Our Staff
Chris Clements
Funeral Director, Embalmer, Director of Operations, Partner
Chris was born and raised in Grande Prairie. After high school he moved away to Calgary for 5 years. There he went to college, worked and also met his wife Colleen. After getting married, he then moved back to Grande Prairie. He then attended Peace River Bible Institute from 2001-2005 and graduated from there with a Bachelor’s Degree in Pastoral Ministry. He went on to Pastor for 12 years at Christian Fellowship Assembly here in Grande Prairie. During his time at the church he enjoyed preaching, counselling individuals and couples. He also worked with youth and young adults. He and Colleen now have 1 son and 2 daughters.
Now Chris cares and helps those going through a loss in their life. The transition from being a pastor to working in the funeral industry was fairly natural; caring for people is still the same. Chris is excited to be working in the community and to be a part of the wonderful peace region.
Tracy McFee
Funeral Director, Embalmer, General Manager, Partner
Tracy McFee was born in Montreal, QC, and grew up in Niagara Falls, ON, where she lived until moving to Grande Prairie to join the Oliver’s Funeral Home staff in 2016. She received her Ontario Funeral Director’s License in 2004 and worked in the funeral industry in the Niagara Region until she moved to Grande Prairie. In the Niagara Region, she was involved with Victim Services from 2008-2011, served as the President of the Niagara District Funeral Service Association for many years and was actively involved at Our Lady of the Scapular Roman Catholic Church. In Grande Prairie, she is an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where she serves as a Eucharistic Minister. Tracy currently sits on the board as a director with the Alberta Funeral Service Association and with the Grande Prairie Squash Club. She enjoys playing sports and is an avid Montreal Canadiens fan. Tracy and her husband Craig became shareholders at Oliver’s in April 2018 and they live in Grande Prairie along with their dogs Rocket and Bob. Tracy is looking forward to helping the families of Grande Prairie and Area for many years to come.
Craig McFee
Funeral Director, Embalmer, Partner
An Ontario native, Craig graduated from the Canadian College of Funeral Service with honours in 2019 as a Funeral Director/Embalmer. At CCFS, Craig was recognized by his peers as co-valedictorian of his graduating class and received that year’s Jurisprudence award. Craig is an active parishioner with St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church where he serves his parish as a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Craig enjoys staying active in the community through the Grande Prairie Squash Club and professionally, Craig is a member of the Alberta Funeral Service Association.
Gene Krause
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Eugene “Gene” Russell Krause was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in the mid 1950s. He attended school in Hepburn and Langham and the family was very active in the Dalmeny Mennonite Brethren Church where Gene spent his teen years. After his formal education Gene moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba where he met Karin Hamm. They were married in 1977 and Gene began working in the Funeral Industry several years later. Klassen Funeral Chapel employed Gene for five years before Gene and Karin moved to Alberta in 1984 where he worked for Chapel of Chimes in Edmonton briefly before accepting a position at Oliver’s Funeral Chapel, Grande Prairie, in February of 1985.
Gene soon became involved in the community through the Alliance Church, Singing Christmas Tree, Theatre, Board of Directors for Burden Bearers Counselling, Modelling, Sports and Rotary. He was often recognized by many people because of his involvement with Oliver’s. Several of Gene’s Rotary experiences included hosting International exchange students from Japan, Mexico and India as well as the Rotary Bus Project to Mexico.
Gene co-owned Oliver’s from November 2011 to February 2017. Over the years the support Gene has received from his wife Karin and their three children Barry, Erin and Carl has been sacrificial to say the least. Now along with their partners and four grandchildren, more than ever family times are hard to miss.
Steve Logan
Funeral Director & Embalmer
Steve was raised in a nomadic family. Born in Ottawa and raised in a variety of locations including London, and multiple villages in the North West Territories, he graduated high school in Terrace, BC. He attended Bible College near Vancouver, finished his degree in Edmonton, and worked summers in Grande Prairie where he met his wife Kristy who was born and raised in Grande Prairie.
Steve and Kristy spent their first 6 years of marriage pastoring youth and young adults at a church in Medicine Hat then moved back to Grande Prairie in time for the birth of their first child in 2007. They now have 4 children (3 boys and 1 girl) and Steve enjoys spending his free time watching his children’s hockey, swimming, piano and gymnastics efforts.
Grande Prairie is Steve’s home, something he was not able to declare about any place until he was 30 years old. After 10 years in the trucking industry, the opportunity to work at Oliver’s presented itself and Steve made the transition. He is happy to be once again connecting, serving, helping and working with people on a regular basis.
Blake Robertson
Funeral Director & Embalmer Apprentice
Blake was born and raised in Grande Prairie. She grew up playing many sports, but baseball is by far her favourite. Baseball brought her multiple opportunities to travel. She attended a camp in the states where she met many professional baseball athletes that helped shape her into the athlete she is today. Blake also played with the Team Alberta ladies in 2011 and today continues her love for the game playing in Grande Prairie’s Slo-pitch league.
After high school, Blake went on to pursue a degree in public health. Before finishing, she decided it wasn’t quite what she was looking for and went on to pursue a diploma in the practical nursing program. As the eldest of 4 children, she has always had a passion for caring for others. Blake worked as a practical nurse at the Valleyview Health Centre for a little over a year before the opportunity to work at Oliver’s Funeral Home presented itself.
Blake looks forward to continued learning and is attending the Canadian College of Funeral Service to become a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer. She’s excited to have the opportunity to help families in her community in their time of need.
Tina Wolfe
Advance Planning & AfterCare Director
Tina was born in Cecil Lake, BC and spent her growing-up years on a mixed grain and cattle farm in Cleardale, AB, where many happy memories were created. In 1994 she, with her husband Herman and their three children, moved to Grande Prairie where she homeschooled her children and was active in the Grande Prairie Alliance Church. In 2001 they moved to Southern BC and another child was added to the family. She enjoyed 11 joyous years by the lakes, taking her children skiing at Big White Ski Resort, being active in women’s ministry and hospitality at Willow Park Church and hosting many youth events in her home. She also attended Okanagan College to pursue her lifelong love of learning. In 2012 the family moved back to Grande Prairie where tragedy struck three weeks later and they lost their oldest son, Martin. She prayed that her deep sorrow would not be wasted. When the opportunity to become part of the Oliver’s team in 2015 presented itself she considered it a welcome blessing and is looking forward to serving families as Pre-Need and Aftercare Director for years to come.
Tina has been running the hot lunch program at her son’s school for the past two years and enjoying getting to know the staff, children and parents. She also enjoys family time – which now also includes two grandsons, travelling, getting to know other cultures and spending time outdoors.
Liesa Peters
Community Liaison & Concierge Services Coordinator
Liesa spent her growing-up years in La Crete, AB. She was a very busy mother of four boys who were very active in 4-H and sports. Liesa was the director of Family and Community Support Services for six years and set up many programs to help families. Due to the death of her brother from suicide she developed a desire to help people experiencing loss. She became the director of the Victim Services Support Unit In Fort Vermilion and High Level area, something she found very rewarding program as there were so many people in need of support and encouragement. Her desire to help others being noted, Liesa was asked to become the supervisor on three reserves for Child and Family Services in Northern Alberta.
In 2013 Liesa moved to Peace River to work in a funeral home developing an After Care Program for people who have lost a loved one.
Liesa now lives in Grande Prairie. In 2015, she was very excited to join the team at Oliver’s and enjoys working as the Community Liaison and Concierge Services Coordinator, as well as a Funeral Attendant.
Jordana Kluyt
Office & Accounts Manager
Jordana Kluyt was born in Grande Prairie, grew up in the Grovedale area and resides in Grande Prairie. She’s married to Ryan Kluyt who is also a long time resident of Grande Prairie. She joined the Oliver’s team in 2010. She enjoys working at Oliver’s because it is a very diverse job – with meeting all the families and learning so many
interesting things about the people who live in the community. Jordana enjoys reading, scrapbooking, camping and travelling, and visiting with her family.
Alia Paetkau-Wiebe
Graphic Design & Marketing
Alia was born and raised in Grande Prairie. She worked in the human services field for eight years, supporting adults and children with developmental disabilities. Alia really enjoys working with people and being active in her community. In her free time she enjoys riding her horse, reading, and writing. She started at Oliver’s in 2015 and appreciates the opportunity to support her community through her work.
Hannah Van der Woerd
Administrative Assistant
The youngest of 6 children, Hannah Van der Woerd was born in Abbotsford, BC. She moved with her family to Grande Prairie in 2007 where she completed her high school education from home, and received her High School Diploma in 2017. Hannah can often be found playing a variety of instruments, and volunteering her time weekly to her church’s music team.
In October, 2017 she joined the Oliver’s Team beginning as janitorial staff. Between interesting stories from family members with experience in the funeral industry, and working daily in that environment, she became interested in working in other areas at Oliver’s. Hannah now works as an Office Administrative Assistant.
LoAnn Huether
Tea Room & Catering Coordinator
LoAnn Huether was born in Enderby, BC. In 1971 she moved to the Wanham, AB area where she and her husband Dale farmed for 23 years. In 1994 she moved to Grande Prairie where she resides at present time. She is involved in music ministry at her church and wherever else there is a need.
She loves to decorate and make flower arrangements which is one of her passions. In 2010 she joined our staff at Oliver’s as hairstylist and later also became hostess for our tea room. LoAnn’s greatest reward is the wonderful people that she gets to meet and serve from day to day. LoAnn has three grown children 4 granddaughters and 1 grandson!
Shaney Ingalls (Clough)
Funeral Attendant
Shaney Ingalls (Clough) was born and raised in Grande Prairie. She completed elementary and junior high in the Catholic School System, finishing high school at Grande Prairie Composite High School. At the young age of 20, she relocated to Victoria, BC to further her education and start a new life.
She always had a very compassionate love for people, which led her to complete her Cosmetology course at Martier School of Beauty. She married and spent 27 years working in the beauty industry, home care and assisted care for the elderly. She also raised 5 children. As her children got older, she furthered her career by completing her Resident Care Assistant course and first year nursing degree.
Shaney volunteered in many areas of her community and cherishes that time. She longed to move home to Grande Prairie and did so in the fall of 2017. In October, 2017, she joined the Oliver’s team and enjoys the care and detail of her new career.
Nathan Wiebe
Funeral Attendant
Nathan Wiebe was born and raised in the Peace Country with his two sisters and currently resides in smith. His passion for working hard and his compassion for people led him into the funeral industry. He enrolled in the Funeral Directing and Embalming program at Mount Royal University. Nathan enjoys travelling, board games, and is always up for an adventure. He is very involved with church and enjoys volunteering. Working at Oliver’s provides the opportunity for him to serve his community in a meaningful way on a day-to-day basis.
Ernie Beart
Funeral Attendant
Ernie has worked at Oliver’s Funeral Home since 2010 as a Funeral Attendant. He was a manager meat cutter for 45 years before coming to Oliver’s. Ernie and his wife Fay have lived in the Grande Prairie and Beaverlodge areas since 1971. Together they have a son David, and a daughter Brenda, 4 grandchildren, and are soon to be great grandparents as well. Community involvement is a big part of Ernie’s life and he has been a proud member of the Elks club, Chamber of Commerce, and the Beaverlodge Fire Department. Ernie has been an active and enthusiastic member of the Beaverlodge Alliance Church for many years, as well, a former Beaverlodge Town Councillor for 12 years. Ernie is an avid fisher, golfer, and enjoys wood working- many of his projects he donates to local community not-for-profits. Ernie feels that serving people, his faith, and the community is the greatest joy in life, and supporting families by providing personal, exceptional service gives him this joy everyday.
David Hagerman
Funeral Attendant
Dave has been a longtime resident of the Peace Country. He and his wife Gwen have 2 children and 8 grandchildren. Dave enjoys serving in his local church and appreciates the opportunity to help families during at difficult time by working at Oliver’s.
Larry Huseby
Funeral Attendant
Larry was born and raised in Swift Current, SK where he worked in the oil industry. He met and married his wife Cheryl in 1977. He moved to Grande Prairie in 1996 to be branch manager of Compressor Components. In October of 2007, Larry lost Cheryl to cancer. In 2015, Maria Canuel came into Larry’s life; between them, the have 5 children, 9 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
After retiring in June 2015, the opportunity came to work for Oliver’s as a funeral attendant. Larry decided to join their staff in 2018 as they had taken such good care of himself and his family when Cheryl passed. Larry is very proud to work with Oliver’s and to have the opportunity to help and support families in their time of sorrow.
Rod Masterson
Funeral
Celebrant
Rod was born in smith and has lived there three different times in his life, most recently since 2014. He is proud to call the Peace Country home and hopes to spend the balance of his life here. In particular he enjoys many friends and keeps adding to his acquaintances as he meets with families at the time of the passing of their loved one. He is a retired pastor, missionary, and Bible college faculty member and president. On a regular basis he speaks in various churches in the area as needed. Rod and his wife Jeri have two sons and five grandchildren. One son, Mike and his wife Sandy live in smith and their older son Rick lives in Beaverlodge.
He counts it an honor to serve grieving families and guiding them as they celebrate the life of the one they have lost.
Reverend Stephen Laing
Funeral Attendant
& Clergy
Stephen and his wife Carol-Leah are recent additions to Grande Prairie. They moved here in 2017 to pastor the Oasis Fellowship. Stephen joined the team at Oliver’s soon after he moved, where he helps wherever he is needed including officiating at funerals and encouraging bereaved families. He has been an ordained minister since 1984 and has served several communities over the years in both Ontario and Alberta, as well as 4 years as Chaplain of a Middle School in Hong Kong. He is currently enrolled in Trinity Western University working on his Doctorate.
The Laing’s have three grown children who live in various parts of the country and they are waiting not-so patiently for grandchildren to join the family. For now, they have a 110 pound Labrador retriever that is filling in.
Stephen loves Grande Prairie and the outdoor activities it has to offer including hiking, hunting, and fly-fishing.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Our Staff 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta