History & Staff
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.
Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.
Our Valued Staff
Bruce A. Zenner II, Co-Owner/ Licensed Funeral Director
Bruce was born and raised in Northern Michigan. He graduated from Kingsley High School in 2004 and continued his education at Wayne State University earning a Bachelor’s of Mortuary Science Degree in 2007. Bruce has returned to his roots where he has many family and friends. The Kalkaska area was the perfect place for Bruce and wife Jessy to begin their journey together. Jessy has since joined Bruce to assist in the operation of the funeral home. Bruce is the President of the Kalkaska Rotary Club, a member of the Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals and Ambassador's Committee and is a Trustee on Kalkaska Memorial Health Center's Board of Trustees.
Jessy Zenner, Office Manager / Licensed Funeral Planning Specialist
Jessy, a Licensed Funeral Preplanning Specialist and Recreational Therapist, was born and raised in Mayfield, Michigan. Jessy is an active gardener, who has a love for the outdoors and everything nature oriented. In her spare time she volunteers for local organizations and looks forward to future opportunities that will enrich the community.
David E. Wolfe, Licensed Funeral Director / Funeral Assistant
Doris Forsythe, Licensed Funeral Director / Funeral Assistant
Having been raised around funeral service, Doris obtained her license to practice mortuary science in Michigan in 1971. She entered college again in 1979, this time obtaining her degree in social work at Michigan State University. From 1980-1985, Doris was Director of Medical Social Services at Traverse City Osteopathic (Community) Hospital; serving patients and families from five area counties in home hospice care and substance abuse care as well as in the hospital. Doris and her husband, Jeff, enjoy the quiet country life with two Percheron mares and two brindle boxers. She is (semi) retired, a grandmother of three, and likes to read, travel and quilt.
Darcie Hicks, Funeral Assistant
Darcie was born and raised in Kalkaska. After graduating from Kalkaska High School in 1994, she moved to Kalamazoo and met her husband Josh. In 2000 they moved back to Kalkaska and have lived there ever since. Together they have been blessed with three wonderful, but active boys. Darcie is attending college to persue a degree in Mortuary Science. In her spare time she competes in dirt bike enduro's with her family and likes to travel.
Alana Peters, Funeral Assistant
Alana Peters has lived in Northern Michigan for her entire life, she was born in Fife Lake, Michigan and now lives in South Boardman with her husband and daughter. After graduating from college with an Associates in Medical Assisting, she has worked in customer service and management for 15 years. She is the current treasurer of the Kalkaska Area Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) and is a member of the Band Boosters Committte for Forest Area Schools. Alana enjoys reading, traveling, camping and spending time with her family and their three dogs.
Dennis Whitenight, Funeral Assistant
Dennis has lived in Michigan his entire life, he has family from the Onaway and Manistee area. Currently he lives in Fife Lake with his wife Donna. Retired from the automotive industry after 32 years of service, Dennis is a volunteer fire fighter for Garfield Township. He has held many positions in Garfield Township, including: zoning administrator for over 5 years, safety coordinator, team coordinator and trainer. Dennis used to be a licensed automotive mechanic, which he continues to enjoy in his free time along with sight seeing, fishing, racing RC cars, socializing and volunteering in his community.
Jim Sweet, Funeral Assistant