Timothy Anderson
Past President, Funeral Director
Tim Anderson is the past president and a managing director of the Anderson Family Funeral Home. Tim is originally from north central Nebraska, where he was raised on a cattle ranch. Tim met his wife, Denise, in high school, and they were married in 1975. Together, they have three daughters, Wendy, Kelly, and Terri.
Tim received his Mortuary Science Degree from Mount Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon, in 1980, after which time he worked in Montana and Western North Dakota. In 1982, they moved to Twin Valley, where Tim began managing the Erlien Funeral Home. In 1987, Tim and Denise purchased the funeral home and have owned and operated it independently since that time. Tim and Denise opened a funeral home in Mahnomen in 2000. In 2021, they transferred the ownership of the funeral home to their daughter, Kelly, who proudly carries on the family tradition. Tim continues to serve as a practicing funeral director and manager for the business.
They have made their home in Twin Valley for 40 years and have been active in the community in a variety of ways. They are active members of St. William Catholic Church in Twin Valley, where Tim has served in various positions on the church council and the St. William's Men's Club, as well as the cemetery board. Tim served on the Twin Valley Fire Department for 17 years, served on City Council, was a charter member of the Urdahl Foundation, and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Tim has served as President of the District #10 Minnesota Funeral Directors Association for several years and has previously served on the Professional Ethics Board for the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association. Tim served as the district representative on the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association for 8 years. Tim enjoys doing yard work, keeping up with his very active 9 grandchildren, and sharing his restored 1951 Henney-Packard Funeral Coach with the community in local parades.
Timothy Anderson
Past President, Funeral Director
Tim Anderson is the past president and a managing director of the Anderson Family Funeral Home. Tim is originally from north central Nebraska, where he was raised on a cattle ranch. Tim met his wife, Denise, in high school, and they were married in 1975. Together, they have three daughters, Wendy, Kelly, and Terri.
Tim received his Mortuary Science Degree from Mount Hood Community College in Gresham, Oregon, in 1980, after which time he worked in Montana and Western North Dakota. In 1982, they moved to Twin Valley, where Tim began managing the Erlien Funeral Home. In 1987, Tim and Denise purchased the funeral home and have owned and operated it independently since that time. Tim and Denise opened a funeral home in Mahnomen in 2000. In 2021, they transferred the ownership of the funeral home to their daughter, Kelly, who proudly carries on the family tradition. Tim continues to serve as a practicing funeral director and manager for the business.
They have made their home in Twin Valley for 40 years and have been active in the community in a variety of ways. They are active members of St. William Catholic Church in Twin Valley, where Tim has served in various positions on the church council and the St. William's Men's Club, as well as the cemetery board. Tim served on the Twin Valley Fire Department for 17 years, served on City Council, was a charter member of the Urdahl Foundation, and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Tim has served as President of the District #10 Minnesota Funeral Directors Association for several years and has previously served on the Professional Ethics Board for the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association. Tim served as the district representative on the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association for 8 years. Tim enjoys doing yard work, keeping up with his very active 9 grandchildren, and sharing his restored 1951 Henney-Packard Funeral Coach with the community in local parades.
Kelly Woltjer
Owner, Funeral Director
Kelly was born in Portland, Oregon, and at the age of two, moved with her family to Twin Valley, Minnesota. Kelly grew up in Twin Valley working alongside her parents, Tim and Denise Anderson, at the Anderson Funeral Home. She attended Norman County East High School, graduating in 1998. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Care Administration in 2001 and continued her education, receiving her Mortuary Science Degree from the University of Minnesota. While attending the University, Kelly worked at the Morris Nielson Funeral Chapel in Richfield, MN, where she gained valuable experience. Kelly and her husband returned to the area in 2003, when she began working with her family at the funeral home as a licensed funeral director. In 2021, Kelly and Adam officially purchased the family business. Kelly treasures being able to work in partnership with her father on a daily basis.
Kelly is married and has three wonderful children. During their time off, they enjoy camping and spending time with family.
Kelly Woltjer
Owner, Funeral Director
Kelly was born in Portland, Oregon, and at the age of two, moved with her family to Twin Valley, Minnesota. Kelly grew up in Twin Valley working alongside her parents, Tim and Denise Anderson, at the Anderson Funeral Home. She attended Norman County East High School, graduating in 1998. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Care Administration in 2001 and continued her education, receiving her Mortuary Science Degree from the University of Minnesota. While attending the University, Kelly worked at the Morris Nielson Funeral Chapel in Richfield, MN, where she gained valuable experience. Kelly and her husband returned to the area in 2003, when she began working with her family at the funeral home as a licensed funeral director. In 2021, Kelly and Adam officially purchased the family business. Kelly treasures being able to work in partnership with her father on a daily basis.
Kelly is married and has three wonderful children. During their time off, they enjoy camping and spending time with family.
Paige Ennen
Funeral Director
Paige was born in Fargo, North Dakota, and grew up in Killdeer, North Dakota, a community of approximately eight hundred people in western North Dakota. She graduated from Killdeer High School in 1992 and went on to college at Dickinson State University in Dickinson, North Dakota. She then attended the University of Minnesota, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mortuary Science in March of 1999.
Paige has been with the Anderson Family Funeral Home since 2000. She and her husband, Ryan, and their sons, Riley & Parker, reside in Mahnomen.
They enjoy boating, camping, motorcycling, and four-wheeling in the summer months. In the winter, they are snowmobile enthusiasts, participating in the “Minnesota Old Timer Snowmobile Run” and riding trails with friends. With family members in the immediate area, Paige, Ryan, and the boys enjoy spending time at family gatherings.
Paige is a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mahnomen, Catholic Daughters of America Court St. Justin #2020, and Mahnomen Women of Today. She enjoys visiting with friends and socializing at area events.
Paige Ennen
Funeral Director
Paige was born in Fargo, North Dakota, and grew up in Killdeer, North Dakota, a community of approximately eight hundred people in western North Dakota. She graduated from Killdeer High School in 1992 and went on to college at Dickinson State University in Dickinson, North Dakota. She then attended the University of Minnesota, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mortuary Science in March of 1999.
Paige has been with the Anderson Family Funeral Home since 2000. She and her husband, Ryan, and their sons, Riley & Parker, reside in Mahnomen.
They enjoy boating, camping, motorcycling, and four-wheeling in the summer months. In the winter, they are snowmobile enthusiasts, participating in the “Minnesota Old Timer Snowmobile Run” and riding trails with friends. With family members in the immediate area, Paige, Ryan, and the boys enjoy spending time at family gatherings.
Paige is a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Mahnomen, Catholic Daughters of America Court St. Justin #2020, and Mahnomen Women of Today. She enjoys visiting with friends and socializing at area events.
Abigail Bennefeld
Funeral Director
Abbie grew up in Gary, Minnesota, and worked summers at the Anderson Funeral Home, learning from her grandfather, Tim Anderson. Abbie attended Norman County East High School and graduated with the class of 2014. She went on to further her education at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Mortuary Science in 2017. While attending the UofM, Abbie worked at the Willwerscheid Funeral Home in St. Paul. Abbie completed her internship at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead and Hawley, Minnesota, and continued working there for 4 years before coming back to serve her community at Anderson Family Funeral Home in the Fall of 2021.
Abbie resides in Twin Valley with her two beloved cats, Bean and Punky. She has a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoys biking, kayaking, and gardening. With a natural passion for science, she dedicates much of her free time to researching botanical science and has cultivated an impressive collection of over 150 houseplants. A creative spirit, Abbie loves all things crafty and is an avid reader, always ready with great book recommendations. She and her mom, Wendy, also host a local book club. Actively involved in her community, Abbie volunteers her time with NCE Dollars for Scholars, The Gary Pines Committee, and serves as the secretary and social media manager for Gary Cares. She also oversees the Norman County Dolly Parton Imagination Library and is always willing to lend a hand wherever needed.
Abigail Bennefeld
Funeral Director
Abbie grew up in Gary, Minnesota, and worked summers at the Anderson Funeral Home, learning from her grandfather, Tim Anderson. Abbie attended Norman County East High School and graduated with the class of 2014. She went on to further her education at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Mortuary Science in 2017. While attending the UofM, Abbie worked at the Willwerscheid Funeral Home in St. Paul. Abbie completed her internship at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead and Hawley, Minnesota, and continued working there for 4 years before coming back to serve her community at Anderson Family Funeral Home in the Fall of 2021.
Abbie resides in Twin Valley with her two beloved cats, Bean and Punky. She has a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoys biking, kayaking, and gardening. With a natural passion for science, she dedicates much of her free time to researching botanical science and has cultivated an impressive collection of over 150 houseplants. A creative spirit, Abbie loves all things crafty and is an avid reader, always ready with great book recommendations. She and her mom, Wendy, also host a local book club. Actively involved in her community, Abbie volunteers her time with NCE Dollars for Scholars, The Gary Pines Committee, and serves as the secretary and social media manager for Gary Cares. She also oversees the Norman County Dolly Parton Imagination Library and is always willing to lend a hand wherever needed.
Nicole Ose
Office Manager - Mahnomen
Nicole has been with the Anderson Family Funeral Home since February 2017, in the capacity of Office Manager. Other duties include assisting with funerals and visitations, creating custom funeral packages, as well as working with families before, during and following funeral arrangements.
Nicole grew up in Gary, Minnesota, where she graduated from Norman County East Public School. She then went on to further her education in youth ministry, obtaining her youth directors license in 1996. She and her husband, Brian, have been married for 31 years and reside in Mahnomen. They are the proud parents of Zak, Max, and Tate. In addition to raising a family they are also active in their community. Nicole has served on the St. Michael's School Advisory Board for two terms and is currently on the Mahnomen School Board, acting in the position of board clerk.
In their spare time, they enjoy their home away from home on Lee Lake, family time, and traveling.
Nicole Ose
Office Manager - Mahnomen
Nicole has been with the Anderson Family Funeral Home since February 2017, in the capacity of Office Manager. Other duties include assisting with funerals and visitations, creating custom funeral packages, as well as working with families before, during and following funeral arrangements.
Nicole grew up in Gary, Minnesota, where she graduated from Norman County East Public School. She then went on to further her education in youth ministry, obtaining her youth directors license in 1996. She and her husband, Brian, have been married for 31 years and reside in Mahnomen. They are the proud parents of Zak, Max, and Tate. In addition to raising a family they are also active in their community. Nicole has served on the St. Michael's School Advisory Board for two terms and is currently on the Mahnomen School Board, acting in the position of board clerk.
In their spare time, they enjoy their home away from home on Lee Lake, family time, and traveling.
Wendy Bennefeld, LSW
Monument Design Consultant & Office Manager - Twin Valley
Wendy joined the Anderson Family Funeral Home team in July of 2022 as the office manager in Twin Valley. As the oldest daughter of Tim and Denise Anderson, she grew up within the family business
Wendy married her high school best friend and sweetheart, Jason “JB” Bennefeld in 1996, and together they raised their daughter, Abbie. Wendy attained an Associate Degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Minnesota - Crookston in 2000. After moving back to Gary, Minnesota, Wendy attained a Bachelor's in Social Work and a Bachelor's in Gerontology in 2010, both from Moorhead State University. Wendy pursued her passion for helping others through her role as the Director of Social Services at the Benedictine Living Community in Ada for 18 years, and continues to hold an active license of social work in Minnesota
In her free time, Wendy enjoys spending time with JB in nature, kayaking the rivers, and having late summer night bonfires. She is an avid reader of anything and everything, and along with Abbie, hosts a local book club. She expresses her artistic talents through painting and drawing. Wendy’s true passion is serving her community through volunteerism. She is the president of Gary Cares and is a proud member of the Gary Pines committee.
Wendy Bennefeld, LSW
Monument Design Consultant & Office Manager - Twin Valley
Wendy joined the Anderson Family Funeral Home team in July of 2022 as the office manager in Twin Valley. As the oldest daughter of Tim and Denise Anderson, she grew up within the family business
Wendy married her high school best friend and sweetheart, Jason “JB” Bennefeld in 1996, and together they raised their daughter, Abbie. Wendy attained an Associate Degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Minnesota - Crookston in 2000. After moving back to Gary, Minnesota, Wendy attained a Bachelor's in Social Work and a Bachelor's in Gerontology in 2010, both from Moorhead State University. Wendy pursued her passion for helping others through her role as the Director of Social Services at the Benedictine Living Community in Ada for 18 years, and continues to hold an active license of social work in Minnesota
In her free time, Wendy enjoys spending time with JB in nature, kayaking the rivers, and having late summer night bonfires. She is an avid reader of anything and everything, and along with Abbie, hosts a local book club. She expresses her artistic talents through painting and drawing. Wendy’s true passion is serving her community through volunteerism. She is the president of Gary Cares and is a proud member of the Gary Pines committee.
Chris Peterson
Office Manager - Ada
Chris Peterson joined our team in January of 2020. Chris grew up in Bemidji, MN and moved to Ada, MN in 2001 with her husband Jeremy. They have 3 sons, and live just outside of Ada. When not working, Chris enjoys spending time with her family, reading, walking her dog, growing pumpkins, cleaning, decorating, supporting various activities for the Ada-Borup-West Cougars, and attending activities for her nieces and nephews in Blackduck and Bemidji.
Chris Peterson
Office Manager - Ada
Chris Peterson joined our team in January of 2020. Chris grew up in Bemidji, MN and moved to Ada, MN in 2001 with her husband Jeremy. They have 3 sons, and live just outside of Ada. When not working, Chris enjoys spending time with her family, reading, walking her dog, growing pumpkins, cleaning, decorating, supporting various activities for the Ada-Borup-West Cougars, and attending activities for her nieces and nephews in Blackduck and Bemidji.
Mike Nelson
Licensed Transfer Care Specialist & Pre-Planning Advisor
Mike Nelson
Licensed Transfer Care Specialist & Pre-Planning Advisor
Keith Gade
Funeral Assistant & Licensed Transfer Care Specialist
Keith joined the funeral home staff in November of 2022.
Keith grew up around the Ada area and after graduating high school attended college at NDSCS in Wahpeton, North Dakota before moving to Rapid City, South Dakota. He worked for an electric utility in the Black Hills as Manager of Energy Services division and Customer Service Trainer until his retirement in 2017. His wife Diane and daughter Kimberly moved back to Ada to be closer to family.
Keith Gade
Funeral Assistant & Licensed Transfer Care Specialist
Keith joined the funeral home staff in November of 2022.
Keith grew up around the Ada area and after graduating high school attended college at NDSCS in Wahpeton, North Dakota before moving to Rapid City, South Dakota. He worked for an electric utility in the Black Hills as Manager of Energy Services division and Customer Service Trainer until his retirement in 2017. His wife Diane and daughter Kimberly moved back to Ada to be closer to family.
Kristy Langved
Certified Funeral Celebrant & Funeral Assistant
Kristy joined our staff in June of 2017. Kristy is a lifelong resident of Beltrami and she and her husband, Mark, have 3 daughters, 3 sons-in-law, and 6 grandchildren. She recently went back to school and became a Certified Celebrant and a Licensed Funeral Pre-Planner. She would love to sit down with you and assist you to pre-plan your funeral service. She has some creative ideas and would like to hear your ideas to make your service a reflection of your life.
Kristy Langved
Certified Funeral Celebrant & Funeral Assistant
Kristy joined our staff in June of 2017. Kristy is a lifelong resident of Beltrami and she and her husband, Mark, have 3 daughters, 3 sons-in-law, and 6 grandchildren. She recently went back to school and became a Certified Celebrant and a Licensed Funeral Pre-Planner. She would love to sit down with you and assist you to pre-plan your funeral service. She has some creative ideas and would like to hear your ideas to make your service a reflection of your life.
Chris Odden
Funeral Assistant
Chris grew up in the Twin Valley area and is married to Karen (Syverson), also from the Twin Valley area. They have two children, Chad (Heather) Odden and Kristin (Luke) Swenson. Chris and Karen have been blessed with six grandchildren.
Chris and Karen have lived in Ada, MN, since 1975, where Chris pursued a career in banking. He retired as President of Frandsen Bank and Trust – Ada in 2011. Chris continues to be actively involved in the Ada community. Following his retirement, Chris began working with the Funeral Home as both a funeral assistant and a driver.
Chris enjoys spending time with his family, working his part-time jobs, and spending time at their hobby farm and at their lake home.
Chris Odden
Funeral Assistant
Chris grew up in the Twin Valley area and is married to Karen (Syverson), also from the Twin Valley area. They have two children, Chad (Heather) Odden and Kristin (Luke) Swenson. Chris and Karen have been blessed with six grandchildren.
Chris and Karen have lived in Ada, MN, since 1975, where Chris pursued a career in banking. He retired as President of Frandsen Bank and Trust – Ada in 2011. Chris continues to be actively involved in the Ada community. Following his retirement, Chris began working with the Funeral Home as both a funeral assistant and a driver.
Chris enjoys spending time with his family, working his part-time jobs, and spending time at their hobby farm and at their lake home.
Dave Kochmann
Funeral Assistant
Dave was born and raised in Mahnomen, Minnesota, graduating from Mahnomen High School with the class of 1969. He then went on to further his education at Moorhead State, where he majored in Instrumental Music Education. After returning to Mahnomen, Dave worked side by side with his father, Norbert Kochmann, until 1983, when he purchased Kochmann Standard Service in which he owned and operated until his retirement. Dave married Deb Boos from Chippewa Falls, WI, in 1983, and they were blessed with two children, Elizabeth and Kevin.
Dave and his wife, Deb, have been married for 41 years and have been blessed with seven beautiful grandchildren: Maggie, Michael, Martin, Matthew, Eleanor, Clara, and Nathaniel. The couple is active members of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen, and Dave is passionately involved in their music ministry team.
In his spare time and in addition to spending time with family, Dave enjoys gardening, yard work, home improvement projects and household chores, assisting with funerals, and playing saxophone.
Dave Kochmann
Funeral Assistant
Dave was born and raised in Mahnomen, Minnesota, graduating from Mahnomen High School with the class of 1969. He then went on to further his education at Moorhead State, where he majored in Instrumental Music Education. After returning to Mahnomen, Dave worked side by side with his father, Norbert Kochmann, until 1983, when he purchased Kochmann Standard Service in which he owned and operated until his retirement. Dave married Deb Boos from Chippewa Falls, WI, in 1983, and they were blessed with two children, Elizabeth and Kevin.
Dave and his wife, Deb, have been married for 41 years and have been blessed with seven beautiful grandchildren: Maggie, Michael, Martin, Matthew, Eleanor, Clara, and Nathaniel. The couple is active members of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen, and Dave is passionately involved in their music ministry team.
In his spare time and in addition to spending time with family, Dave enjoys gardening, yard work, home improvement projects and household chores, assisting with funerals, and playing saxophone.
Elaine Erdahl
Funeral Assistant
Elaine (Petersen) Erdahl was born in Crookston and grew up on the family farm north of Fertile. After graduating from Concordia College in 1973 she married Larry Erdahl of Sisseton, SD and moved to Wyndmere, ND, where she taught vocal music grades K-12. In the fall of 1977 Larry and Elaine moved back to Fertile.
Elaine Erdahl
Funeral Assistant
Elaine (Petersen) Erdahl was born in Crookston and grew up on the family farm north of Fertile. After graduating from Concordia College in 1973 she married Larry Erdahl of Sisseton, SD and moved to Wyndmere, ND, where she taught vocal music grades K-12. In the fall of 1977 Larry and Elaine moved back to Fertile.
Ann Merkens
Funeral Assistant
Ann joined our staff in 2021 as a funeral assistant. Ann and her husband Jay live just outside of Ada. They have two adult children. When not working, she likes to read, garden, and spend time with family and friends.
Ann Merkens
Funeral Assistant
Ann joined our staff in 2021 as a funeral assistant. Ann and her husband Jay live just outside of Ada. They have two adult children. When not working, she likes to read, garden, and spend time with family and friends.
Paul Walswick
Funeral Assistant
Paul joined the staff as a funeral assistant in November of 2023.
Paul grew up in Mahnomen, graduating in 1969. He attended Concordia College in Moorhead, graduating in 1973 with a double major in Elementary Education and Physical Education/Health & Coaching.
He taught 5th & 6th grade for 6 years in Cyrus, MN while coaching baseball, basketball, track & cross country. His next 35 years were at Halstad & Norman Country West schools teaching 6th grade and elementary physical education. He also coached basketball, football, track and as Summer Recreation director coached the summer baseball teams.
Paul retired in 2014 and he and his wife, Carol, still reside in Halstad. They have three children,Tony, Chad and Kayla and six grandchildren.
Paul enjoys watching high school sports, collecting vinyl records, spending time with his family, helping in the community and getting out with his running buddy Kenny!
Paul Walswick
Funeral Assistant
Paul joined the staff as a funeral assistant in November of 2023.
Paul grew up in Mahnomen, graduating in 1969. He attended Concordia College in Moorhead, graduating in 1973 with a double major in Elementary Education and Physical Education/Health & Coaching.
He taught 5th & 6th grade for 6 years in Cyrus, MN while coaching baseball, basketball, track & cross country. His next 35 years were at Halstad & Norman Country West schools teaching 6th grade and elementary physical education. He also coached basketball, football, track and as Summer Recreation director coached the summer baseball teams.
Paul retired in 2014 and he and his wife, Carol, still reside in Halstad. They have three children,Tony, Chad and Kayla and six grandchildren.
Paul enjoys watching high school sports, collecting vinyl records, spending time with his family, helping in the community and getting out with his running buddy Kenny!
Carrie Heisler
Funeral Assistant & Visitation Hostess
Hi, my name is Carrie Heisler. I grew up in Mahnomen and graduated from Mahnomen High School in 1984. I married Douglas Liebl, and we had 4 wonderful children. Jessica (Dan), Tim (Jessica), yes, 2 Jessicas in our family. Ryan and Jacob (Alise). Altogether, we have 9 grandchildren. Doug passed away in 1991and left a huge hole in our hearts. God totally heard our prayers, and in 1995, Joe Heisler completed our family. I have worked many different jobs throughout my career and am currently doing Medical Coding for Sanford Health, working from home. My latest addition to my portfolio is helping out when needed at Anderson Funeral Home. I have very much enjoyed this, and it is a wonderful place to work with everyone being so nice and gracious.
Carrie Heisler
Funeral Assistant & Visitation Hostess
Hi, my name is Carrie Heisler. I grew up in Mahnomen and graduated from Mahnomen High School in 1984. I married Douglas Liebl, and we had 4 wonderful children. Jessica (Dan), Tim (Jessica), yes, 2 Jessicas in our family. Ryan and Jacob (Alise). Altogether, we have 9 grandchildren. Doug passed away in 1991and left a huge hole in our hearts. God totally heard our prayers, and in 1995, Joe Heisler completed our family. I have worked many different jobs throughout my career and am currently doing Medical Coding for Sanford Health, working from home. My latest addition to my portfolio is helping out when needed at Anderson Funeral Home. I have very much enjoyed this, and it is a wonderful place to work with everyone being so nice and gracious.
Bette Toso
Visitation Hostess
Bette Toso
Visitation Hostess
