Matthew Koball
Manager / Funeral Director
Matthew Koball was born in Sioux Falls and graduated from Roosevelt High School with a Regent’s Scholar Diploma. He then attended the University of South Dakota and was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. It was during the summer of 2001 that he began his training at Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory. After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry, he started his apprenticeship at Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory and completed it in Rapid City, working at Kirk Funeral Home & Cremation Services. He then went on to the Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Wheeling, Ill. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science and was also the recipient of the Richard Teichle Sr. Award for Restorative Art, the Funeral Directors Services Association Award, and the Albert E. Worsham Memorial Award for finishing at the top of his class. After graduation, he worked at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory until beginning his career at Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in March of 2003. He became a partner of the firm in 2009. A third generation funeral director, he is a nephew to Karl, and a grandson to Ken. He is a member of the Downtown Sioux Falls Lion’s Club, and on the family advisory council for the new Sanford Children’s Hospital. A believer in education, he specializes in tours and education of funeral services, along with photo design, web development, and computer technology. He, along with his wife, Mary, has five children: Carson, Mary Hanna, Rocco, Cayman, and Briar.
Matthew Koball
Manager / Funeral Director
Matthew Koball was born in Sioux Falls and graduated from Roosevelt High School with a Regent’s Scholar Diploma. He then attended the University of South Dakota and was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. It was during the summer of 2001 that he began his training at Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory. After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry, he started his apprenticeship at Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory and completed it in Rapid City, working at Kirk Funeral Home & Cremation Services. He then went on to the Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Wheeling, Ill. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science and was also the recipient of the Richard Teichle Sr. Award for Restorative Art, the Funeral Directors Services Association Award, and the Albert E. Worsham Memorial Award for finishing at the top of his class. After graduation, he worked at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory until beginning his career at Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in March of 2003. He became a partner of the firm in 2009. A third generation funeral director, he is a nephew to Karl, and a grandson to Ken. He is a member of the Downtown Sioux Falls Lion’s Club, and on the family advisory council for the new Sanford Children’s Hospital. A believer in education, he specializes in tours and education of funeral services, along with photo design, web development, and computer technology. He, along with his wife, Mary, has five children: Carson, Mary Hanna, Rocco, Cayman, and Briar.
Karl Koball
Funeral Director
Karl Koball was born in Sioux Falls, S.D. He is a graduate of Washington Senior High School and is a recipient of the Employer of the Year Award, Private Business, from the State of South Dakota. He began his career with Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in 1987, as an advance planning counselor.
In 1995, he graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Chicago, Ill., where he was the recipient of the Albert Ptak Professionalism Award and special commendation from the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office and Robert J. Stein Institute of Forensic Medicine following his volunteer efforts during the 1995 Chicago Heat Disaster.
He became a partner of the firm in 1996. In September 2005, following Hurricane Katrina, he joined a team of funeral professionals in assisting with death care issues in Mississippi. He has been privileged to serve U.S. World War II Veterans as a Guardian on South Dakota World War II Honor Flights in 2009 and 2010, and the last Veterans Encore Flight in 2011.
Karl is a member of the National Funeral Ethics Association; The Sioux Falls Downtown Lions Club and 2023 Melvin Jones Fellowship Award recipient; National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution; George Washington Fellow; MSSAR; NAACP; Board of Directors and Past President of the FOPA; past member Board of Directors for Crime Stoppers; InfraGard; elected member Board of Directors of the Dakota Lions Sight and Health; and is active in several humanitarian organizations. He and his wife, Jenelle, are members of the First Baptist Church, where he had served as church moderator for a number of years.
Karl Koball
Funeral Director
Karl Koball was born in Sioux Falls, S.D. He is a graduate of Washington Senior High School and is a recipient of the Employer of the Year Award, Private Business, from the State of South Dakota. He began his career with Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in 1987, as an advance planning counselor.
In 1995, he graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Chicago, Ill., where he was the recipient of the Albert Ptak Professionalism Award and special commendation from the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office and Robert J. Stein Institute of Forensic Medicine following his volunteer efforts during the 1995 Chicago Heat Disaster.
He became a partner of the firm in 1996. In September 2005, following Hurricane Katrina, he joined a team of funeral professionals in assisting with death care issues in Mississippi. He has been privileged to serve U.S. World War II Veterans as a Guardian on South Dakota World War II Honor Flights in 2009 and 2010, and the last Veterans Encore Flight in 2011.
Karl is a member of the National Funeral Ethics Association; The Sioux Falls Downtown Lions Club and 2023 Melvin Jones Fellowship Award recipient; National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution; George Washington Fellow; MSSAR; NAACP; Board of Directors and Past President of the FOPA; past member Board of Directors for Crime Stoppers; InfraGard; elected member Board of Directors of the Dakota Lions Sight and Health; and is active in several humanitarian organizations. He and his wife, Jenelle, are members of the First Baptist Church, where he had served as church moderator for a number of years.
Tim Bachman
Funeral Director
Tim was born in Sioux Falls and moved to Brandon during grade school. He graduated from Brandon Valley High School. He attended Southwest State University in Marshall, Minn., for Pre-Mortuary Science Education. While in Marshall, he met his wife, Teresa. They moved to Milwaukie, Ore., where he served an apprenticeship as a funeral director/embalmer for two years. They moved to San Francisco (Calif.) Bay area where he graduated from San Francisco College of Mortuary Science. He served as a licensed funeral director in the San Francisco Bay area for five years. During that time he volunteered with the Alameda County Coroner’s Office following the Loma Prieta Earthquake in 1989. He is a licensed funeral director in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and California and has specialized training with the Fountain National Academy for Advanced Reconstructive Surgery for trauma situations, and has been trained to be a Celebrant for funerals and memorial services.
He became a partner in the firm in 2001. He was an active part of Miller Funeral Home's efforts in fundraising for South Dakota Honor Flight and was honored to serve as a Guardian accompanying some of the World War II Veterans to see their memorial in Washington, D.C. He served as a volunteer at the Sioux Falls Veterans Administration Hospital Chapel for several years. He was a longtime member of the Sioux Falls YMCA. He is active in Masonry as a past Master of Trinity Lodge #200 of Sioux Falls and Orator for Masonic Funerals, Scottish Rite and York Rite Bodies, Widows Sons Masonic Motorcycle Association, El Riad Shrine, El Riad Shrine Clowns (where he is well known as "Bubbles"), El Riad Rickshaws, The Outhouse #1 Hillbilly Unit, El Riad Motor Corps, and a charter member of the El Riad Ski Unit. He also served nine years as a member of the South Dakota State Board of Funeral Service where he has served as a State Inspector and Trainee Supervisor.
Tim and Teresa were blessed with two children, Steph and Jake, who both live in the Denver, Colo., area. The couple's hobbies include: motorcycling, visiting their children, and Shrine friends and family.
Tim Bachman
Funeral Director
Tim was born in Sioux Falls and moved to Brandon during grade school. He graduated from Brandon Valley High School. He attended Southwest State University in Marshall, Minn., for Pre-Mortuary Science Education. While in Marshall, he met his wife, Teresa. They moved to Milwaukie, Ore., where he served an apprenticeship as a funeral director/embalmer for two years. They moved to San Francisco (Calif.) Bay area where he graduated from San Francisco College of Mortuary Science. He served as a licensed funeral director in the San Francisco Bay area for five years. During that time he volunteered with the Alameda County Coroner’s Office following the Loma Prieta Earthquake in 1989. He is a licensed funeral director in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and California and has specialized training with the Fountain National Academy for Advanced Reconstructive Surgery for trauma situations, and has been trained to be a Celebrant for funerals and memorial services.
He became a partner in the firm in 2001. He was an active part of Miller Funeral Home's efforts in fundraising for South Dakota Honor Flight and was honored to serve as a Guardian accompanying some of the World War II Veterans to see their memorial in Washington, D.C. He served as a volunteer at the Sioux Falls Veterans Administration Hospital Chapel for several years. He was a longtime member of the Sioux Falls YMCA. He is active in Masonry as a past Master of Trinity Lodge #200 of Sioux Falls and Orator for Masonic Funerals, Scottish Rite and York Rite Bodies, Widows Sons Masonic Motorcycle Association, El Riad Shrine, El Riad Shrine Clowns (where he is well known as "Bubbles"), El Riad Rickshaws, The Outhouse #1 Hillbilly Unit, El Riad Motor Corps, and a charter member of the El Riad Ski Unit. He also served nine years as a member of the South Dakota State Board of Funeral Service where he has served as a State Inspector and Trainee Supervisor.
Tim and Teresa were blessed with two children, Steph and Jake, who both live in the Denver, Colo., area. The couple's hobbies include: motorcycling, visiting their children, and Shrine friends and family.
Annie Mitev
Funeral Director
Annie Jo was born and raised in Sioux Falls, S.D., and was a graduate of Roosevelt High School in 2005. She received her Bachelor of Science in Recreation & Sports from the University of South Dakota. She then went on to the Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Ill., graduating with an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science and was awarded the Jack Adams Award for extraordinary skills in the areas of restorative art and embalming while working in the practical labs at both Worsham College and at the Cook County Morgue in Chicago.
Following graduation, she worked as a licensed mortician at Christian Funeral Home in Chicago, Ill., until beginning her career at Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in 2017.
Annie and her husband, Sashco, are blessed with their four daughters, Mila Mae, Ava Jo, Willa Joy and Nova Sky! Annie enjoys gardening, running, biking, water-skiing and being at the lake, but her greatest passion is spending time with family.
Annie Mitev
Funeral Director
Annie Jo was born and raised in Sioux Falls, S.D., and was a graduate of Roosevelt High School in 2005. She received her Bachelor of Science in Recreation & Sports from the University of South Dakota. She then went on to the Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Ill., graduating with an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science and was awarded the Jack Adams Award for extraordinary skills in the areas of restorative art and embalming while working in the practical labs at both Worsham College and at the Cook County Morgue in Chicago.
Following graduation, she worked as a licensed mortician at Christian Funeral Home in Chicago, Ill., until beginning her career at Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in 2017.
Annie and her husband, Sashco, are blessed with their four daughters, Mila Mae, Ava Jo, Willa Joy and Nova Sky! Annie enjoys gardening, running, biking, water-skiing and being at the lake, but her greatest passion is spending time with family.
Jon Carda
Funeral Arranger
Biography coming soon!
Jon Carda
Funeral Arranger
Biography coming soon!
Theresa Morales
Funeral Director
Theresa Morales was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, and graduated from West High School in 2001. She attended the University of Sioux Falls and in 2024, earned her degree in Mortuary Science at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa.
Theresa has two children, Eliya and Javier. The family lived in Tijuana, Mexico from 2003-2016. While in Mexico, Theresa and both her children studied the Polynesian style of martial arts, Makipi Lima Lama. In 2015, they received their certification as 1st degree black belts after many years of training. After returning to the States, Theresa purchased a small homestead outside of Sioux Falls, where she runs a pig sanctuary called The Rooty Tooty Ranch. She has a love of reading and enjoys spending her free time outside caring for her animals. Theresa looks forward to serving her community as a bilingual Funeral Director with Miller Funeral Home.
Theresa Morales nació y creció en Sioux City, Iowa y se graduó de West High School en 2001. Asistió a la Universidad de Sioux Falls y en 2024, obtuvó la licenciatura en Ciencias Mortuorias en el colegio Des Moines Area Community College en Ankeny, Iowa.
Theresa tiene dos hijos, Eliya y Javier. La familia vivió en Tijuana, México de 2003 a 2016. Mientras estaban en México, Theresa y sus dos hijos estudiaron el estilo polinesio de artes marciales, Makipi Lima Lama. En 2015, recibieron su certificación como cinturones negros de 1er grado después de muchos años de entrenamiento. Después de regresar a los Estados Unidos, Theresa compró una pequeña granja afuera de Sioux Falls, donde administra un santuario de cerdos llamado, The Rooty Tooty Ranch. Le encanta leer y le gusta pasar su tiempo libre afuera cuidando a sus animales. Theresa espera servir a su comunidad como directora funeraria bilingüe en Miller Funeral Home.
Theresa Morales
Funeral Director
Theresa Morales was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, and graduated from West High School in 2001. She attended the University of Sioux Falls and in 2024, earned her degree in Mortuary Science at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa.
Theresa has two children, Eliya and Javier. The family lived in Tijuana, Mexico from 2003-2016. While in Mexico, Theresa and both her children studied the Polynesian style of martial arts, Makipi Lima Lama. In 2015, they received their certification as 1st degree black belts after many years of training. After returning to the States, Theresa purchased a small homestead outside of Sioux Falls, where she runs a pig sanctuary called The Rooty Tooty Ranch. She has a love of reading and enjoys spending her free time outside caring for her animals. Theresa looks forward to serving her community as a bilingual Funeral Director with Miller Funeral Home.
Theresa Morales nació y creció en Sioux City, Iowa y se graduó de West High School en 2001. Asistió a la Universidad de Sioux Falls y en 2024, obtuvó la licenciatura en Ciencias Mortuorias en el colegio Des Moines Area Community College en Ankeny, Iowa.
Theresa tiene dos hijos, Eliya y Javier. La familia vivió en Tijuana, México de 2003 a 2016. Mientras estaban en México, Theresa y sus dos hijos estudiaron el estilo polinesio de artes marciales, Makipi Lima Lama. En 2015, recibieron su certificación como cinturones negros de 1er grado después de muchos años de entrenamiento. Después de regresar a los Estados Unidos, Theresa compró una pequeña granja afuera de Sioux Falls, donde administra un santuario de cerdos llamado, The Rooty Tooty Ranch. Le encanta leer y le gusta pasar su tiempo libre afuera cuidando a sus animales. Theresa espera servir a su comunidad como directora funeraria bilingüe en Miller Funeral Home.
Mitchell Aman
Funeral Apprentice
Mitchell was born in Eureka, SD and graduated from Aberdeen Christian School in 2009. He holds an Associate of Arts Degree from South Dakota State University, is a Nationally Registered Paramedic, and has a Commercial Pilot's license with Flight Instructor ratings. He is a 32nd Degree Master Freemason, and a member of the El Riad Shrine, Scottish Rite, and York Rite Bodies. He is also active in several area nonprofit organizations, including serving as a board member. He is a member of several local bands, providing musical entertainment for the community and surrounding area.
Mitchell moved to Sioux Falls in 2019 and resides with his wife, Brittany, and their four children. He enjoys spending time with his family and being active in the community. Mitchell and his family actively attend Ransom Church.
Mitchell joined the Miller Funeral Home staff in October of 2024, and began his Apprenticeship in 2025. He is currently pursuing his Advanced Standing Diploma in Mortuary Science through Des Moines Area Community College out of Ankenny, Iowa.
Mitchell Aman
Funeral Apprentice
Mitchell was born in Eureka, SD and graduated from Aberdeen Christian School in 2009. He holds an Associate of Arts Degree from South Dakota State University, is a Nationally Registered Paramedic, and has a Commercial Pilot's license with Flight Instructor ratings. He is a 32nd Degree Master Freemason, and a member of the El Riad Shrine, Scottish Rite, and York Rite Bodies. He is also active in several area nonprofit organizations, including serving as a board member. He is a member of several local bands, providing musical entertainment for the community and surrounding area.
Mitchell moved to Sioux Falls in 2019 and resides with his wife, Brittany, and their four children. He enjoys spending time with his family and being active in the community. Mitchell and his family actively attend Ransom Church.
Mitchell joined the Miller Funeral Home staff in October of 2024, and began his Apprenticeship in 2025. He is currently pursuing his Advanced Standing Diploma in Mortuary Science through Des Moines Area Community College out of Ankenny, Iowa.
Tim Wingen
Retired Funeral Director
Tim Wingen grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from Lincoln High School. Following high school, he attended Dakota State University on a football scholarship. He began his funeral career as an apprentice with Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in 1979, while taking classes at Sioux Falls College. After completing his apprenticeship with the firm, he attended mortuary school at The Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in Texas and returned to Miller Funeral Home after graduation.
He enjoys being an active member of the community. He is currently a member of Saint Mary Parish, the Knights of Columbus (Third and Fourth Degree), Kiwanis Club, board member at Hills of Rest Cemetery, and a member of the El Riad Shrine. He has also been a member of National Funeral Director Study Groups, Selected Independent Funeral Homes, past president of the South Dakota Funeral Directors Association, and past board member of Mount Pleasant Cemetery and Catholic Family Services. He is a lifetime member of the YMCA and formerly sat on the board with the organization.
His family includes his wife, Mary; his twin daughter, Kylie and her husband and three children; his twin son, Cole (who works alongside him as a licensed funeral director with the firm); daughter, Andrea and her daughter; step-son, Chase and his wife and their daughter; and last, but not least, his faithful Scottie dog, Fergie.
Tim Wingen
Retired Funeral Director
Tim Wingen grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from Lincoln High School. Following high school, he attended Dakota State University on a football scholarship. He began his funeral career as an apprentice with Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in 1979, while taking classes at Sioux Falls College. After completing his apprenticeship with the firm, he attended mortuary school at The Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in Texas and returned to Miller Funeral Home after graduation.
He enjoys being an active member of the community. He is currently a member of Saint Mary Parish, the Knights of Columbus (Third and Fourth Degree), Kiwanis Club, board member at Hills of Rest Cemetery, and a member of the El Riad Shrine. He has also been a member of National Funeral Director Study Groups, Selected Independent Funeral Homes, past president of the South Dakota Funeral Directors Association, and past board member of Mount Pleasant Cemetery and Catholic Family Services. He is a lifetime member of the YMCA and formerly sat on the board with the organization.
His family includes his wife, Mary; his twin daughter, Kylie and her husband and three children; his twin son, Cole (who works alongside him as a licensed funeral director with the firm); daughter, Andrea and her daughter; step-son, Chase and his wife and their daughter; and last, but not least, his faithful Scottie dog, Fergie.
Joel Vipond
Retired Funeral Director
After decades of service, Joel Vipond recently retired! He is now enjoying spending more time with family.
Joel was born in Hudson, S.D. He received his education in Hudson, graduating from Hudson High School. He attended the University of South Dakota and later transferred to the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science in Dallas, Texas. He graduated in 1978 as Salutatorian of his class. He began his career with Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in 1978. He became a partner in the business in 2000. Throughout his funeral service career, his compassion and knowledge in infant loss have helped many families throughout the years. He is a member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club where he has twice served on the Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and the El Riad Shrine. Joel and his wife, Julie, were married in 1981. They have one daughter, Jane. They are members of East Side Lutheran Church where he has served as a greeter and scripture reader.
Joel Vipond
Retired Funeral Director
After decades of service, Joel Vipond recently retired! He is now enjoying spending more time with family.
Joel was born in Hudson, S.D. He received his education in Hudson, graduating from Hudson High School. He attended the University of South Dakota and later transferred to the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science in Dallas, Texas. He graduated in 1978 as Salutatorian of his class. He began his career with Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in 1978. He became a partner in the business in 2000. Throughout his funeral service career, his compassion and knowledge in infant loss have helped many families throughout the years. He is a member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club where he has twice served on the Board of Directors. He is also a member of the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, and the El Riad Shrine. Joel and his wife, Julie, were married in 1981. They have one daughter, Jane. They are members of East Side Lutheran Church where he has served as a greeter and scripture reader.
Wendell Miller
Retired Funeral Director
Wendell Miller
Retired Funeral Director
Tyson Johannsen
Funeral Director
Tyson Johannsen was born and raised in Wagner, S.D., and was a graduate of Wagner High School in 2005. He attended undergraduate schooling at the University of Sioux Falls and graduated from Kansas City (Kan.) Community College in 2008 with a degree in mortuary science.
He completed his apprenticeship at Miller Funeral Home in 2009. In January of 2010, he moved to Brookings, S.D., where he was employed at Rude's Funeral Home. He had the privilege of serving families in Brookings until September of 2014, when he accepted his current position at Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory. He became a partner of the firm in 2015 and is thankful to serve the Sioux Falls community.
Tyson Johannsen
Funeral Director
Tyson Johannsen was born and raised in Wagner, S.D., and was a graduate of Wagner High School in 2005. He attended undergraduate schooling at the University of Sioux Falls and graduated from Kansas City (Kan.) Community College in 2008 with a degree in mortuary science.
He completed his apprenticeship at Miller Funeral Home in 2009. In January of 2010, he moved to Brookings, S.D., where he was employed at Rude's Funeral Home. He had the privilege of serving families in Brookings until September of 2014, when he accepted his current position at Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory. He became a partner of the firm in 2015 and is thankful to serve the Sioux Falls community.
Michael Polasky
Funeral Director
Michael was born in Appleton, Minn., and his family moved to South Dakota shortly thereafter. He graduated from high school in 1983 in Winner, S.D., and then attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D., graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Business in 1988. He apprenticed under Floyd A. Miller at Miller-Huebl Funeral Home in Aberdeen. He attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Ill. While in Chicago, he worked for Skaja Terrace Funeral Home. After graduating from mortuary school, he was a funeral director for Skroch Funeral Chapel in Flandreau, S.D. He later moved back to Aberdeen where he was a funeral director for Miller-Huebl Funeral Home for 13 years and Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory for one year. He joined our team in January of 2008.
Michael and his wife, Penny, live in Brandon, S.D., and they have three daughters: Kara, Kirstyn, and Kenzie. Penny is the director of Once Upon A Time Daycare in Brandon.
Michael Polasky
Funeral Director
Michael was born in Appleton, Minn., and his family moved to South Dakota shortly thereafter. He graduated from high school in 1983 in Winner, S.D., and then attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D., graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Business in 1988. He apprenticed under Floyd A. Miller at Miller-Huebl Funeral Home in Aberdeen. He attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Ill. While in Chicago, he worked for Skaja Terrace Funeral Home. After graduating from mortuary school, he was a funeral director for Skroch Funeral Chapel in Flandreau, S.D. He later moved back to Aberdeen where he was a funeral director for Miller-Huebl Funeral Home for 13 years and Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory for one year. He joined our team in January of 2008.
Michael and his wife, Penny, live in Brandon, S.D., and they have three daughters: Kara, Kirstyn, and Kenzie. Penny is the director of Once Upon A Time Daycare in Brandon.
James Bartels
Funeral Director
James Bartels was born in Sioux Falls, S.D. He was raised in a household with two deaf parents and is fluent in American Sign Language. He is a graduate of Washington High School. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and served from 2003-2008. During his time in the Navy, he was deployed three times serving as a Mass Communication Specialist aboard the USS Boxer stationed in San Diego, Calif. His duties included journalism, photography and public relations.
Upon completing his five years of service, he attended Dakota State University through Sioux Falls’ University Center. He graduated with an Associate of Business Management, earning “High Honors." He went on to attend Des Moines Area Community College to complete his Mortuary Science degree. He joined the Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory team in May of 2018.
James and his wife, Arika, have two children, Natalie and John, and they make their home in southeast Sioux Falls.
James Bartels
Funeral Director
James Bartels was born in Sioux Falls, S.D. He was raised in a household with two deaf parents and is fluent in American Sign Language. He is a graduate of Washington High School. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and served from 2003-2008. During his time in the Navy, he was deployed three times serving as a Mass Communication Specialist aboard the USS Boxer stationed in San Diego, Calif. His duties included journalism, photography and public relations.
Upon completing his five years of service, he attended Dakota State University through Sioux Falls’ University Center. He graduated with an Associate of Business Management, earning “High Honors." He went on to attend Des Moines Area Community College to complete his Mortuary Science degree. He joined the Miller Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory team in May of 2018.
James and his wife, Arika, have two children, Natalie and John, and they make their home in southeast Sioux Falls.
Heather Laughlin
Funeral Director
Heather Laughlin
Funeral Director
Steven Schumacher
Preplanning Specialist / Licensed Insurance Agent
Steven started with our company in September of 1996. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with this wife and daughter, doing yardwork and spending time outdoors.
Steven Schumacher
Preplanning Specialist / Licensed Insurance Agent
Steven started with our company in September of 1996. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with this wife and daughter, doing yardwork and spending time outdoors.
Deena Cunningham
Preplanning Specialist / Licensed Insurance Agent
Deena Cunningham believes in meeting every family with warmth, understanding, and genuine care. Her small-town South Dakota roots taught her the importance of kindness, integrity, and helping others feel at ease during life’s most meaningful moments. Having called Sioux Falls home for more than 25 years, Deena cherishes time with her four sons and enjoys yoga, golfing, traveling, and spending time on the water. She feels honored to guide families as they plan ahead with comfort and confidence.
Deena Cunningham
Preplanning Specialist / Licensed Insurance Agent
Deena Cunningham believes in meeting every family with warmth, understanding, and genuine care. Her small-town South Dakota roots taught her the importance of kindness, integrity, and helping others feel at ease during life’s most meaningful moments. Having called Sioux Falls home for more than 25 years, Deena cherishes time with her four sons and enjoys yoga, golfing, traveling, and spending time on the water. She feels honored to guide families as they plan ahead with comfort and confidence.
Samantha Carl
Preplanning Specialist / Licensed Insurance Agent
Samantha Carl
Preplanning Specialist / Licensed Insurance Agent
Rachel Pederson
CareGroup Office Administrator
Rachel Pederson
CareGroup Office Administrator
Korra Koball
Office Manager
Korra Koball
Office Manager
Jamie Koball
Administrative Assistant
Jamie Koball
Administrative Assistant
Heath Ness
Maintenance
Heath Ness
Maintenance
Terry Oppold
Funeral Assistant
Terry Oppold
Funeral Assistant
Larry Leitheiser
Funeral Assistant - Retired
Larry Leitheiser
Funeral Assistant - Retired
Kevin Kohler
Funeral Assistant
Kevin Kohler
Funeral Assistant
David Klein
Funeral Assistant
David Klein
Funeral Assistant
Jon Ortman
Funeral Assistant
Jon Ortman
Funeral Assistant
Jon Hartsuiker
Funeral Assistant
Jon Hartsuiker
Funeral Assistant
Dan Carlson
Funeral Assistant
Dan Carlson
Funeral Assistant
Kathy Carlson
Funeral Assistant
Kathy Carlson
Funeral Assistant
Douglas Brock
Funeral Assistant
Douglas Brock
Funeral Assistant
Pastor Dennis Tranberg
Funeral Assistant
Pastor Dennis Tranberg
Funeral Assistant
Steve Johnson
Funeral Assistant
Steve Johnson
Funeral Assistant
Connie English
Funeral Assistant
Connie English
Funeral Assistant
Pastor Tim Worthington
Funeral Assistant
Pastor Tim Worthington
Funeral Assistant
David Rowe
Funeral Assistant
David Rowe
Funeral Assistant
Robert DeMarais
Funeral Assistant
Robert DeMarais
Funeral Assistant
Joseph Walter
Funeral Assistant
Joseph Walter
Funeral Assistant
Jeffrey McGraw
Funeral Assistant
Jeffrey McGraw
Funeral Assistant
Peyton Chrichton
Funeral Assistant
Peyton Chrichton
Funeral Assistant
Jeremy Wendling
Funeral Assistant
Jeremy Wendling
Funeral Assistant
Kamp Kirsch
Funeral Assistant
Kamp Kirsch
Funeral Assistant
Pastor Dale Stoebner
Funeral Assistant
Pastor Dale Stoebner
Funeral Assistant
Barb Kokenge
Funeral Assistant
Barb Kokenge
Funeral Assistant
Susan Even
Funeral Assistant
Susan Even
Funeral Assistant
Dayton Larsen
Funeral Assistant
Dayton Larsen
Funeral Assistant
Stephanie Olson-Voth
Funeral Assistant
Stephanie Olson-Voth
Funeral Assistant
Debbie Gange
Funeral Assistant
Debbie Gange
Funeral Assistant
Julie Holmes
Funeral Assistant
Julie Holmes
Funeral Assistant
Cathy Mitchell
Stylist
Cathy Mitchell
Stylist