Staff

Keith D. Burkholder

Upon graduating high school from Lake City in 1965, Keith went on to pursue a degree in mortuary science from Wayne State University, graduating in 1971 and receiving his mortuary license the same year with the help and support of his wife Norma J. He then went on to work at Brown Funeral Home in Flint and Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home in Lansing. In 1974, he returned home to Missaukee County (McBain) and began serving the families of McBain and the surrounding areas, and is continuing to do so to this day. Keith has always been active and worked many jobs to support his family. He enjoys many different hobbies, collecting, deer hunting, and traveling.

Cody M. Nielsen

Funeral Director

Cody M. Nielsen, Licensed Funeral Director-Cody has been a resident of McBain his entire life and graduated from McBain Public High School in 2007. In 2009, he married his high-school sweetheart, Jessica (Dick) who is also the Missaukee County Clerk and Register of Deeds. They reside on the outskirts of McBain with their two children, Tenley and Kade, as well as their two Golden Retrievers, Fynn and Kash. Cody received his degree in mortuary science from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, and obtained his license from the State of Michigan shortly thereafter. Cody is a member of the Prosper CRC in Falmouth and enjoys hobby farming and gardening with his family.

Steve Herweyer

Funeral Attendant

Steve and his wife, Connie, have been lifelong residents Missaukee County. Steve assists with various tasks around the funeral home, and can be found assisting on most funerals. In his spare time, he enjoys cutting firewood, hunting, and going camping with his wife.

Carl Dick

Funeral Attendant

Carl Dick is a lifelong resident of Missaukee County and a graduate of McBain Northern Michigan Christian School. After farming for many years, Carl became a licensed contractor and has been building and remodeling for over 30 years. Carl joined the funeral home as part-time support staff in 2023. Carl and his wife, Chris, live in Falmouth and in their free time enjoy spending time with their five children and many grandchildren, as well as hunting, gardening, and hobby farming.

Norma Burkholder

Office Manager

Norma is the wife of Keith Burkholder and has lived in McBain since 1974. Keith and Norma have four children and many grandchildren. Norma has worked side-by-side with Keith for many years serving the families of McBain and surrounding areas. Norma serves as the office manager for the funeral home, and also works in many other capacities as needed.

Jessica Nielsen

Office Assistant

Jessica has been a lifelong resident of McBain, graduating from McBain Public High School. She is married to Cody Nielsen, and they have two children, Tenley and Kade, as well as two Golden Retrievers, Fynn and Kash. Jessica also works as the Missaukee County Clerk and Register of Deeds. She helps at the funeral home in the office and with other tasks as needed. In her free time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family, hobby farming, and gardening.

Julie Bonham

Office Assistant

Julie moved to McBain in 1966 and graduated from McBain Rural Agricultural School. She and her husband, Steve, married shortly thereafter and have 2 sons and 3 grandchildren. Julie worked at Mercy Hospital/Munson Cadillac Hospital for 40 years and retired in 2017. She now assists in the office at the funeral home as needed, and volunteers at Friends Ministry Thrift Store in Lake City and with the McBain School Backpack Program.

Thelma Yonkman

Office Assistant

Thelma was born in Marion, Michigan and has lived in McBain for 60 years with her husband, Jim. They have four children, ten grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Thelma is a member of the McBain Baptist Church, and enjoys baking and cooking. In the past, she has worked in the home care industry, and now helps out at the funeral home when needed.

Duane Sawmiller

Maintenance

Duane is a resident of McBain. He graduated from Cadillac High School and served in the United States Army from 1982-1993. After his military service, Duane served on various EMS crews around Wexford and Missaukee Counties. Duane is responsible for maintenance and yard duties around the funeral home.