Don received his B.A. in Sociology from Michigan State University and his Masters in Speech Communication from Texas Christian University. He also graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in Ohio. Don completed his doctoral studies at the University of Arkansas and graduated with a Ph.D. in Forensic Sociology.
Don was awarded the designation of Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice in 1996 and won national election to the APFSP Board of Trustees in 2013. He also served as Board Vice President of the Academy. He is a graduate of the Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming in Columbia, Missouri. Don is certified in advanced postmortem reconstructive surgery. He was inducted into the prestigious British Institute of Embalmers in 2000. He is also a member of the Irish Association of Funeral Directors.
Don is a graduate of the FEMA - Emergency Management Institute and is certified in Incident Management and Public Disaster Communication. He received certification in Aviation Disaster Management from the Tulane University School of Public Health in New Orleans. He is a long standing member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
Don is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and serves the Michigan Funeral Directors Association as a member of the Government Relations Committee. Don was also appointed Chairman of the Sciences Committee for the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards. He is certified by the In-Sight Institute of Oklahoma as credentialed Celebrant.
Don has two sons: Ryan and Aaron. He is past President of the Montrose Board of Education, the Montrose Blueberry Festival and the Montrose Chamber of Commerce. Don is also a current member and past director of the Clio Downtown Development Authority and Birch Run Area Chamber of Commerce. Don enjoys auto racing, boating, antique cars and traveling in his spare time.
Julie serves our staff as Director of Business and Finance. She handles accounts payable, receivable and payroll. She also works as our tax and insurance liaison.
Julie was born and raised in Millington. She graduated from Millington High School and Mott Community College. She completed her studies in Accounting at Central Michigan University. Julie was employed in banking and restaurant management for many years. She was also a longtime member of the Montrose Blueberry Festival Committee and the Clio Chamber of Commerce.
In her spare time she enjoys reading, travel and interior design. She is also an active member of the New Life Christian Fellowship Church in Grand Blanc. Aside from her two sons, Ryan and Aaron, Julie enjoys spending time at home with her dogs, Brandy and Ella.
Crystal serves as Vice President of O'Guinn Family Funeral Homes and has been an integral part of our funeral home family since 2007. She has served faithfully in several capacities throughout her career with us and oversees personnel and operations at all four O'Guinn locations, as well as Paws to Remember, our pet care division. Crystal graduated from Fenton High School and completed the Pre-Mortuary Science program at Mott Community College in Flint. She served her internship and residency at O'Guinn's and realized early on that funeral service was her life's calling.
Crystal completed her studies at the Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Illinois, graduating with a degree in Mortuary Science. She is nationally certified by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards and is licensed by the State of Michigan Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science.
Crystal is gifted in the preparation arts and has extensive training as a professional embalmer. In 2015, she completed graduate studies at the Fountain National Academy of Embalming in Springfield, Missouri. She achieved certification in Advanced Post Mortem Reconstructive Surgery and served as a Graduate Assistant at the academy. She also had the high honor of being inducted into the prestigious British Institute of Embalmers based on her demonstrated proficiency and dedication to excellence in the field of embalming.
"It's the details that make the difference in all that we do," says Crystal. "When making arrangements, I like to focus on personalization and making a funeral as unique as the individual. I believe that celebrating a life is a critical part of mourning a death. When presenting a loved one for viewing, I work hard to comfort families by making their loved ones look as natural and peaceful as possible because last impressions are important too." We are blessed to have Crystal on our team and look forward to many years of serving families together.
Her professional affiliations include memberships in the National Funeral Directors Association - where she was also proudly selected as one of only 25 individuals from the U.S. and Canada for the 2024 National Emerging Leaders Program. The Michigan Funeral Directors Association, the Cremation Association of North America, the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association and the British Institute of Funeral Directors. She is also a member of the Pet Loss Professional Alliance and has served on the Board of Directors for the Clio Chamber of Commerce.
Crystal resides in Grand Blanc with her husband, Ryan, their son, Mason, and beloved dog, Dexter. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, yoga, travel, reading, and spending time with family.
Norm joined the O'Guinn Family Funeral Homes staff in May of 2017, and we are delighted to have him as part of our professional team.
Norm is a licensed funeral director with over 26 years of service. He graduated from Carson City-Crystal High School in 1984 and served in the U.S. Army for 6 1/2 years. He is a member of the American Legion Post #57 of Owosso. Norm is very active with our area veterans organizations and works closely with our client families in honoring and securing benefits for our fallen soldiers.
Norm also graduated from the Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Illinois, with a degree in Mortuary Science. He is Board certified by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards and is licensed by the State of Michigan. He was formerly employed by the Smith Family Funeral Homes in mid-Michigan and came to us as the General Manager of the Keehn Funeral Home in Brighton.
Norm is a member of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, the International Cemetery, the Cremation and Funeral Association, the Cremation Association of North America, and the NRA.
Norm has a tremendous passion for serving people and has been extremely well-received by our client families. In his free time, he enjoys motorcycling, boating, hunting and fishing and spending time with his family. He and his wife, Lisa, reside in Crystal and have three children, Kristin, Seth, and Ryan and three grandchildren, Macy, Nolan, and Jack.
Shelly joined our staff in 2010 and serves as our Office Manager. She is a very valuable member of our funeral home family and we are blessed to have her on our team. She has extensive experience in business administration and handles a wide range of administrative duties at O'Guinns. She graduated from Carman - Ainsworth High School in Flint and attended Liberty University.
She coordinates staffing and scheduling, processes all legal documents, files insurance claims, and assists with veteran's and social security benefits. She also maintains record keeping and data entry along with overall business operations. In addition to her office responsibilities, Shelly is also our sales consultant for thumb print keepsakes, cremation jewelry and personalized tribute items.
Shelly was a longtime member of Mayfair Bible Church and is a current member of Central Church of the Nazarene, where she is involved in music ministry and sports. She is a very gifted vocal soloist and enjoys running and working out in her spare time.
She and her husband Thad live in Swartz Creek. The Beckmans have two children, their daughter, Jordan and son, Jaxon.
Lacie graduated from Clio High School in 2010. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Biology with an emphasis in Neurology and Pathology with a dual minor in Psychology and Chemistry from the University of Michigan - Flint. She spent 5 years as a Lab Assistant at the U of M Anatomical Donations Laboratory in Ann Arbor. She was also employed at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant in Frankenmuth for several years.
Lacie completed her studies at the Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Illinois, graduating in 2023 with a degree in Mortuary Science. She is nationally certified by the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards and is licensed by the State of Michigan Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science. Lacie is passionate about helping others and we are blessed to have her on our team and look forward to many years of serving families together.
In her spare time, Laice enjoys traveling, reading, dining out, and spending time with family and friends. She resides in Birch Run with her fiancé, TJ.
We had the privilege of welcoming Gabby to our funeral home family in January of 2022. She serves as one of our Funeral Arrangers and has been warmly received by our entire staff and client families. She has a servant’s heart and a love of people, and we are blessed to have her on our team. She came to us from the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office, where she proudly worked in the Corrections Division for several years. Gabby graduated from Millington High School in 2016, and is now enrolled in the Pre-Mortuary Science program at Mott Community College in Flint.
In her spare time, Gabby enjoys spending time with her family and friends, enjoying the great outdoors, listening to music, and catching up on her favorite TV shows. She resides in Mt. Morris with her fiancé, Jacob, and their two daughters, Lillian and Amelia. They also have three dogs, Buster, Zoey & Korra, and two cats, Janice and Esther.
John has been involved in funeral service for over ten years. He came to us from the Martin Funeral Home in Mt. Morris in 2023. John attended St. Mary’s School and graduated from Mt. Morris High School in 1988. He is a longtime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and is a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus - Holy Family Council 4285. He was formerly employed by General Motors and spent 15 years working in Radio.
John serves as an MHSAA high school official in Basketball, Football, and Softball. He is also a sanctioned referee for NCAA Women’s College Softball. John enjoys golfing, hunting, sporting events, and vacationing with family. John serves us as a staff associate and especially enjoys working in the area of lay ministry – leading funerals and serving families in their greatest time of need. We are blessed to have John on our team and are grateful for his dedication to funeral ministry and our client families.
John resides in Mt. Morris with his wife, Nikki. They have 5 children, 2 grandsons, a dog, Mazie, and a cat, Kevin.
Tracey joined our funeral staff in January of 2022, and serves as our Advanced Planning Specialist.
Tracey graduated from Central Michigan University with her BS in Psychology and went on to attend the University of Kentucky earning her MS Degree in Counseling Psychology. She began her career as a counselor, working in both the university and governmental sectors. Tracey served as both VP of Youth Market and VP of Organizational Development at the American Heart Association where she gained national recognition for her work in Leadership Development. She went on to serve in Executive Management roles throughout the continuum of care for seniors. Her experience spans Independent/Assisted Living, skilled nursing, long-term care, home care, hospice, and culminated as Senior Executive Director leading the state’s only virtual CCRC.
As a licensed funeral planner, Tracey meets with individuals who want to pre-plan their funerals, protect their assets, and navigate the Medicaid process. When asked the most rewarding part of her role, she shared, “it’s the peace of mind individuals experience after planning that I love. When individuals arrive at the funeral home, they often aren’t sure what to expect. Upon leaving, they share the process was easier than expected, and they feel a burden has been lifted knowing their loved ones will not have to worry. Knowing we played a part in the lives of our clients and their families is so rewarding.”
Tracey lives in Fenton with her husband, children, two dogs: Cooper and Syrka, and two cats: Stella and Punky. She enjoys traveling, reading, and cooking. She is an avid crafter who has never met a project she didn’t like and crochets, knits, sews, quilts, embroiders, silk screens, and makes coiled rope pottery.
Gary has been a longtime employee of O'Guinn Family Funeral Homes. He retired from GM's Chevrolet Manufacturing Division in 1999 and is a member of UAW Local 659.
Born and raised in Maple Grove Township, Gary has resided in Montrose for nearly 50 years. He is a U.S. Air Force, Vietnam War veteran and is a member of the Montrose American Legion - Harry Baker Post #367.
Gary serves as our staff supervisor and handles scheduling, logistics, fleet management and general building operations. He serves as a Montrose Township Trustee and as Chairman of the Planning Commission. Gary also serves on various board committees.
Gary attends Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Montrose. He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus - Good Shepherd Council #8669 and has held several organizational offices including that of Grand Knight.
He and his wife Lois are active members of the Montrose community. They have 4 children. In his spare time Gary enjoys gardening and yard work.
Fred joined our staff in January of 2017. He is a lifelong resident of Birch Run and graduated from Birch Run High School in 1966. Fred is a U.S. Army veteran. He retired from Siding World with 35 years of service with 30 years in management. He was instrumental in opening 17 stores in 3 states.
He is a member of Saints Francis & Clare Parish in Birch Run where he has served as Chairman of the Parish and Finance Councils. Fred also serves as a trustee of the Birch Run Township Board and as a member of the Township Planning Commission. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree, and the National Hot Rod Association.
In his spare time, Fred enjoys drag racing his 9.5 second '71 Dodge Demon, old cars, and working with his hands. Fred and his wife, Beth, reside in Birch Run. With their combined families, they have 8 children, 18 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Jacob serves as the Assistant Manager at Paws to Remember, our pet care division. His work is concentrated in the areas of logistics, transfers, and processing. Jacob graduated from Clio High School in 2016. He was previously employed at Saginaw Control & Engineering and the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth.
Jacob enjoys spending time with family, golfing, music, the great outdoors, and traveling the Upper Peninsula. He resides in Mt. Morris with his fiancée, Gabrielle, and their two daughters, Lillian and Amelia. He and Gabby also have five fur babies - their dogs, Buster, Zoey & Korra, and cats, Janice and Esther.
Sadie's journey with Paws to Remember began in October of 2023, infusing the team with her compassionate and nurturing spirit.
Sadie is a loving dog mom to two cherished rescue companions, Kyla and Lexi. When not immersed in her role at Paws to Remember, Sadie enjoys quality time with her husband, Grayden & dogs and spending time with family and friends reveling in spirited games. She also enjoys reading a good book, watching tv and weaving intricate creations through the art of crochet.
Meet Dena, a compassionate soul with a wealth of experience and a heart full of love. In March of 2024, she began her journey at Paws to Remember, marking a new chapter in her career. With 25 years of dedication to veterinary care, she brings with her a deep understanding, kindness, and affection for our furry friends.
Dena has lived in Clio for 17 years alongside her daughter, Jourden. She finds joy in tending to her garden, swimming, leisurely walks, reading, and spending quality time with her family and friends. Her home is shared with three cherished dogs – Emmett, Whiskey, and Cha Cha – and two beloved cats, Pedro and Willow.
With over a decade of experience in facility maintenance, Todd oversees a wide array of maintenance activities throughout all our facilities, ranging from routine inspections to intricate repairs, ensuring top-notch quality and safety standards are upheld throughout the process.
Outside of work, Todd enjoys spending time with his wife, Wanda, children, and grandchildren. He also enjoys exploring the great outdoors through hunting and fishing.
We’ve had the pleasure of having Melissa as part of our funeral home family since 2015. After graduating from Birch Run High School in 1979, she earned her Associate Degree in Applied Science in Dental Assisting from Delta College.
For 24 years, Melissa and her husband, Dennis, owned and operated the Exit Restaurant in Birch Run, where she managed the bakery and gift shop. A former member of the Michigan Jaycee Organization, she served as President of the Birch Run-Taymouth Jaycee Chapter, earning recognition as one of the "Top 10 Presidents in Michigan," while her chapter was honored as one of the "Top 3 Chapters in the United States." Additionally, she was recognized as one of the "Top 3 State Chaplains in the United States" for her dedication as a Michigan Jaycee Director and State Chaplain.
Melissa remains actively involved in her community as both a past and present member of the Taymouth Township Park Committee and attends St. Martin Lutheran Church in Birch Run. Married to Dennis for over 40 years, they have two daughters, Megan and Lindsay. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys golfing, gardening, and making cherished memories with her grandchildren. We are truly fortunate to have her on our team.
Bev has been a valued member of our O’Guinn family since 2001. A lifelong resident of Birch Run, she graduated from Birch Run High School in 1971 and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University in 1974, followed by graduate studies in Speech and Language Pathology and Psychology at Eastern Michigan University.
After an impactful 42-year career as a Speech and Language Pathologist in Birch Run Area Schools, Bev retired, having enriched the lives of countless students. She and her husband, Jim, raised their family in Birch Run and are active members of the Birch Run United Methodist Church. The Tottens are proud parents of two children and loving grandparents to five grandchildren.
In her free time, Bev enjoys a variety of hobbies, including reading, quilting, knitting, and being a "hands-on" grandma. She is also actively involved in various church committees and the Fleschner Memorial Library. We are truly grateful for her dedicated service and commitment to our community.
We had the privilege of welcoming Lee to our funeral home family in 2011. Prior to joining us, she dedicated 30 years of service as a Congregational Care Specialist at First Presbyterian Church in Flint. A lifelong resident of the Birch Run area, Lee graduated from Birch Run High School and has been happily married to her husband, Jim, for over 50 years.
Lee has a strong commitment to community service, having volunteered for 15 years with Leader Dogs for the Blind and being recognized as a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. Her dedication to helping others has taken her on numerous mission trips, both internationally and domestically. In her free time, Lee enjoys traveling, embracing the great outdoors, and reading. We feel incredibly fortunate to have her as part of our team.
We welcomed Beth to our team in 2023, and her compassionate approach and dedication has been a great support to families during their times of need. We’re grateful to have her with us as we continue to provide comfort and care.
Beth grew up in the Flint area and graduated from Beecher High School. After homeschooling her children and enjoying her time as a stay-at-home mom, she spent 22 years working at Pathways Community Mental Health in Marquette, where she excelled in HR and as a Transportation Coordinator, earning a merit award for her work ethic before retiring in 2013.
Beth and her husband, Bob, have built and customized several homes, including five in Tennessee and one in Michigan, and continue to find joy in remodeling and flipping houses. A faithful member of Trinity Assembly of God in Mt. Morris, she loves mentoring and serving others.
Now living in Montrose, Beth and Bob, who have been happily married for 53 years, treasure their family time with their two children: Son, Brett and daughter, Brandi; Four granddaughters: Kayman, Kestin, Alyvia, and Brooke, and one grandson, Oliver. In her leisure time, Beth loves golfing, kayaking, swimming, walking, and playing guitar.
Sarah joined our funeral home family in early 2024, where she plays a vital role as part of our visitation and funeral support staff, providing comfort and compassion to grieving families.
With a former background in the medical field and experience as a small business owner, Sarah brings invaluable knowledge and perspective to our team.
A dedicated member of Trinity Assembly of God in Mt. Morris, Sarah is also a loving wife of 23 years and the proud mother of four wonderful children. Together with her husband, they cultivate a diverse homestead in Montrose, where they raise a variety of animals. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys gardening, beekeeping, and crafting homemade health remedies.
Beth joined the O'Guinn family in May of 2016. She graduated from Birch Run High School and Delta College. Before retiring, Beth was employed as a Pharmacy Technician for 23 years at Perry Drugs, Phar-mor and The Medicine Shoppe. She was also employed as a bookkeeper and accounts specialist for Delta Truss Co. and Gohm Insurance Restoration.
Beth is a very active member of Saints Francis & Clare Parish in Birch Run, where she serves as President of the Altar Society and funeral luncheon coordinator. She also serves her church as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister. Beth has also been involved in christian education and catechism instruction.
She and her husband, Fred, reside in Birch Run and with their combined families have 8 children, 18 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great grandchildren. Aside from her work at the church and our funeral homes, Beth enjoys reading, sewing, puzzles, and traveling.
We were very blessed to welcome Dennis to our staff in 2014. He was a 1975 Birch Run High School graduate. Dennis also graduated from Delta College and Northwood Institute.
He owned and operated the Exit Restaurant in Birch Run for 38 years, retiring in 2013. He also owns Birch Run Mini Storage.
Dennis serves as the Taymouth Township Supervisor and is a charter member of the Birch Run Rotary Club and the Birch Run Moose Lodge #2626. He is also a member of St. Martin's Lutheran Church in Birch Run. Dennis serves as President of the Birch Run Men's Golf League. He is past president of the Birch Run Chamber of Commerce and past chairman of the Birch Run Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Birch Run Downtown Development Authority. He enjoys golf and hunting.
He and his wife Melissa have two daughters: Megan and Lindsay.
