History & Staff

Dr. Michael E. Carlson, Chairman of the Board ~ Funeral Director

Dr. Michael E. Carlson has been associated with the Carlson Funeral Homes his entire life and is Chairman of the Board of K & E Carlson Inc. He is a graduate of Hiram College, received his Master Degree from Ohio University and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Akron. He has been very active in the community over the years. Mike was Superintendent of Highland Local Schools for 13 years and currently serves on the Board of Visitors of Hiram College. He enjoys golf and reading, and is longtime member of Medina Sunrise Rotary. Mike is also a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post #0674 Windham Ohio and VFW Men's Auxiliary Post #5137 Medina. He is a member of St. Colette Church in Brunswick a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 11801 in Garrettsville. His favourite quote is “You can accept mediocrity or you can pursue excellence”.

Patrick E. Carlson, President ~ Funeral Director/Master Embalmer

Patrick E. Carlson, Master Embalmer, took an early interest in the family business. After attending Hiram College, he enrolled and graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1972. He is the master embalmer for all of three funeral homes. He and his wife Patricia live in Brunswick and enjoy walking, the outdoors, and spending time with grandchildren. Patrick has four children, Trevor who is a Funeral Director and Embalmer and Vanessa who resides in Florida, Robert Turnick and Stephen Turnick who both reside in Medina County and 9 grandchildren. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, and the Ohio Embalmers Assocation. He is active in many area group assocations and is a member of St. Ambrose Church in Brunswick.

Earl Carlson, Never Forgotten Always Loved

April 20, 1922 ~ February 19, 2000

Katharine M. Carlson, Never Forgotten Always Loved

June 14, 1923 ~ November 23, 2015

Neil E. Carlson, Never Forgotten Always Loved

October 17, 1955 ~ September 23, 2015

Sean R. Carlson, Never Forgotten Always Loved

May 10, 1962 ~ December 31, 2012

Trish Danku, Pre-Need & After Care Specialist

Trish joined the Carlson team shortly before losing her husband. Wanting to find a way to help others, she feels blessed to work as our Pre-Planning Specialist and in our Aftercare Program with families who have already suffered a loss. Enjoying time golfing with girlfriends, dancing, reading and supporting our First Responders, is where you will find her when she is not working. Trish is a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church where she is a Religious Education teacher, greeter and usher, she is also a proud member of the Garrettsville-Hiram Rotary Club, Garrettsville Women in Business, Portage County Senior Services Network and Garrettsville Chamber of Commerce. Favourite quote “Love People, Not Things. Use Things, Not People”.

Jami Collins, Executive Assistant

Jami is the Executive Assistant for Mallory-DeHaven-Carlson Funeral Home in Garrettsville. She is a native of Windham, where she lives with her husband of 15 years, Kevin, and their son, Finn. Aside from spending time with her family and friends, she enjoys painting, arts and crafts, and reading. Losing her father, Jim Centric, has made her appreciate the kindness and care that is implemented with the funeral process, and she wanted to be a part of that care.

Kim Watkins, Executive Assistant

Kim is the Executive Assistant for our Carlson Funeral Home in Brunswick. She worked in the home health industry for over 16 years, Kim feels blessed to continue her career in a industry that allows her to help and care families. She lived in Columbus before returning to her home town of Amherst. Kim has two daughters, Tela and Katie, and a granddaughter, Jade. When not working besides spending time with her friends and family she enjoys cooking, camping, reading, and crocheting. Favorite Quote "The best things in life are not things."

Teri Hammond, Executive Assistant

Teri is our Executive Assistant in our Medina Funeral Home.

Dave Smith, Head of Mainenance/Associate

Dave is an Associate with our Garrettsville funeral home and takes care of the property. He worked for Nestle for 36 years. Dave enjoys going to auctions, traveling and spending time with his family. He spends much of his free time boating and playing with his grandchildren, whom he adores.

Randy Biedron, Associate

Richard Collopy, Associate

Rich is a life long resident of Garrettsville, Ohio. He and his wife Melanie and their two daughters, Abby and Miley are members of the United Methodist Church of Garrettsville. He is a member of Garrettsville Masonic Lodge #246 and Silver Creek chapter #144 Roayl Arch Masons of Ohio and O.E.S. Cresecent chapter #7. He is currently employed for (MRCG) Kraftmaid of Middlefield for 25+ years. His interests include anything fast and loud, hunting, fishing, camping and outdoor fun.

Brian Coughlin, Associate

Brian is an Associate for the Brunswick and Medina Funeral Homes. He and his wife Regina live in Medina with their children. Brian is active in the community and a member of St. Francis Xavier Parish.

Michael Davanzo, Associate

Michael Davanzo is a retired School Teacher and athletic administrator from the Medina City Schools. He and his wife Judith live in Medina Township. He is active in the Medina Sunrise Rotary and has served as the District 6630 District Governor in 2014-15. He also enjoys gardening, travelling, and reading. He attends St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

Jim Glanc, Associate

Sue Kilroy, Associate

Sue is an associate with our Garrettsville funeral home. She lives in Streetsboro with her husband Michael. Sue is an active volunteer in the community and a member of Immaculate Conception church, where she is a Eucharistic Minister. She loves spending time with her family, especially the grandkids

John Masters, Associate

John has lived his entire life in the Nelson/Garrettsville area. He and his wife Monica reside in Nelson Township and attend Delightful E. C. Church in Southington. Parents of two daughters, their daughter Detra, passed away in 2001 from Cystic Fibrosis, and daughter Ashley. They are grandparents to one grandson, Jayden. In March of 2015, John retired after 40 years with Ohio Aluminum Aerospace in Cleveland. With a desire to help families of the community, he joined the Carlson Family in October 2015.

Paul Milliken, Associate

Paul is an associate with our Medina and Brunswick homes. He lives in Medina with his wife Beth. They have 2 children and 5 grandchildren. He is a retired United Methodist Pastor and Chaplain in the U. S. Air Force Reserves. Paul enjoys playing racquetball and tennis, reading and doing puzzles.

Scott Morris, Associate

Scott has been working for the Garrettsville location since 2014. He lives in Garrettsville with his wife Debi. Debi and Scott have 5 children and 9 grandchildren. Scott is retired from the United States Coast Guard and later a civilian career with the Defense Department. He and his wife are full-time RV'rs who volunteer at America's National Parks during the winter. Scott enjoys riding motorcycles, American history, genealogy, wood working, hunting, fishing, and boating. He is a member of Collinwood Lodge #582 in Euclid, Mt. Olive Chapter No. 189 Royal Arch Masons, Coeur de Lion No. 64 of Knights Templar, American Legion Post #193 in Mantua, Travelers Woods Masonic Campground in Garrettsville, Widow Sons Masonic Motorcycle Riders Chapter 3-5-7, Quantrill's Raiders Camp #2087 Sons of Confederate Veterans and the SCV's Mechanized Cavalry motorcycle association in his spare time.

Jim Mottice, Associate

Jim is an associate with our Medina and Brunswick homes. He resides in Medina with his wife Barb. Jim enjoys golfing, the outdoors, and spending time with his family. He has been associated with Rustic Hills Country Club for the past 28 years.

Eric Thoren, Associate

Eric Thoren, affectionately known as Pappy, is an associate you will see in our Garrettsville location. He and his wife Renee are longtime Nelson residents. Pappy is the Assistant Chief for the Garrettsville-Freedom-Nelson Fire Department and spends his free time helping his family, and friends with anything he can and supporting his local community as one of our First Responders.

Renee Thoren, Associate

Renee is an associate you will generally see in our Garrettsville location. She is married to Eric (Pappy). Renee enjoys camping, bonfires with good friends and spending time with her family.