Staff
Our staff makes us unique in the funeral industry. We serve a wide variety of roles, but all of us at Cedar Memorial share one common trait. We have an unwavering commitment to
serve families needs with compassion and quality.
Administrative
Our administrative staff watches over the day-to-day operations of Cedar Memorial and provides support for all other staff members as they serve family's needs.
C. John Linge
Chairman of the Board
John leads The Cedar Group, which consists of Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery Association, Cedar Memorial Funeral Home Company, Iowa Cremation and Companions for Life. John is the 3rd generation of the Linge family to lead Iowa's most innovative death care service provider. His passion for innovative, meaningful death care service stems from his grandfather, Carl K. Linge and father, David E. Linge, founders of the cemetery and funeral home respectively. Learn more about John
Michelle Behnke
Chief Executive Officer
Michelle joined Cedar Memorial in 2006 and has been instrumental in making the experience of the families we serve as stress-free as possible by stream-lining processes and developing best practices. Michelle’s strong understanding of corporate finance and performance management principles, coupled with her passion for creating an outstanding customer service experience assist her in guiding the associates of Cedar Memorial. Learn more about Michelle
RJ Fagle
Chief Operations Officer
RJ is originally from northeast Iowa and has been with Cedar Memorial since 1997. He oversees the operations for Cedar Memorial, Iowa Cremation and Companions for Life. 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. Learn more about RJ
Lauri Rollins
Chief Financial Officer
Lauri Rollins brought over 25 years of experience in accounting, finance and auditing when she joined Cedar Memorial in 2020. But more importantly, Lauri also brought her great empathy and a passion for providing outstanding service, especially for those who have lost a loved one. Learn more about Lauri
Funeral Directors
Our funeral directors act as your personal guide to help your family through every step of funeral planning.
Meet our Funeral Directors
Tom Willems
Manager of Funeral Services
Tom oversees the day-to-day funeral operations for Cedar Memorial and Iowa Cremation in Cedar Rapids. Tom graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science and is a licensed Funeral Director, serving families for over 25 years. His vast experience, unparalleled professionalism, and caring nature have helped countless people who have experienced a loss.
Learn more about Tom
Counselors
Our counselors serve families before the time of need to help you choose and plan funeral services, cemetery and memorial markers.
Meet our Counselors
Brad Kurtz
Director of Sales and Marketing
Brad leads the creation and implementation of marketing programs and materials that educate the benefits of preplanning and the unique services offered by Cedar Memorial. He also oversees and guides the Family Service Counselors, ensuring they are best equipped to provide assistance to the families that we are honored to serve.
Learn more about Brad
Certified Celebrants
Our certified celebrants help create and present a funeral, memorial, or celebration of life that is unique and personalized.
Meet our Certified Celebrants
Funeral Support
Meet Funeral Support
Katie Hoyt
Funeral Support Lead
Business Services
Our dedicated Business Services staff provides a wide range of services for Cedar Memorial Funeral Homes, Cemetery, Flower Shop, Family Center and Library, and Cremation Center.
Cemetery Staff
You'd have to look far and wide to find cemetery grounds and facilities as meticulously maintained as Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Our Cemetery Staff take great pride in providing a peaceful, beautiful and a well maintained setting.
Dennis Paulsen
Cemetery Superintendent
Floral Designers
The Floral Designers at Cedar Memorial Flower Shop can help you choose an appropriate flower arrangement or memorial gift to honor the memory of a friend or loved one.
Nancy Meckel
Flower Shop Manager
AfterCare Specialist
Our AfterCare Specialist visits with family members after a death has occurred. If you need assistance dealing with your grief, you may contact him at any time.
Jim Parton
AfterCare Specialist - Certified Celebrant