Staff

At Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home, we know that when a family experiences a loss, there are many decisions to be made. It is very important that when you visit with anyone about any aspect of funeral service, that the person be licensed and equipped to present all important information needed. 

At our funeral home, we have a full staff of experienced funeral service professionals who are fully equipped to present all the information needed for a family to make informed, comfortable decisions. From the time the first phone call is received, throughout the service and beyond, each of our staff contributes in an important way. 

 Jim Bredman

Managing Funeral Director

Jim Bredman, his wife, Rose, and daughters, Tami and Jennifer, came to Crookston in 1972. Born in Ada, Minnesota, he is a graduate of Ada High School, Moorhead State College, and the University of Minnesota. 2011 marks his thirty-ninth year in funeral service, serving the families of Crookston and the surrounding area as if they were his own. Throughout these years he has been active in many community and professional organizations. His family has grown to include Tami’s husband, Phil Miller, and their son, Kiefer; and Jenny’s husband, Brad Carlstrom, and their daughters, Peyton and Teagen. “I cannot thank my wife, Rose, enough for all her support these many years. She is a friend to our daughters, as well as their mom; and the best grandma I know. Following the activities of our grandkids: Peyton, Kiefer, and Teagen, has become our greatest joy.” Jim is committed to continuing his dedicated service to the wonderful families of this area for several years to come. 

 Bonnie Reitmeier Christians

Pre Arrangement Specialist

Bonnie Reitmeier Christians has lived in the Crookston area all her life. She has, together with Stenhoel-Houske Funeral Home, provided families with guidance in pre-arranging and pre-funding funerals since 1999. Along with her Insurance License, she also holds a Qualified Neutral Mediator’s Certificate, and has provided mediation services for families in conflict throughout northwestern Minnesota for over 10 years. Along with her husband Scott, there are five children, their spouses and 12 grandchildren to be grateful for. She and Scott live on a small homestead east of Crookston where they both enjoy horses and life in the country.

 Denny Myerchin

Support Staff

Dennis “Denny” Myerchin grew up in Warren, Minnesota and graduated from Warren High School. He moved to Crookston in 1955 and married Delores “Dee” Desrosier in 1958. They have 3 sons, 2 daughters, 11 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, and 3 step-grandchildren. He was employed for 32 years with the Crookston office of the MN Department of Transportation before retiring in 1999. He also owned and operated Denny’s Outboard Repair on week-ends and evenings from 1965-1985. In September, 1999 Denny began working as a funeral assistant for the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home, and has a genuine desire to assist families during their time of greatest need. 

 Jennifer Carlstrom

Support Staff

Jennifer Carlstrom, was born in Moorhead, Minnesota and came with her parents, Jim and Rose Bredman, to Crookston, by way of Minneapolis, in 1972. She graduated from Crookston Central High School and the Hair Designer’s Academy in Grand Forks before owning and operating Styles by Jenny in Crookston for 13 years. “I have been married to my wonderful husband, Brad, for eighteen years and we have been blessed with 2 beautiful daughters, Peyton and Teagen. I enjoy cooking, gardening, working-out and running, traveling and camping, supporting our girls at their school and sporting events, and spending time with all my family.” Jenny has been with the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home since 2003. Families look to her for her kindness and compassion, as she helps them celebrate the life of their loved one.

 Jerry Rude

Support Staff

Jerry Rude grew up outside of Fertile MN. His family moved to Crookston in 1969 where he graduated from Central High School. He attended Covenant Bible College in Prince Albert Saskatchewan, and graduated from UMC with a degree in horticulture. Jerry was employed by the University of Minnesota-Crookston for 37 years, working for Facilities Management with the grounds department. He and his wife, Becky, have 2 sons, 2 daughters, and 6 grandkids. Jerry has enjoyed working with the staff of the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home since August of 2009.

 Marian Bakken

Support Staff

Marian Bakken, a life-long Crookston area resident, grew up on her family’s farm northeast of the city, attended “country school” and graduated from Central High School. She and her late husband, George,were privileged to raise three children: Mark, Lynnette, and Keith; all of whom are married. They, in turn, have blessed Marian with six wonderful grandchildren, and most recently a grandson-in-law. For forty-five years she was employed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church as office manager until her retirement in the spring of 2011. She recently joined the staff of the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home and will be most graciously serving families during their time of loss and bereavement.