Meet Our Caring Team

As leaders in the profession, our team takes great pride in caring for our community. We are here for you.

Jim Bredman

Jim Bredman

Licensed Funeral Director

jim@stenshoelhouske.com


Jim and his wife, Rose, came to Crookston in 1972.  He was born in Ada, Minnesota, and graduated from Ada High School.  Jim attended Moorhead State College, and he graduated from the University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Program.


Jim has served grieving families for over forty years as if they were his own. Throughout these years he has been active in many community and professional organizations. 


Jim and Rose enjoy spending time with their daughters, Tami, whose husband is Phil Miller, and Jenny, whose husband is Brad Carlstrom. They so enjoy their greatest joys: grandchildren, Kiefer, Peyton and Teagen.


Jim is committed to continuing his dedicated service to the wonderful families of this area for years to come.

Justin Turpie

Justin Turpie

Funeral Director - Intern

Born in South Carolina, Justin moved to Ohio in 2015, where his passion for working in funeral service began. He attended Terra State Community College and received an associate degree before transitioning to Cincinnati. Justin moved to Crookston in April of 2023 after graduating from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.


In the summer, Justin enjoys spending time outdoors kayaking and hiking, and he looks forward to trying ice fishing! He is honored to be serving the greater Crookston area.

Christine Meine

Christine Meine

Office Manager, Advance Funeral Planner, Aftercare Coordinator

Christine was born in Crookston, MN, and has always lived in the area. She graduated from Crookston Central High and went on to the workforce. After starting her family, Christine decided to go to school online at Ashford University for sociology. She has a Certificate in Massage Therapy from Northland Community & Technical College and keeps up with her certifications. Christine also volunteers for the Marshall County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse.


Christine has four children, Wyatt, Haley, Ricky, and Landan, who have kept her busy throughout the years. Wyatt and Haley have now grown and started their own adventures in life. Christine and her younger boys, Ricky and Landan, keep busy with homeschooling and tending to the animals at the farm. Christine enjoys her time with her family and friends and with her horses, Rooster and McClintock, and goats, Hercules and Apollo. There is never a dull moment at the farm.

Jerry Rude

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 14 grandkids. Jerry has enjoyed working with the staff of the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral and Cremation Service since August of 2009.

Marian Bakken

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 and Cremation Service and will be most graciously serving families during their time of loss and bereavement.

Francis LaPlante

Francis LaPlante

Support Staff

Francis grew up on a farm northwest of Crookston. He attended Cathedral Grade School and graduated from Mount St Benedict High School. He then graduated from NDSU with a degree in Agricultural Economics.


Francis was employed at American Crystal Sugar Company for 36 years until his retirement in 2012. He has been an active volunteer in several organizations and his interests include the areas of science and technology.


Francis joined the staff at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral & Cremation Service in November of 2016.

John Rodseth

John Rodseth

Support Staff

John Rodseth is a Crookston native, graduating from Crookston High School and UMC. John was employed at UMC, working in the business office and managing the mailroom for 37 years. He retired in 2012.


He is an active member in his church. His other interests include gardening, yard work, and playing the tuba.


John and his wife, Jessie, have been married for 16 years and reside in Crookston. He began working for Stenshoel-Houske Funeral & Cremation Service in November of 2016.

Daryl Thompson

Daryl Thompson

Support Staff

Daryl came to Crookston in the 1950s as part of a three-generation railroad family. He continued this tradition for 38 years, retiring in 2002. In his spare time, Daryl has driven bus for Crookston Public Schools for 47 years and also for Tri-Valley. Daryl volunteers with Riverview Health Auxiliary, Crookston Eagles Club, and Trinity Lutheran Church, and he is vice-chair of Crookston Home Delivered Meals.


Daryl is married to a former classmate, Diana (Bergquist). Their two daughters, JoElle and Amy, are both married and have each blessed them with two grandchildren.


A cup of coffee with the funeral director, Jim Bredman, turned into an employment opportunity that Daryl is enjoying.

Ceasar Kaiser

Ceasar Kaiser

Support Staff

Biography available soon.

Bob Quanrud

Bob Quanrud

Support Staff

Biography available soon.

Gene Hoffman

Gene Hoffman

Funeral Assistant


Share by: