our caring staff

Gregg Ridgeway

Licensed Funeral Director / Owner

Gregg is a graduate of Albion High School. He received his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota. He has been a licensed funeral director since 1988 and joined McKown Funeral Home in 1992. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #938. Gregg & his wife Shelly have three sons- Zachary, Nicholas, and Parker. The Ridgeways are members of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus.

Brad Eickhoff

Licensed Funeral Director / Owner

Brad is a graduate of Kearney Catholic High School. He received his degree in Mortuary Science from the Kansas City, Kansas, Mortuary School. Brad has been licensed since 1993. He joined McKown Funeral Home in 1996. Brad and his wife, Jackie, have three kids: Erick, Brianna, and Ryan. They are members of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus.

Chase Cherry

Licensed Funeral Director / Certified Celebrant

Chase is a graduate of Twin River High School in Genoa. He attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney and received his degree in Mortuary Science from DMACC in Ankeny, IA, in 2019. Chase joined McKown Funeral Home in 2016 and has been licensed since 2019. He is a member of 1C Lutheran Church in Columbus. Chase is active with the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2025, Chase successfully completed the training to become a Certified Celebrant. With this training, he was able to gain the skills needed to perform funeral celebrations that focus on an individual to create a truly unique tribute that is centered on their life story.

Parker Ridgeway

Licensed Funeral Director

Parker Ridgeway is the son of Gregg Ridgeway. Parker is a graduate of Columbus High School. He attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney and received his degree in Mortuary Science from DMACC in Ankeny, IA, in 2023. Parker is board-certified with the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) and completed his apprenticeship at McKown Funeral Home. He is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer with the State of Nebraska. Parker has been a licensed insurance producer with the State of Nebraska Department of Insurance since 2017. This allows Parker to assist in all aspects of pre-need funeral arrangements. Parker, his wife Sydney, and daughter Charlotte live in Columbus and are members of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church.

Brian Oppliger

Funeral Assistant

Brian plays a vital role at the funeral home, assisting in funerals. Brian and Julie have one son, Lyle. Brian is a grain and cattle farmer locally.

Daryl Schwarting

Funeral Assistant

Daryl plays a vital role at the funeral home, assisting in funerals. Daryl and Darlene have three sons- Chad, Cameron, and Casey. Prior to retirement, Daryl was the General Manager at Hyvee.

Mark Benesch

Funeral Assistant

Mark plays a vital role at the funeral home, assisting in funerals. Mark has two children, Kyle and Morgan. Prior to retirement, Mark was a Physician Assistant at Columbus Medical Center and Urgent Care.

Charlie Wozny

Funeral Assistant

Calvin Mustard

Funeral Assistant

Jim Liebig

Funeral Attendant

Ann Kudron

Visitation Attendant

Ann plays a vital role at the funeral home, assisting in visitations. Ann and Ron have four boys- Todd, Michael, Corby, and Kip. Up until retirement, Ann owned and operated ServiceMaster by Kudron. She is a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church.

Robyn Wilcox

Visitation Attendant

Robyn plays a vital role at the funeral home, assisting in visitations. Robyn and Larry have three girls -Miranda, Kirsten, and Libby. Robyn recently retired from Columbus Public Schools.

Deanna Soulliere

Visitation Attendant

Deanna plays a vital role at the funeral home assisting in visitations. Deanna and Jeff have three girls -Amanda, Denae, and and Bobbie. Prior to retirement Deanna worked at Columbus Community College.

Dave Purcell

Retired Funeral Director

Dave retired in January of 2023.

Larry Bosak

Retired Funeral Director