Funeral Directors

R.J. works closely with the funeral directors, business services department, cemetery staff, family service counselors and aftercare specialists to ensure Cedar Memorial, Iowa Cremation and Companions for Life not only meets, but exceeds the expectations of the families we serve.

R.J. also focuses on industry best practices and internal technology to ensure Cedar Memorial staff has the necessary tools to better serve and care for you and your family. He is a member of the Marine Corp League and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. He enjoys fishing, scuba diving and spending time with his family.

Tom, originally from Independence, IA, is a member of St. John XXIII Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council 11942 - Fairfax/Walford, and Elks Lodge #251. Tom’s family is comprised of wife, Angie and their two children, Mitchell and Kaitlynn, and beloved dog, Maci. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, boating, fishing, and snowmobiling.

The newer funeral directors he mentors also value this experience and his extensive knowledge of mortuary science. Royce maintains Iowa and Minnesota Funeral Director Licenses and is a CANA Certified Crematory Operator. Royce’s down-to-earth manner, quiet confidence, compassion and professionalism brings great comfort to families.

Royce is a licensed pilot and enjoys attending aviation shows and events, but his greatest delight is spending time with his grandchildren.

Heidi attended Monticello High School and graduated from Kirkwood Community College with a degree in Applied Science and Human Services. After Kirkwood, she attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Chicago and graduated in 2007. She is a member of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association and is also a CANA Certified Crematory Operator.

Heidi enjoys gardening, traveling, cooking, being outdoors, spending time with friends and family and is an avid Hawkeye Football fan. Heidi and her husband Cody live in the Mount Vernon/Lisbon area.

Annie graduated from Central Lyon High School in Rock Rapids, IA. She then earned Associate of Science in Mortuary Science from Des Moines Area Community College. She is also a CANA Certified Crematory Operator.

In her spare time, Annie enjoys spending time with husband Dan, and their sons, Jack and Alexander.

David is a native of Cedar Rapids and enjoys spending time with his family and in his garden. He bakes delicious bread from scratch and makes an art out of celebrating the holidays.

Dan received a BA in Business Management from UNI and graduated from Des Moines Area Community College with a degree in Mortuary Science. Dan enjoys biking, fitness activities and spending time with his family, which includes two daughters and one son.

Dan also has a great love for animals and is the pet parent of two cats and a few other small pets.

Originally from Waverly, Lydia completed her AA degree at Des Moines Area Community College and then graduated from the Worsham College of Mortuary Science.

Lydia lives in Cedar Rapids with her two cats, Chai and Asher. Lydia enjoys spending time with friends and family, trying new restaurants, biking and riding her motorcycle.

Logan grew up in Van Horn and graduated from Benton Community High School in 2003. He attended Indian Hills Community College before transferring to the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Logan’s family consist of his lovely wife, April, and their twins, Brandon and Sophia. Logan enjoys spending time with his extended family and is an avid fan of Michigan Wolverines football and the Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling team.

Jeremy joined Cedar Memorial in 2020, bringing with him a wealth of experience in assisting grieving families of all faiths and cultures. Jeremy and his wife, Kristi, are the proud parents of two children, Jonathan and Jenna. They also have two dogs, Daisy and Bailey. When not assisting families, there’s nothing Jeremy enjoys more than attending his children’s activities and spending time camping with his family.

Andrew graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a teaching degree and then completed the Mortuary Science program through DMACC. Andrew’s natural kindness and compassion, along with his skill for educating, help him to serve grieving families with the utmost care and professionalism. A Cedar Rapids native, Andrew enjoys spending his free time fishing, visiting with family and friends, and cheering on the UNI Panthers. He is also a member of Lovely Lane United Methodist Church.

She and her family moved from Indianola, where they lived for six years. Liz graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 2003, and she worked as an apprentice and later a Licensed Funeral Director in a northern suburb of Chicago until 2016. Liz and her husband, Ryan, have two children, Hayden, and Emma. She enjoys family activities, baking, reading, and cheering on her favorite sports teams.

Rose graduated from Miami Dade College in 2013 with a degree in Funeral Services and Mortuary Science. She became a Licensed Funeral Director in 2014 and also served families in North Carolina.

Rose enjoys visiting new places with her wife Amanda and their son, Jack. Her family also includes their dog Rocko, and their cat Fluff.

During her career in Wisconsin, she served as president of a local Kiwanis club and was a member of the local school board. Missy enjoys boating, fishing, taking walks, and appreciating nature.

In the fall of 2021, she relocated to Cedar Rapids and began at Cedar Memorial as a Funeral Directors Assistant and then as a Funeral Director Intern.

Becca enjoys time with family, traveling, outdoor activities, and antiquing.