Meet Our Caring Team

Lara is from West Branch, Iowa. She has an associate degree and is currently enrolled at DMACC, where she is studying mortuary science. Lara was the 2024 Iowa Funeral Directors Association Scholarship Recipient. 

Experiencing the challenges of working in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic made Lara acutely aware of the preciousness of life, which is what ultimately led her to funeral service. She is deeply honored to provide support to families during their most trying times and accompany them on their journey.

Lara has two children, Ben and Bailey. She is involved with Iowa Paralyzed Veterans of America and Veterans on the Lake Resort. Her interests include outdoor activities, fishing, quality family time, exploring new destinations, and refinishing furniture. Lara and her significant other, Jim, have three dogs, one of which is a service dog.

Whitney was born and raised in Hazen, North Dakota. She attended the University of North Dakota, before pursuing her degree in Mortuary Science at Worsham College of Mortuary Science where she graduated Magna Cum Laude.

Whitney began working with Vertin Family Funeral Homes in May of 2012, first working at Dobmeier Funeral Home in Barnesville, MN, until completion of her apprenticeship. She became a licensed Funeral Director in 2013, and is licensed in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. She has been working part-time at the funeral home since 2013, while caring for her son Dexter.

Whitney and her husband, Jef reside in Breckenridge. Jef is a software engineer at ShoreMaster in Fergus Falls. Whitney enjoys buying and selling vintage treasures as a leisure pursuit; doing cross-stitch embroidery; traveling along with her husband on his business trips; and spending time with family, especially at her parent’s lake cabin.

Colette began serving families as the Aftercare Coordinator in 2017. Her unique perspective stems from being married to a funeral director, which opened her eyes to the needs of families and loved ones after a death occurred and their lives were forever changed. Colette’s own experience with grief and loss elevated her passion to serve and support others, and her work with CHI Health at Home and Hospice as a Spiritual Caregiver has given her insight into the journey of end-of-life care.  

Colette and her late husband, Jason raised their five children near Wyndmere, ND.   She has an adventuresome spirit that is nurtured with connection; she spends time with family and friends engaging in life! She is a member of the Milnor United Methodist church and a charter member of the Headwaters Lions Club. Colette is committed to her community through various volunteer opportunities.

Samantha was born in Virginia and grew up in the Mesa/Gilbert, Arizona area, where she graduated from Mesa Preparatory Academy in 2013. After graduating, she moved to North Dakota and attended North Dakota State College of Science for Social Work. Since then she has pursued career opportunities in the helping field, working at Circle of Nations and later in a management position helping patients receive access to dental care. Samantha recently joined Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home where she can assist families in creating personalized tributes for their loved ones. 

In her personal time, Samantha enjoys spending time with her daughters, Elizabeth and Annistyn, staying active at the gym, reading, painting, and fishing. She is a member of the Breckenridge Rotary Club, which allows her to further her goal of giving back to the community.

Ann began as the Pre-arrangement Advisor at the funeral home in 1997 and continues to assist at services today.  A Breckenridge native, Ann graduated from Breckenridge High School, and from Alexandria Technical College.  She lives in rural Breckenridge with her husband, Dan, who farms in the area.  Together they have three grown daughters, Sally, Carolyn and Alicia.  Ann is the oldest daughter of Marjorie Lommel and the late John Lommel. 

After joining the staff at the funeral home, Ann discovered an important need in assisting families who wish to make their funeral plans in advance.  She is a good listener and provides compassionate care for assisting the families she serves.  Ann holds a license to secure funds in a funeral trust, so families know that money will be there at the time they need it for the funeral.

Ann’s work experience in Breckenridge has included customer service in the banking and insurance industries. She is very dedicated to the families she serves with pre-planning, as well as she is dedicated to serving families at the time of need to ensure that all of their planning goals were met.

Ann is an active member of St. Mary’s Church in Breckenridge, and an honorary member of the Rotary Club. In her personal time, she enjoys spending time with her family and her eight grandchildren.

After serving families as the Aftercare Coordinator/Grief Recovery Specialist since February 1999, Jeanne recently transitioned into assisting the funeral directors during visitations and funeral services.  She earned her certification as a Grief Recovery Specialist from the Grief Recovery Institute of California and through the National Institute for Trauma and loss.   Jeanne also holds her certification as a Trauma and Loss Consultant, Trauma Specialist, and as a Pastoral Education Assistant.   

Jeanne has been the Secretary/Pastoral Assistant at St. Gall's Catholic Church, Tintah, MN since 1977.   She has been with St. Francis Riveredge Hospice, now CHI Health at Home, since 1987. Jeanne has also been an active member of the Tintah Fire and Rescue Squad since 1990, serving as their First Responder Training Officer and helping with many fundraisers. 

Jeanne and her husband Jim live near Tintah, where he farms.   They have five grown children and six grandchildren.  In her spare time, Jeanne enjoys working with stained glass, flower gardening and spending time with family.

Mike Belseth has been a valuable member of the staff since 2015. He graduated from Appleton, MN High School in 1967 and from Mayville State University in 1971. After a successful teaching and coaching career at Breckenridge High School, Mike’s career path shifted to owning his own business as a State Farm Insurance Agent in Breckenridge. He has served as President of the Breckenridge Lutheran Church Council, President of the Breckenridge Lions Club, President of the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Breckenridge City Council.

Now fully retired, Mike and his wife Diane keep busy with traveling and loving their 14 grandchildren. He continues to follow high school, college, and professional sporting events and even remains loyal to the “unforgiving” Twins. Recently Mike was honored as an inductee into the Mayville State Coach’s Hall of Fame. 

Mike and his wife, Diane, have four adult married children. David (Stephanie) and their three children Sophia, Ben, and Jacob; Karen (Aitor) Leniz and their three children, Amaya, Logan, and Lauren; Jen (Jamie) Beyer and their five children, Ethan, Emma, Julia, Allison, and Anna; Scott (Andrea) and their three children, Adella, Micah, and Tommy.

John was a graduate of Wadena High School and received his Bachelor Degree in Education. Most of his teaching career was at the Breckenridge High School, where he also served as Athletic Director for many years. Following his retirement from education, John joined the staff at Joseph Vertin and Sons to assist in funerals and visitations.

John is married to Marlene and they have two adult children.  He is an avid sports fan and enjoys summers at the lake.