Our Valued Staff

Our staff is comprised of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services.

Please feel free to contact any of our staff members at any time.

Gregg Petersen

Gregg Petersen

Owner

Gregg Petersen, the senior partner of Petersen's Funeral Home, joined the family owned firm in 1970. Over the years, Gregg has developed vast experience in working with area churches and cemeteries. His many years of service have spanned many generations of families. Gregg has been a part of the many changes in funeral service and understands the needs of families for services from the traditional to the contemporary. He is proud of the flexibility in serving families that being family owned allows.

Gavan G. Petersen

Gavan G. Petersen

Embalmer/Funeral Director

Gavan was born and raised in Newton, Kansas. He graduated from Newton High School in 1991. He received his BA degree from the Emporia State University and has a degree from the Kansas City school of Mortuary Arts. He is proud to be a third generation Petersen and has worked in his family’s business since middle school where he began by washing vehicles after school. Gavan is our monuments manager and heads our monument branch store Quality Monuments. Gavan is involved with many community projects and the development of Camp Hawk to provide free activities to young families and youth groups. He is also a supporter of "Girls Club" an organization to help young girls with their self-esteem, friendships and overall "well being". Gavan is an individual of traditional values. He strongly believes that the "viewing" at the visitation is vital for activating your support system and allows others to express their concern and love for you.

Charlie Robinson

Charlie Robinson

Funeral Director

Charlie is a funeral director at Petersen's Funeral Home. He has worked for the company for 32 years. He started out washing cars and mowing the grass and eventually worked his way up. He also worked at a funeral home while attending Kansas State. In his spare time he enjoys spending his time helping the local art gallery and his dogs. He also enjoys presidential history and Kansas art and artists.

Cindy Simons

Cindy Simons

Office Administrator

Cindy joined our team in November of 2016 as our office administrator.  She works 3 days a week and as needed to keep up with our death certificate filing and insurance claims for our families.  Cindy can be found answering many questions families have as they complete their estates and final arrangements.  Cindy also works funeral services with us and helps care for our families as they walk through the funeral and memorial process.  She looks forward to serving our families and finds working at Petersen Funeral Home a rewarding experience.  Cindy is active in Business Professional Women and is currently serving as state president.  In her spare time she enjoys golfing with her friends and spending time with her husband Craig.

Erin Bearce

Erin Bearce

Embalmer/Funeral Director

Erin was raised outside of Leon, Kansas. She graduated from Butler Community College in 2016 and Kansas City Community College in 2017 with a degree in Mortuary Arts and Science. Erin enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and creating art during her free time.

Jonathan Carey

Jonathan Carey

Assistant Funeral Director/Student

Jonathan was raised in Hillsboro, Kansas. He graduated from Hillsboro High School in 2015. He is currently enrolled in Pittsburg Institute of Mortuary Arts. Jonathan received his license as a Assistant Funeral Director in 2020. Jonathan is married and has two daughters. He moved to Newton 5 years ago and fell in love with the town. He feels honored to serve families in their times of need and strives to help uplift them.

Juli Garcia

Juli Garcia

Assistant Funeral Director

Juli was born and raised in Newton, Kansas. She graduated from Newton High School in 1990. She has worked in the local community for many years and also runs a salsa business in town. Juli received her Assistant Funeral Directors license in 2023 and proudly serves our families whether it is as an Assistant Funeral Director, a funeral celebrant or a soloist for their loved ones memorial service.

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