By Chad Koenen

Publisher

As she sits in a conference room in the back of the Karvonen Funeral Home in Wadena, Kendra Schumacher can’t help but smile as she talks about the past year at the locally owned funeral home and cremation service.

Schumacher is a licensed funeral director at Karvonen Funeral Home and Cremation Service and assists families at all three funeral homes in Henning, New York Mills and Wadena. 

After graduating from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a degree in biology, Schumacher earned her associates degree in mortuary science online through Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, Colo. She joined the staff at Karvonen’s in September 2021, and has remained busy both at work and in the community.

“We are really pleased that she is here,” said Greg Karvonen, who spoke highly about the impact that Schumacher and the rest of the staff at Karvonen Funeral Home and Cremation Service have had at the locally owned business.

From part-time workers who assist with the funeral service to funeral director’s and office staff, Karvonen said staff members are here to assist loved ones with everything from pre-planning a funeral to carrying on the wishes of family members after they pass away.

Being able to assist those in need is one of the things that Schumacher said she enjoys the most about her new profession.

“The desire to help people and take care of their personal needs,” said Schumacher of what she enjoys the most about her job. “I really enjoy the families that open up and warm your heart.”

Karvonen said Schumacher is a great team player and is very caring with the families during their time of need. 

When she is not working, Schumacher said she enjoys playing video games, knitting, crafting and spending time with her family. 

Karvonen funeral Home and Cremation Service currently employes 15 people on an either full-time or part-time basis and has offices in Henning, NY Mills and Wadena.