Staff

David Karsnia

Licensed Funeral Director

David grew up and graduated from high school in Frazee, Minnesota. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota in 1971. While attending school in Minneapolis, David worked as a night attendant at O'Halloran and Murphy Funeral Home in St. Paul. Following his graduation, he moved to Detroit Lakes where he worked for the Donehower Funeral Home until 1975 when he moved to Sauk Centre to become manager of the Schad Funeral Home.

In 1981, David returned to Detroit Lakes where he and Ernest Gieseke purchased the Donehower firm. In 1984, David bought Mr. Gieseke's interest in the business and changed the name to David-Donehower Funeral Home. In 1997, David sold the funeral home to Thomas M. Vertin, long-time funeral director from Breckenridge, Minnesota, and David continued to manage the funeral home and serve families in need.

In 1997, David became a member of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association (MFDA) Board of Directors, serving a term as President in 2004-2005. He is currently a member of the association, where he also serves on the MFDA Service Corporate Board.

In addition to his funeral service interests, David is a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, the Masons, the Emmanuel Nursing Home Board, and of the 412 Lakes Antique Car Club. He also serves as a Trustee for Ecumen, the largest provider of housing and services to seniors in Minnesota; he is a member of the Professional Car Society, the Detroit Lakes Noon Rotary and is a member of the Hospice of the Red River Valley Advisory Board.

David and his wife, Maureen live in Detroit Lakes and are the parents of three children, Sheri, Jason and Tony.

Shawn Nygaard

Licensed Funeral Director

Shawn grew up in Edmore, North Dakota and graduated from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis in 2002 with a major in Mortuary Science. Shawn worked at Stanley-Iverson Funeral Home in McVille, North Dakota from 2002 until joining David-Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes in 2006.

Shawn and his wife Sarah are members at First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. Shawn is also a member of Kiwanis and serves on the Business Relations Committee for St. Mary's Hospital in Detroit Lakes. In his personal time, Shawn enjoys spending time out on the lake, hunting, fishing, golfing, and playing basketball and softball.

Merle Sagen

Funeral Home Assistant

Merle was born and raised in the Twin Valley, Minnesota area and attended Twin Valley Schools, graduating in 1961. Following graduation, he served with the United States Army in the 101st Airborne Division until being honorably discharged in 1964. Later that year, Merle became employed by what was then the Minnesota Highway Department in St. Paul, Minnesota. He transferred to Detroit Lakes in 1966 and was employed by MNDOT (Minnesota Department of Transportation) until his retirement in 2000.

Merle served twenty-two years on the Detroit Lakes Fire Department and served on the committee to establish the Dialysis Unit in Detroit Lakes. In 2001, he joined the staff at David-Donehower Funeral Home where he provides a wonderful service to families.

Merle and his wife Phyllis have four children and reside in rural Lake Park.

Ray Johnson

Funeral Home Assistant

Ray Johnson was born and raised in Lake Park, Minnesota, where he attended school. He entered the United States Army National Guard in Detroit Lakes and then enlisted in the United States Air Force from 1950-1956. Ray served in Korea and Japan.

Ray began working part-time for Funeral Homes in 1955 in Washington D.C. After his discharge from the service, Ray returned to Detroit Lakes and worked for the Detroit Lakes Police Department and for Ross Donehower at the Donehower Funeral Home. In 1966, he began working for the Fargo Police Department, retiring in 1988 as a Detective Sergeant.

Ray retired to Lake Park and has worked with the David-Donehower Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes since that time. Ray and his wife, Margaret (Willette) have been married 50 years and raised four sons. He is a life member of the Detroit Lakes V.F.W., a member of the Jess-Amundson Post 15 of the American Legion, the Detroit Lakes Eagles, and the Knights of Columbus in Detroit Lakes. Ray provides a wonderful service to families, and is happy to be back in the Detroit Lakes and Lake Park area.

Eileen Lillis

Family Services Coordinator

A member of the Detroit Lakes community for over 20 years, Eileen has been a part of the David-Donehower "family" since 2001. Eileen's compassion and understanding of the loss of loved ones enables her to assist families wishing to plan their funeral services in advance.

Eileen knows how important it is to record your wishes and she is able to help you walk through the needed steps. By planning a funeral in advance, families are able to organize life's many details so that when the time comes, those closest to you will have the necessary information to handle your affairs and celebrate your life.

Eileen is a lifetime member of St. Mary's Regional Health Center Auxiliary. Before joining the staff at the funeral home Eileen was Public Relations Coordinator for Hospice of the Red River Valley in Detroit Lakes and was at St. Mary's Health Center as Marketing and Public Relations Manager.

Kim Schnitzer

Office Manager

Kim has lived in Detroit Lakes most of her life and is a graduate of Detroit Lakes High School, class of 1974. She has been married to her high school sweetheart, Tim, for 35 years. Their children, Russell, Alaina and Cara, are grown with families of their own, and have blessed them with eight grandchildren.

Prior to working for David-Donehower Funeral Home, Kim held a position in the wholesale building industry, and most recently, served as a licensed representative and assisted in marketing with State Farm Insurance. Her background in customer service makes her a wonderful addition to our family of staff at David-Donehower.

Kim is active in her community, doing volunteer work at area nursing homes, the Lakes Area Food Pantry, and other non-profit groups. She is also a member of the First Baptist Church, and the Sons of Norway.

She has been a professional Gospel singer for over thirty years, and has a ministry called, "Sing and Tell the Story." Kim has five recorded works of music. She travels on weekends performing concerts, retreats, and programs for churches and civic groups.

Michelle Johnson

Aftercare Coordinator

Michelle is a lifelong resident of Detroit Lakes. She graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1991 and then attended Dickinson State University majoring in Music Education. More recently, she has continued her education as a student at Minnesota State University – Moorhead. In addition, Michelle has completed several courses to further her ability to serve individuals and families: "Companioning The Bereaved" - Alan Wolfelt seminar 2010; Hospice Journeys Conference 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008; Continuing Education and training for Bereavement Caregivers; Merit Care/Hospice Teleconference, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010; Continuing Education and training for Social Workers; 2003 and 2004 LCMS Mental Health Conference; training for church workers on Mental Health awareness and related issues; 2003 LCMS Children's Ministries Leadership Teleconference.

Michelle has a great love for people, especially children. Prior to serving as the Aftercare Coordinator at David-Donehower Funeral Home, she worked as a director of children and family ministries. In addition to being a listening ear, she greatly enjoys helping people. Long after family and friends have returned to their normal schedules, Michelle serves as a wonderful resource for grieving individuals who need assistance with paperwork, necessary phone calls, or help in finding information and community resources. Her work with the STAR program (A Special Time to Always Remember) has made a significant impact in helping children understand death and grieving. Michelle presents this program at the funeral home, and for community or civic groups as requested.

Her interests include spending time with family and friends, entertaining, reading, and summers at the lake. She is a member of Doc and the Scrubs Big Band, the St. Mary's Hospital Fundraiser, The Front Row, the Zion Lutheran Church Worship Team, and she coordinates the community support group, GMW, for those who have experienced the death of a child.

Michelle lives in rural Detroit Lakes with her husband, Dan, and daughters, Addie Kay and Elizabeth.