes and hospice facilities with Bailey, hiking, reading, knitting and riding my Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Carol Boeck

Pre-planning Counselor

As a pre-planning counselor I help families pre-plan and document their wishes for any type of funeral services. I also help families plan when their loved ones are quite ill. I have the privilege of meeting such wonderful families, listening to their private thoughts and wishes, and helping them to make some important decisions regarding their end-of-life celebrations. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Bob, and we have two wonderful daughters, Jennifer and Olivia. We do enjoy our family time, camping, hiking and traveling.

Angela Kondos

Pre-planning Counselor

I have experienced a great deal of personal satisfaction meeting and working with families as a pre-planning counselor for the Larsen Family for eleven years. My work entails assisting and providing guidance to those who wish to discuss and have documented their funeral plans in advance. Prior to my work as a pre-planning counselor, my sister and I owned a boutique and salon in the Brookfield area for several years. My greatest joy in life is time spent with my husband Dennis and our combined four children and eight grandchildren. Together, we enjoy cooking, hiking in the woods, travel, and the study for spiritual growth. We look forward to future travel destinations and hopefully more grandchildren.