About Us

Founded in 1981 and serving the entire Kelowna area, Springfield Funeral Home has developed a reputation for compassionate, caring service with a warm, personal touch. Our hallmark is to provide a deeply meaningful memorial service that celebrates a person’s unique life, while also offering convenience and comfort for family and friends.

Besides any official titles, all of us at Springfield Funeral Home steadfastly refer to ourselves as Memorial Care Assistants, because we feel that this title is an appropriate representation of our service to you and your family. We’re here for you in the most trying times and utilize our experience and creativity to help you appropriately remember and honor your loved one. Our family is here to assist yours, every step of the way.

It has always been about connection and family. Above all else we want our community to feel connected to their roots.

- Gretel Henseleit

Our Family Caring For Yours

Richard Henseleit
President / Owner

Richard was born in Edmonton, AB, and was raised in the Okanagan. By age eight, his father introduced him to funeral work by giving him basic cleaning responsibilities at the chapel ("Dad showed me exactly how to detail and clean the funeral cars," recalls Richard.) Upon completing his post-secondary education in Vancouver and marrying in 1990, he began his full-time career with the family business. Richard serves as president of Springfield Funeral Home, leading a team of three managers, 8 licensed funeral directors, and 15 support staff. He and his wife Michelle have four children, Talina, Conrad, Alexander and Nicholas. Richard's personal interests revolve around family and travel as well as outdoor activities such as cycling, motorcycle riding, skiing and snowboarding, camping, graphic arts, and photography.

David Henseleit
Funeral Director / Embalmer / Owner

David was born in Vernon, BC, and, like his brother Richard, was brought up with the exacting demands of quality and attention to detail in regards to the funeral business, where his charming and outgoing personality made him a natural. David graduated from the funeral director licensing program in 1990 and was awarded that year’s academic excellence award. David's primary responsibilities revolve around customer service, staffing, quality control, and public relations. David and his wife Andrea have two sons, Joel and Andrew. David’s interests include sports of all kinds, hiking and being outdoors. He’s also always quick to share a good joke.

Werner and Gretel Henseleit
Founders

Werner and his wife, Gretel, began their funeral profession in Vernon, BC in 1975. Giving up their partnership in the (then) Pleasant Valley Memorial Chapel, they opened the Springfield Funeral Home in Kelowna in 1981. Werner passed away in 2010, but his commitment, dedication to caring, and excellent service have worked their way into every aspect of the company. Werner and Gretel have four children, Richard and David who now own and manage the funeral home, Angela Klassen (Brad), and Daniel. Their families, including 9 grandchildren, all live in Kelowna.

Rod Attwell
General Manager / Funeral Director / Embalmer / Partner

Born and raised in Edmonton, Rod is the youngest of eight children. He graduated from the British Columbia School of Mortuary Science in 1994. He worked for Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie from 1994-1998, and was the General Manager of a large multi-location family owned funeral home in Edmonton. He has served in various positions on the Executive for the Funeral Service Association and has attended the ICCFA Funeral Management Program at the University of Memphis. Rod is a member at Immaculate Conception Church, and is a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Rod is an avid reader, enjoys hobby beekeeping. He is married to Jennifer, they have six children: Andrew, Adam, Laura, Jannah, Josiah, and Grace.

In Loving Memory

Family / In Loving Memory
ANDERSON, David "Dave"

It is with heavy hearts and immense sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Anderson at the age of 63. Dave passed away surrounded by loved ones after an admirable and courageous nearly five-year battle with cancer. More...

Memorial Care Assistants

Family / Memorial Care Assistants
Melissa Mina
Funeral Services Manager / Funeral Director / Embalmer

A compassionate voice, Melissa has cared for families in the funeral service profession since 2012. Having faced the challenges of immigration for herself, Melissa recognizes the importance of respecting the unique funeral traditions present in the many cultures that make up the tapestry of BC’s population. She understands the difficulty of expressing grief while honouring the memory of lost loved ones, and the need to able to do so in the way that is right for the family, whether that embraces tradition or departs from it entirely.

Melissa has also served her community as a past member of the Rotary Club. She has a great love for animals, and for philosophy, literature, culture, and the arts. She believes in the importance of lifelong learning and is passionate about promoting grief support within the community, along with transparency and education about the death care profession.

Burke Sanbrooks
Funeral Director / Embalmer

Burke was born and raised in Kelowna. He began his funeral and embalming apprenticeship with Reardon’s Funeral Service of Tabor Alberta in 1980. In January 1990, he began a very productive and fulfilling relationship with the Henseleits and Springfield Funeral Home. His caring nature and personal commitment to helping families through their experience of loss have benefited our community many times over. In 1985 Burke, was married to Liana Klassen, and they have two sons: Joel and Jeremy. Burke’s personal interests include camping, fishing, golfing, playing and watching hockey (Go Canucks!!!)

Connie Kimmich
Funeral Director / Celebrant

Connie is the youngest of three children and had the privilege of growing up here in Kelowna. She started working with us in 1999, her duties included keeping our prearrangement records up to date and assisting office staff. Her creative abilities have assisted families in the presentation of various displays which add the special touch and personalization we so value at Springfield Funeral Home. After the loss of her parents, she completed her Funeral Director License and now continues to care for others with sensitivity and compassion. Connie and her husband love to travel and, when given the opportunity, enjoy sailing, boating and scuba diving.

Andrew Henseleit
Funeral Director / Embalmer

Andrew was born and raised in Kelowna, the youngest son of David and Andrea Henseleit. Andrew joined the family business in early 2017 where it quickly became evident that he was passionate and comfortable in his new role, making him a natural fit for Springfield. Andrew is married to Carly and in his extra time he enjoys serving in various roles as a dedicated member of his community, and much like his father he’s enthusiastic about the outdoors – be it fishing, camping or dirt biking.

Bob Hodgson
Funeral Director / Embalmer

Bob was born in Manning, AB and was raised in the Grande Prairie area. Bob started his career in the funeral home industry in 2002 as a Funeral Attendant at Oliver’s Grande Prairie Funeral Home and pursued his Funeral Director Embalmer licence graduating in 2005. In 2012 he moved to the beautiful Okanagan and worked at a Funeral home in West Kelowna. Bob joined the team at Springfield Funeral Home in 2021. Bob is married to Kathy and they have three wonderful children; Michelle, Bradley and Brittney. Bob has two granddaughters and two grandsons. These little people have grandpa wrapped around their little finger. Bob enjoys spending his free time with family hiking, biking, and boating.

Alex Doran
Funeral Director/Embalmer

Alex Doran grew up in Innisfil, Ontario. She moved to Alberta in 2011 where she attended Grande Prairie Regional College working towards a Bachelor’s of Social Work. She worked in Human Services supporting adults with developmental disabilities and persons experiencing homelessness until 2014 when she decided to make the switch to Funeral Service. Alex graduated from Canadian College of Funeral Service in Spring of 2017 in Alberta. She moved to Kelowna in 2017 to join the Springfield Funeral Home Team. Alex has a 3 year old daughter, Maeve. Together they enjoy visiting parks, the beach, and baking together. Alex feels the greatest honor is to serve the community and families in their time of grieving.

Jennifer Obradovic
Funeral Director/Embalmer

Jennifer was born in Vancouver and moved to Kelowna as an adult where she and her husband Johnson are kept busy raising their 3 children, who also help with their many pets including her favorite cat named Buddha. Jennifer has long wanted to be involved in Funeral Service and has recently graduated and received her Funeral Director/Embalmer licence. The Springfield Team appreciates her kind, compassionate personality that is felt by the families she walks with on their grief journey.

Ali Scheck
Funeral Director/Embalmer

Ali was born in Edmonton and raised in the small town of Red Deer, Alberta, but has had the privilege of living abroad in Australia and travelling to all kinds of places. Ali eventually moved back to Canada and settled in the Okanagan in 2015 and has enjoyed working at Springfield Funeral Home since 2020. Having completed a Diploma in Criminal and Social Justice from Okanagan College and a Bachelor’s degree in philosophy from UBCO, Ali considers herself to be a lifelong learner. Her empathetic and inquisitive nature led Ali to join the team at Springfield Funeral Home to further serve her community. She enjoys helping people, trying new things, reading, animals, exploring the outdoors, and travelling.

Bill Kittle
Funeral Director/Embalmer

Bill was born in Penticton, BC and raised in Kelowna where he owned and operated a small contracting company for several years. While in Kelowna, Bill achieved his Power Engineering designation which led him to work in several refineries through Alberta. He sought a change to funeral service and started his training while in Alberta, but Kelowna kept calling him back. He joined the Springfield team after a year of service at Glenwood Funeral Home in Edmonton. Bill enjoys spending time with this wife Mari, their grown children and his granddaughter. He can also be found enjoying many different outdoor activities or watching hockey.

Dave Wensley
Funeral Attendant

Dave recently moved to Kelowna from his hometown of Edmonton, Alberta. After 32 years of working with Edmonton Transit and more recently 9 years at Park Memorial Funeral Home, Dave joins the Springfield Team with a wealth of knowledge and life experience. Dave married his highschool sweetheart, Launa, and they had a wonderful 36 years together before she passed away. He understands the care we all need when going though loss and finds fulfillment in supporting those who are grieving. In his spare time Dave loves cruising on both ships and on his motorbike, but also relaxing in nature while fishing or hunting.

Brittany Morgan
Apprentice Funeral Director/Embalmer

Brittany’s family moved often while she was growing up, which enabled her to experience various areas of Canada including British Columbia, the Prairies, and the Maritimes. After graduating from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Science degree, she chose to make Kelowna home. Here, Brittany began searching for a lifelong career that would be well suited to her interest in anatomy and pathology, as well as utilize her passion for developing meaningful relationships with members of the community. This led her to join the Springfield team in January of 2022, where she is working towards becoming a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. Outside of work, Brittany enjoys spending time with her four cats. She enjoys long distance running, hiking, and camping. She is also happy to spend hours in the winter months reading or crocheting.

Duncan Barry
Apprentice Funeral Director/Embalmer

Duncan was born in Squamish, BC but has lived all over the province from Vancouver to Prince Rupert and has decided to call Kelowna home after developing roots in the Okanagan. He worked within the construction trades for several years but has now opted to pursue a career as a Funeral Director. Duncan's currently working with our team as a Funeral Service attendant with plans to sign up as an Apprentice Funeral Director in the near future. Outside of work, Duncan trains in Brazilian jiu jitsu and enjoys hiking and film.

Peter Anderson
Apprentice Funeral Director/Embalmer

Peter was born and raised in Kelowna and loves the Okanagan Valley and all that it has to offer. Peter has spent many years in healthcare in various capacities before deciding that a career in the funeral industry would best suit his naturally empathetic, calm, and caring nature. Peter and his wife Kari attend Hope Bible Church, they have three teenagers at home and one adult daughter who is married and on her own. They love to escape to the mountains when time allows. Peter is currently working with our team as a Funeral Service and Transfer attendant with plans to sign up as an Apprentice Funeral Director soon and looks forward to many years of serving our local community with Springfield Funeral Home.

Danielle Dare
Apprentice Funeral Director/Embalmer

As a teenager growing up in Kelowna,Danielle was passionate about helping others and was accepted into the Licensed Practical Nursing Program at Okanagan College in 2005 and graduated in 2007 at the age of 19.

Danielle worked as an LPN in many areas, including hospitals, nursing homes, physician's offices, and Homecare, for 11 years. In 2015, Danielle moved to Grande Prairie, AB, where she met Garrett and together they have 2 beautiful daughters. In 2021, after moving back to Kelowna to be closer to family, Danielle was able to be a stay-at-home mom with her girls but with both girls now in school, she was able to join the Springfield Team in a part-time position. In this position, Danielle realized her passion to support her community during their difficult time of grieving and is looking forward to starting her Funeral Director Apprenticeship where she can continue supporting others. Danielle enjoys spending time outdoors with family and friends including her big fur pup named Rico; gardening, camping, hiking, and swimming are also hobbies she enjoys.

Lauren Esdale
Apprentice Funeral Director/Embalmer

Lauren grew up moving all around Canada before her family moved to Dubai, where she lived for four years. After ten years in Toronto ON, she packed up her life, and cat, Lucy, and made the move to Kelowna. She decided to pursue her long-held interest in the field of Funeral Directing and has been accepted into the Funeral Director Apprenticeship program through Springfield Funeral Home. She is looking forward to the challenges ahead and hopes to use her newly acquired skills to help families during some of their most difficult times. Lauren is greatly appreciating the Okanagan lifestyle and enjoys reading at the beach in the summer and is learning to snowboard in the winter.

Kim Bergstrom
Funeral Director Assistant / Celebrant and Family Experience Director

Kim was born in Halifax, NS and was raised on a farm just outside of Yorkton, SK. She moved to the community of Strathmore, AB as a young girl. Kim moved from Calgary to Kelowna in the Spring of 1996. She has four sons Mackenzie, Harrison, Kennedy and Grayson. With a background in both retail and office management, she is excited to bring her passion for client care and a desire to make a difference each and everyday.

John Babbel
Audio Visual Technician

John was born in Edmonton, AB and after moving around in Canada and the US, he settled in Kelowna in 1991. John is married Sandra and they have 3 grown children and a dear grandson, Rowan, who joined the family in April 2019. John and Sandra are also “parents” to Phoebe their Golden doodle. In his free time John is a WW2 history buff, loves cars and hiking the hills of the Glenmore Highlands behind their home. John works behind the scenes here with video tributes, livestreaming and producing the technical part of our services. He makes everything sound and look great at Springfield Funeral Home.

Clint Kilback
Audio Visual Technician

Clint was born and raised in Cranbrook, BC. He met his wife, Jennifer while living in Calgary, and they moved to Kelowna in July of 1998. Clint spent 16 years as a technician and manager in the hazardous waste industry and joined the Springfield family in the fall of 2015. Sound reinforcement has been a hobby of Clint’s since he moved to Kelowna, and he is pleased to serve at Springfield in the areas of sound and video. Clint also enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 daughters, walking their dog, playing hockey and softball and volunteering as a tutor. Clint is grateful for the chance to help people in their time of need as part of the loving, caring family at Springfield.

Charlotte Lutzer
Pre-Planning Director

Charlotte was born and raised in Saskatchewan, where she enjoyed farm life and then going to the University of Saskatchewan for her Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce. Shortly after, she became a pastor’s wife, with their ministry taking them from Saskatoon to Edmonton. Charlotte also had a20 year career with the federal government. Church ministry brought them to Kelowna in 2010, where they continue to love and serve their church family. It is this level of care and service that Charlotte seeks to bring to her Springfield clients in her role as a Pre-arrangement consultant. When she is not at work, Charlotte loves to spend time with her husband and adult children. She also enjoys baking, gardening, and treasure-hunting at the local thrift stores.

Joanne Bonk
Community Relations / Family Experience

Joanne grew up in small town southern Saskatchewan and moved to Kelowna in 1980. Although she loves the beauty of the Okanagan with its lakes, valley and blossoms, she still has an appreciation and love for the landscape of the prairies with the beauty of the summer time patch-work harvest. Her previous careers have been in Banking, Interior Design and working as an Operations Manager.

Joanne recently married Norm and together they have shared in ministry. Combined they have three children, Keri, Chad and Chris and three wonderful grandchildren which, to Joanne’s delight, live in Kelowna. Joanne has traveled to Bolivia, Mexico and Ukraine on Mission trips. She enjoys crafts and activities that allow for creativity and expression and yes, that includes the grandchildren.

Elisabeth Pilgrim
After Care Advisor

Elisabeth was born and raised in southern Ontario, sharing a middle child position with her sister in a family of six children. After graduating high school, she moved to Calgary, Alberta to pursue post-secondary education in counselling. She graduated with a BA degree in human services. She is married to Jordan, and they have three beautiful school aged children together. They lived four years in England before moving back to Canada and settling in BC. She is also a potter, Greenery manager and elementary noon hour supervisor. When she finds extra time, she enjoys gardening and time on the water with her SUP board.

Leona Falconer
After Care Advisor/Funeral Attendant

Leona was born in Vancouver, BC, and raised in the Lower Mainland. Prior to relocating to the Okanagan in 2012, she embraced a rewarding career in healthcare, bringing about positive changes to our healthcare system while passionately serving those in need of a voice and heartfelt empathy and/or compassion. The assistance Leona provides for our client families to complete the necessary government paperwork is greatly appreciated, as is her kind, understanding personality.

Leona happily married Bill in 2012 and together, they have six children and seven grandchildren. Leona’s personal interests include fishing, hiking, kayaking, traveling, cooking/baking, and motorcycling but especially fishing!

Jules Kalenichenko
After Care Assistant

Jules was born in Edmonton, AB.At the age of 12, her family moved to the beautiful Okanagan and now she can’t imagine living anywhere else. Her joy comes from her three precious children and loving family members. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the Okanagan with her children, especially during the colourful autumn. Family time is important to her; making memories and being surrounded by her loved ones. Springfield Funeral Home holds a special place in her heart as she brings comfort to those that are grieving.

Kim Evdemon
Administration Team Manager

Kim was born in Edmonton, AB and has been lucky enough to live abroad for 10 years. Six years ago, Kim moved back to Canada and decided to settle in Kelowna to be close to family. She worked for 16 years in the area of addiction and trauma; ten of those years in Amsterdam serving at-risk women on the streets and more recently, 6 years in Kelowna, where she worked with women in recovery who were struggling with addiction and mental health issues. Kim brings compassion and understanding to the families she serves while helping to organize the practical details behind the scenes. She loves anything to do with nature and can be found biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, swimming in the lake in her time off. Kim recently married a lovely man from Washington who also loves the outdoors.

Kimberley Church
Administrative Assistant

Kimberley has lived in many Canadian provinces, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. She moved to Kelowna with her husband, Peter, and bunny rabbit in April 2019. She is excited to be here and loves the lakes and the sunshine. She is never without a hobby and loves to cycle in the Okanagan. Kimberley has been looking after clients for her entire working life and is delighted to bring her skills to support the families that come to Springfield Funeral Home, currently her main task is to assist families with obituaries.

Kait Peterson
Project Assistant

Kait was born and raised in Kelowna BC and has enjoyed living here her whole life. Serving the community has always been important to her so it is an honour to serve the Springfield team and Kelowna in this capacity. She has lots of hobbies and will most likely pick up more, Kait’s welcoming presence shines as she greets and helps families at our reception desk. Her hard work and youthful energy compliment our amazing Administrative Team.

Leslie Munro
Administrative Assistant

Leslie was born in Prince George BC and had an amazing free-range childhood in the village of Hixon. After graduating from the College of New Caledonia with a diploma in Business Administration, Leslie immediately began working for an association that provides services for people who have intellectual disabilities. She fell in love with social services and worked the field for 35 years in Prince George and Kelowna, developing skills, such as compassionate listening, that she brings to her work at Springfield Funeral Home. Leslie has two grown daughters and enjoys spending as much time as possible with them. When not working, you are most likely to find her at home in her garden.

Andrea Sampson
Administrative Assistant

Born and raised in Camrose, Alberta, Andrea moved to Kelowna, BC to pursue her post-secondary education. While there she met Matt and they married. Together, they spent 10 years in Alberta where they started their family of 4 children. Andrea and Matt moved back to the Okanagan to raise Addison, Eliana, Taylor and Von, and so they can enjoy participating in all the sports and outdoor activities the family likes to do together. Back in Alberta, they were honored to be a part of the community; they volunteered in their local church and plan to continue that trend by starting a church in the Okanagan area. Andrea is looking forward to being a part of the Springfield team helping the families so close to her heart.

Susanne Hohn
Administrative Assistant

Susanne is happy to now call Kelowna home after living and working in Cameroon, W. Central Africa, for 23 years. Oregon is where she grew up, and where she met her Canadian husband at graduate school in Portland. They journeyed to Cameroon to work alongside a national church organization in a rural village setting and then later in administration. They raised two daughters in Cameroon, but the whole family can be found in B.C. now. Susanne’s degree in business administration allows her to put her skills to use as she seeks to continue to serve people in her new community of Kelowna. When not at work she loves being in nature and exploring the beauty of Kelowna by hiking its trails.

Jordan McEwan
Administrative Assistant

Jordan was born in Saskatoon, SK,and moved to Kelowna, BC at an early age. She grew up alongside her Gran, who moved to Kelowna from Scotland to help raise her grandchildren. After her Gran’s recent passing, Jordan gained a newfound appreciation and interest in the Memorial Care field. By joining the Springfield administration team, Jordan can care for families in their time of sorrow. Jordan treasures this opportunity as she is greatly passionate about serving her community. Jordan’s understanding and compassion for families carrying the weight of grief, allow for a genuine and sincere connection between herself and her community. In her free time, she loves to paint and spend time with her dogs and her cat.

Joanne Flood
Administrative Assistant to the General Manager

Joanne was born and raised in Kelowna. She married her husband, Joe, and together they raised their 3 boys here. Having grown up here and being involved with their church, her boys’ school, their numerous sports teams and musical events, she feels comfortable with families from all walks of life and has a heart for those who are grieving. Joanne is tasked with being the Administrative Assistant to Rod Attwell, our General Manager, and also filling in for the other Administrative staff on occasion. With an almost empty nest, she and Joe are making plans to travel and spend time together in the outdoors.

Marlene Engel
Accounting / Pre-Planning / Administration

Marlene was born in Winkler, Manitoba, the only girl in a family of seven children. She was raised in Southern California, moving to Kelowna in 1972. She is married to Doug and they have three children: Chris, Allison and Michelle. Marlene assists with accounting, pre-arrangement and office administration.

Mark Ridley
Controller

Mark moved to Kelowna at the age of 9 from Winnipeg. He grew up playing hockey and a variety of other sports. After high school, he attended Okanagan College, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance. It was there, in 2015, where he met his now fiancée, Natasha. In 2020, Mark returned to Okanagan College to further his education with a Post-Baccalaureate in Data Science and Statistics. In their free time, Mark and Natasha enjoy watching sports, trying out new breweries, camping, and travelling. Mark is very excited to be starting the next chapter of his career with Springfield Funeral Home.

Brent Seversen
Caretaker / Custodian

Brent was born in Ponoka, AB but spent most of his childhood in Penticton, BC. He has fond memories of taking his motorbike on logging roads and stocking shelves at his father’s pharmacy. After high school, he attended Briercrest Bible College for 3 years. He loves American muscle cars, old GMC and Chev trucks, and cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays. Brent came to Springfield Funeral Home in 2004 as a caretaker and to assist the staff. He continues to offer great support behind the scenes. You can also find him volunteering at Trinity Church.

Michaela Brayton
Reception Hostess

Michaela spent her childhood in the Toronto area before moving out west and meeting her husband-to-be, Don in Calgary, AB. They have 2 children and now 1 grandchild. After managing a golf course together in Lac la Biche, they moved to Kelowna and semi-retired. Michaela joined the Springfield Funeral Home team in 2007 as a reception hostess and continues in that capacity as well as coordinating our reception services. She enjoys singing, swimming, golfing and spending time with friends. Her reliability and kind, respectful manner are appreciated by the client families she serves.

Theresa Versluys
Reception Hostess

Theresa was born in Elk Point, AB and after moving around a bit, she settled in Kelowna in 1986. She has 5 children, 10 granddaughters and 5 great grandchildren plus her little Yorkie, Bijoux. She started in working in our family center as one of our hostesses in 2010. Her previous work in the catering industry and volunteering with the Catholic Women’s League had prepared her well. Theresa is also a hostess at her home, having had over 100 ESL students in her home since 2000. When she is not busy with her work or her students, she enjoys knitting, crocheting, sewing, cooking, volunteering and playing bridge. She thinks we have an amazing, loving, friendly team here at SFH and we think the same of her.

Barb Koop
Reception Hostess

Barb was born on Vancouver Island and lived there until she married her husband Ric. They were married in 1974 and have 3 children and now, 4 grandchildren. Life has been full for Ric and Barb as they raised their children including foster children while they lived in Alberta. A highlight for them was living in Papua New Guinea for 3 years as support missionaries. Upon returning, Barb went back to school for Medical Office Assistant and enjoyed working in this field until her retirement. Ric and Barb live in Lake Country and have a small Airbnb. Barb enjoys spending time with her family and friends and meeting new people. Her genuine smile and warm personality make her a great fit with our hostess team. She also enjoys gardening, travelling, camping, and spending time outdoors.

Gabriele Geismayr
Reception Hostess

Gabriele moved from Austria, coming to Canada in 1979. She lived with her husband and three children on an orchard in Kelowna, managing a Bed & Breakfast for 25 years. Still living here, after 30 years they decided it was time to move on from the orchard. Gabriele now lives in a smaller house closer to the city. Her family is the most important thing to her, loving and appreciating every moment with her five grandchildren. She is very grateful to be able to go to church daily and to still be independent after her husband sadly passed away. Her experience with running a B&B makes her a perfect addition to the Hostess team here at Springfield Funeral Home and she feels honoured to help our families as she welcomes those who are recently bereaved.

Gay Mentes
Reception Hostess

Gay grew up in Calgary where she met her Artist husband, Alex, 40 years ago.

They have lived in Kelowna for 25 years with their two adult children. Her 4 sweet grandbabies are a big highlight in her life. Gay loves summer and spends time gardening, walking, doing photography and is an author.

She volunteers with Emergency Support Services and is very honored to work with the Springfield Funeral Home family as a Reception Hostess.

Rick Knorr
Funeral Attendant

Rick was born and raised in Kitchener, ON. Upon graduating from McMaster University, he married "The Love of his Life" Su and together they have raised three children and are blessed to have seven grandchildren. In 2004, Rick and Su moved to Kelowna from Ottawa, ON where Rick felt a strong calling to serve in his new community. When an opportunity arose at Springfield Funeral Home, he jumped at the chance to become a part-time Funeral Attendant. In his spare time Rick enjoys golfing, skiing, walking the two, family dogs, and travelling with Su and the grandchildren. Rick loves helping others and believes his duties at Springfield Funeral Home have a positive impact with the families during a difficult time in their lives.

 

Leonard Strelau
Funeral Attendant

Len was born in Vancouver, BC and remained there through his university days at University of British Columbia. He completed his Seminary education in Edmonton, AB and spent 25 years in church ministry during which he married Margaret and they had a daughter, Carmen . He retired after 10 years in the Janitorial business and they moved to the Kelowna area. Len reconnected with Werner Henseleit from their days in Edmonton and 18 years ago Werner asked him to come help at Springfield Funeral Home. Between several volunteer projects, he is presently serving as a Funeral Attendant where his caring and reassuring personality is a helpful presence when welcoming family members to the services of their loved ones.