Meet Our Caring Team

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.

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, 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 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 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 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.

Gerry was born and raised in Crookston and graduated from Central High School. He is a Veteran who proudly spent four years in the US Marine Corps and served in Vietnam. After college, Gerry became a police officer and retired as a Detective Sergeant in 2004 after 27 years of service. He is an active member of The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception and VFW Post 1902. Gerry lives in Crookston with his wife, Jill.  

Caesar grew up in Crookston and attended Cathedral High School. He spent four years in the Navy on the USS Navarro. He worked various jobs before opening and operating Ceason Bait and Tackle for 30 years, retiring in March of 2019. Caesar and his wife, Suzie, reside in Crookston. They have two sons and a grandson. Caesar began working for Stenshoel-Houske Funeral and Cremation in October of 2019.