Our Staff

Michael O'Halloran

Owner/Director

Michael is a licensed funeral director that joined the firm in July of 2006. Son of John and Cynthia O’Halloran, he is a St. Paul Academy lifer, graduate of the University of St. Thomas with a degree in business, and a graduate of the University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Program. Michael is co-owner and President of the funeral homes, a St. Paul Rotarian and a member of the St. Paul Serra Club. Living in St. Paul, he is the 4th generation of O’Hallorans’ to continue the longtime family tradition of quality funeral service in St. Paul and surrounding areas. He enjoys traveling, playing golf and drums, and spending time with his family.

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John O'Halloran

Owner/Director

John is from St. Paul. He graduated from Holy Spirit Grade School in 1953, Cretin High School 1957 and the University of Notre Dame 1961. He served a year in the 828 US Army Signal Corps and was discharged at Fort Stewart, Georgia in 1962. After receiving his Associates Degree in Mortuary Science in 1964, he joined the family funeral home operated by his mother Dolores O’Halloran Countryman. Upon the retirement of his brother in 1991, John became sole owner of the funeral homes. John has since purchased a third funeral home, Dares Funeral Home in Elk River, MN from his friend Bob Dare in 2001. John is married to Cynthia Melady and has three children: Emily, who lives and works in Manhattan, John Carlos, a St. Paul Police officer, and Michael, who is continuing the family tradition of quality funeral service.

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Tom Thedens

Manager - Funeral Director

Tom Thedens graduated from Blaine High School in 1979, he attended Anoka-Ramsey Community College earning an Associate of Arts Degree. Then transferring to Moorhead State where he earned a Business Administration Degree in 1983. In 1985, Tom completed his degree in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota.

He lives just outside of Elk River with his wife, Kathy and his three daughters, Amanda, Sarah and Emily. Tom is a member of Central Lutheran Church in Elk River and enjoys hunting, fishing and horseback riding.

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Kevin Leistico

Funeral Director

Kevin graduated from Elk River Area High School in 1992. He attended the University of Minnesota-Morris, before transferring to the Twin Cities Campus to complete his degree in Mortuary Science.

He is a lifelong member of St. John Lutheran Church in Burns Township, where he completed his elementary education.

Kevin currently resides in Ramsey with his wife, Jennifer, and their 2 daughters, Lillian and Eleanor.

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Erica Seterstrom

Funeral Director

Erica graduated from Northfield High School in 1990.  She completed the requirements for Pre-Mortuary Science at Rochester Community College and Mankato State University.  She then earned an A.A.S. degree in Funeral Service at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in 1995.  She is a member of Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church in Becker and Big Lake. Erica and her husband, Jesse reside in Big Lake. They have 3 daughters, Nicolette, Blair, and Chyenne. She is a passionate Vikings, Wild & Twins fan.  Erica had ambitions to be a funeral director at a young age and considers it a true honor to work in funeral service.  Hablo español. 

Telephone: 1-763-295-2918

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Christina Guerri

Funeral Director

Christina Guerri (Haubrich) grew up in Olivia, MN. She attended college in the Fargo/Moorhead area, earning a degree in Gerontology; and the University of Minnesota earning her degree in Mortuary Science.

Christina lives in St. Michael, MN with her husband, Brandon, and their two children and three cats. Christina and her family are members of St. Michael Catholic Church in St. Michael, MN.

Telephone: 1-763-295-2918

Email: 

Alyssa Pieper

Funeral Director Intern

Alyssa grew up in Albertville, MN and graduated from St. Michael-Albertville High School in 2015. She then received a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts majoring in Biology from the University of Minnesota, Morris in 2020. Afterwards, she completed the Mortuary Science program provided by the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science in 2023. She will be completing her funeral director internship at Dare’s Funeral Home. Alyssa lives in Elk River with her sister and niece, along with her cats, geckos, and axolotls.

Telephone: 1-763-295-2918

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Jackie Novisky

Certified Pre-Planning Consultant

Jackie began working as a Pre-Planning Consultant in 2005. As a Certified Pre-Panning Consultant, Jackie educates people with compassion on a very difficult subject.  She ensures that their wishes are followed through and that their unique story is shared with family and friends.

By assisting families in completing dignified, cost-conscious funeral arrangements and pre-funding options, Jackie brings peace of mind to families and their loved ones.

Jackie is a native of Eagan, MN and has  a Bachelor of Science  degree in  Marketing from the University of Minnesota-Metropolitan.  She has two daughters: Natalie (age 18) and Megan (age 15).

If you would like assistance in discussing and planning you funeral options, Jackie is available for help and assistance.   She can meet with families at the funeral home or in the comfort of their home.  Jackie is available to coordinate and conduct educational and informational seminars on what is involved in planning a funeral or remembrance service at your church, our funeral chapels or the meeting place of your choice.

To arrange a private and confidential pre-need  arrangement appointment or to schedule a seminar contact her at 651-636-5554

Telephone: 1-651-636-5554

Email: 

Bob Dawson

Funeral Assistant

Following a life-long career in retail management, Bob joined the Peterson-Grimsmo Chapel team and has served in this role for over twenty years.  He and his wife Lynn make their home in rural Big Lake and have three adult children and several grandchildren. 

Ron Carlson

Funeral Assistant

Ron Carlson was born and raised in Monticello. He graduated from Monticello High School in 1964. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1965-1970. From 1970 to 1984, Ron owned and operated Men’s Apparel store’s in Elk River and Monticello.

Ron has been married to Beverly since 1977. Together they have two daughters, Kristin and Andrea, as well as eight grandchildren.

Ron’s services at Peterson-Grimsmo have been appreciated since 2010 when he began working for his brother, Roger Carlson. He is excited to continue  working for John and Michael O'Halloran and care for our families.