Meet Our Caring Team

James is originally from Colebrook, New Hampshire, and spent thirteen years living in Wisconsin before joining the team at West-Kjos. He has a degree from the Funeral Institute of the Northeast and holds licenses in Wisconsin and Minnesota. With many years of experience in funeral service, James has a passion for caring for others in their greatest time of need.

James and his wife, Tina, have five children: Mackenzie, Morgan, Madison, Isaac, and Levi. He is a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and was a former Grand Knight. He is also a member of the Lions Club and attends Holy Rosary Catholic Church. James enjoys camping, traveling, and spending time with family.

Chuck grew up and graduated from high school in Detroit Lakes. He attended the University of Minnesota graduating with a degree in Mortuary Science in 1985. After college, he remained in Minneapolis, MN as a funeral director for eight years returning back home to Detroit Lakes in 1993.

Chuck is a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Kiwanis, and Sons of Norway. He has two daughters, Katie and Laura. Chuck enjoys hunting and golfing in his spare time.

Charlotte is originally from Jamestown, ND, and graduated from Jamestown High School. She has a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science from the University of Minnesota. Before joining the team at David-Donehower, Charlotte worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for three years and spent several years working as a funeral director in North Dakota. With her empathetic and helpful nature, Charlotte felt called to funeral service. She sees it as an opportunity to care for others when they need it most.

In her spare time, Charlotte enjoys exercising, doing DIY home projects, sewing, spending time with her family, and being at the lake. She and her husband, Jesse, have two dogs: Layla and Macaria.

Madison is originally from Memphis, Tennessee. She and her dog, Una Kai, moved to Detroit Lakes to escape the Memphis heat and experience life in a smaller community. Madison has a degree in history and anthropology and graduated with honors from the University of Memphis, where she was a member of Phi Alpha Theta, a history honor society. She also has an associate degree in mortuary science from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Outside of work, Madison enjoys hiking trails and antique shopping. In addition to watching history documentaries, she loves Alfred Hitchcock films and anything with Fred Astaire or Bette Davis. 

preplan@daviddonehower.com

Denise was raised in rural Frazee and graduated from Frazee High School. After living in the Minneapolis area for three years, she moved back to the Frazee area and began a career in banking that extended over thirty-five years. Denise was VP of Mortgage Lending at a bank in Detroit Lakes prior to serving with Young Life Castaway Club on Pelican Lake for the last couple of years. She then took an early retirement.

Denise has been active in organizations in both the Detroit Lakes and Frazee communities. Currently, she is involved with TeacHaiti, a non-profit organization providing education for children in Haiti; volunteers with the local Young Life organization; and serves at Lakes Area Vineyard Church. Denise’s heart is at home enjoying time with family. Denise loves working with people and looks forward to the opportunity to serve others as the Advance Funeral Planner at West-Kjos Funeral Home.  

Mary is originally from Badger, Minnesota. She completed course studies for Professional Sales from Detroit Lakes Technical Institute and was also a private pilot. Mary taught piano for over thirty years, seventeen of which were spent at Lake Park/Audubon High School and Elementary. In addition, she helped the Price family at Price’s Fine Jewelry.

In 1989, Mary married Joe. They have two sons and two daughters: Eric, Kjerstin, John, and Sarah, who are each married to spouses that Mary and Joe absolutely love. Mary and Joe are grandparents and enjoy looking at life through the eyes of a child again.

Mary is a worship leader at Lakes Area Vineyard Church, where she and Joe are also Marriage Mentors and small group leaders. Over the years, Mary has led women's ministry, vacation Bible school, and children's ministry, and she has provided music and food for many funerals. 

Mary previously served on the Curriculum Board and the PBIS Board at Lake Park/Audubon Schools. She is in the EAA Aviation Chapter 1498 in Detroit Lakes, where they provide a Fly In that helps support local youth scholarships in aviation. In addition to music and aviation, Mary’s hobbies include baking and learning about health and wellness.

Lisa was raised in Detroit Lakes. She graduated with the class of 1983, and her family moved to Oklahoma shortly thereafter. Lisa decided to return to Detroit Lakes two years ago. After her boyfriend’s father passed away, Lisa felt called to funeral service. She especially enjoys being a part of honoring loved ones by helping families create meaningful memorial folders and video tributes.

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys reading, kayaking, going on motorcycle rides, and spending time with friends and family. She has two children and three grandchildren.