Jay Dietz, Licensed Funeral Director/Manager

Originally from Oakes, North Dakota, Jay graduated from Oakes High School and attended the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Jay graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jay has served as manager and funeral director at Pedersen Funeral Home since November 1995. Jay and his wife, Chandel, are active members of the community through their involvement in Assumption Church, the Morris Lions Club, the chamber of commerce, the Early Childhood Family Education program, St. Mary’s School and a variety of committees and boards that they have both served on.

Jay enjoys hunting and fishing, golfing, playing racquetball and spending as much time as possible with his wife and four children, and taking part in their activities.

Joshua Fossum, Licensed Funeral Director

Josh grew up in Iowa and Minnesota, graduating from Lac qui Parle Valley High School in West Central Minnesota. Josh graduated from the University of Minnesota - School of Mortuary Science in 2000, and joined the staff of Pedersen Funeral Home in July of 2000.

Josh and his wife Amy are members of First Lutheran Church in Morris, where Josh is currently serving on the church council and they both serve as ninth grade confirmation teachers. Josh is also a member of the Morris Lions Club and enjoys hunting, golfing, playing basketball and spending time with his two sons.

David Anderson: Funeral Director

Originally from Rugby, North Dakota, David is a fourth generation funeral director. After first attending the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, North Dakota, David received his degree in mortuary science from Mount Hood Community College in Portland, Oregon. David has worked as a funeral director since 1988, and joined the staff of Pedersen Funeral Home in February of 2004. David is currently licensed in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.

David and his wife Milissa are members of the Fron Lutheran Church in Starbuck, Minnesota. In his personal time David enjoys spending time with his teenage son, and boating on Lake Minneswaska. David was a past president of the Rugby, ND Jaycee's; past president of the Starbuck Lions and past president of the Starbuck Area Chamber of Commerce.

Lois Peterson, Pre-Arrangement Specialist

Lois is a long-time resident of Morris, where she and husband, Dale, have owned and operated the Dale Peterson Insurance and Real Estate business. Along with their own agency, Lois also worked as the area’s AAL representative from 1995 to 1999.

Lois joined Pedersen Funeral Home to work in the areas of preplanning and aftercare in May of 2001. She feels that the best part of her job is the opportunity to meet with really neat people and listen to them share their life stories.

Lois and Dale have four grown children and four grandchildren. Lois’ favorite hobbies are reading and working in her flower garden.

Colleen Neal, Office Manager

Originally from Beardsley, Minnesota, Colleen graduated from Beardsley High School in 1977 and from Alexandria Vocational Technical College in 1978. Colleen joined the staff of Pedersen Funeral Home as office manager in November 1999. Along with her office responsibilities, she also works as a visitation and funeral assistant.

Colleen and husband, Jim live on a farm near Alberta, Minnesota. She has one son and four step-children. Colleen is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Alberta, and enjoys reading, going for walks and spending time with her family and friends.

John Anderson, Funeral Assistant

John and his wife Marty are longtime residents of Morris, where John taught Junior High Science at Morris Area High School for over 25 years. They have five children and several grandchildren. John joined the staff of Pedersen Funeral Home in July 1992. John and his wife have been active members of Assumption Catholic Church in Morris since coming to town, and he currently serves on the Calvary Cemetery Board. Some of John’s hobbies include gardening, bird watching, fishing and playing cards.

Steve Hokanson, Funeral Assistant

Born and raised in Morris, Steve graduated from Morris High School in 1965. Steve worked for Unite Parcel Service in Morris from 1969 to until his retirement in 1999. Steve joined the staff of Pedersen Funeral Home in October 1999. Steve also runs his own lawn care service in the Morris area. Steve and his wife Randee have three grown children. Steve is a life-long member of First Lutheran Church in Morris, and in his personal time, enjoys gardening and woodworking.

Jere Solvie, Funeral Assistant

Born and raised near Cyrus, Minnesota, Jere graduated from Cyrus High School. Jere and his wife Paulette live and farm in the Cyrus area, and they have two children and one grandchild. Jere joined the staff of Pedersen Funeral Home in July 2003. Jere is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cyrus, where he is very active in the church choir.

Lauris Johnshoy, Funeral Assistant

Born and raised near Starbuck, Lauris graduated from Starbuck High School. Lauris joined the staff of Starbuck Funeral Home in April, 2001. He is a life-long member of Immanuel Lutheran Church near Starbuck, where he is currently serving as president of the congregation. Lauris’ hobbies include farming and traveling.

Sharon Johnhoy, Visitation Assistant

Born and raised in the Starbuck area, Sharon graduated from Starbuck High School. She and her husband, Lauris, live and farm near Starbuck. Sharon joined the staff of Starbuck Funeral Home in April, 2001. Sharon is an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, and also does volunteer work at the Minnewaska Lutheran Home in Starbuck. Sharon enjoys cooking, baking and traveling with her family.

Shane Jones, Funeral Assistant

Born and raised in Morris, Shane graduated from Morris Area High School. Shane and his wife Ruth owned and operated the Amoco Station in Morris for several years. Since that time, Shane has been employed by Superior Industries in Morris. Shane joined the staff of Pedersen Funeral Home in April 2000. Shane and Ruth have four children and are members of the Apostolic Christian Church near Morris.

Rose Murphy, Visitation Assistant