Richard A. Schoof
Funeral Director
Rich was born in Waverly, Iowa. He was raised in Cedar Falls and is a 1978 graduate of Cedar Falls High School, a 1982 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, a 1984 graduate of The Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science, and has been a licensed funeral director since 1985.
He and his wife Paula have two children. Paula is a realtor with Structure Real Estate and also owns and operates "To The Point Embroidery." Their son, Andrew, graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in May 2010 and is an owner/broker at Structure Real Estate. He married Jessica Wingert and they have two daughters, Olivia and Madi. Rich and Paula's daughter, Morgan, received her BSN in 2013 and her PMHNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) in 2017 from Allen College of Nursing. She and her husband, Brady Huls, are the owners of Transcend Mind-Body Wellness & Floatation Clinic in Cedar Falls. They have three children, Barrett, Wrenley and Sawyer. They have been members of St. John Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls for many years. Rich is a member of the Cedar Falls Rotary Club and the music group for the contemporary service at St. John Lutheran Church.
Richard A. Schoof
Funeral Director
Rich was born in Waverly, Iowa. He was raised in Cedar Falls and is a 1978 graduate of Cedar Falls High School, a 1982 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, a 1984 graduate of The Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science, and has been a licensed funeral director since 1985.
He and his wife Paula have two children. Paula is a realtor with Structure Real Estate and also owns and operates "To The Point Embroidery." Their son, Andrew, graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in May 2010 and is an owner/broker at Structure Real Estate. He married Jessica Wingert and they have two daughters, Olivia and Madi. Rich and Paula's daughter, Morgan, received her BSN in 2013 and her PMHNP (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) in 2017 from Allen College of Nursing. She and her husband, Brady Huls, are the owners of Transcend Mind-Body Wellness & Floatation Clinic in Cedar Falls. They have three children, Barrett, Wrenley and Sawyer. They have been members of St. John Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls for many years. Rich is a member of the Cedar Falls Rotary Club and the music group for the contemporary service at St. John Lutheran Church.
Jennifer King
Funeral Director
Jen was born in Waterloo, Iowa. She was raised in Ankeny and is a 1988 graduate of Ankeny High School, and a 1992 graduate of Wartburg College. For many years Jen was a Foundation and Marketing Director at the hospital in Iowa Falls and a Marketing and Communications Specialist in the Center for Disability Studies in Literacy, Language and Learning at the University of Northern Iowa. In 2012, she returned to school to follow her heart into the Funeral Service. She graduated DMACC's Mortuary Science Program in 2014 and has been a licensed funeral director in the Cedar Valley since 2015.
Jen and her husband, Brian have been married since 1992 and have four children. Brian served as Senior Pastor at Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church from 2009-2022 then accepted a Call at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City, Minnesota. In the meantime, Jen has decided to remain in Cedar Falls while they have children in college. Their son, Taylor, graduated from the Wabash College in May 2018, spent a year teaching in Vienna, Austria, and graduated from the Princeton School of Theology. He and his wife, Olivia, live in Center City, Minnnesota where Taylor is a chaplain for Hospice of the Midwest. Their son, Justin attended Wartburg and St. Olaf Colleges and he and his wife, Amy, live in Mankato, Minnesota, where he is an assistant store manager at TJ Maxx. Son, Nathan, works at Bank Iowa, and is married to his high school sweetheart, Ailish. And daughter, Grace, is a graduate of Cedar Falls High School and plans to begin training to become a Dental Hygienist while working at Kimball & Beecher in Waterloo. Jen and Brian have led church tour groups to Germany, Israel, Greece, Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
Jennifer King
Funeral Director
Jen was born in Waterloo, Iowa. She was raised in Ankeny and is a 1988 graduate of Ankeny High School, and a 1992 graduate of Wartburg College. For many years Jen was a Foundation and Marketing Director at the hospital in Iowa Falls and a Marketing and Communications Specialist in the Center for Disability Studies in Literacy, Language and Learning at the University of Northern Iowa. In 2012, she returned to school to follow her heart into the Funeral Service. She graduated DMACC's Mortuary Science Program in 2014 and has been a licensed funeral director in the Cedar Valley since 2015.
Jen and her husband, Brian have been married since 1992 and have four children. Brian served as Senior Pastor at Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church from 2009-2022 then accepted a Call at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City, Minnesota. In the meantime, Jen has decided to remain in Cedar Falls while they have children in college. Their son, Taylor, graduated from the Wabash College in May 2018, spent a year teaching in Vienna, Austria, and graduated from the Princeton School of Theology. He and his wife, Olivia, live in Center City, Minnnesota where Taylor is a chaplain for Hospice of the Midwest. Their son, Justin attended Wartburg and St. Olaf Colleges and he and his wife, Amy, live in Mankato, Minnesota, where he is an assistant store manager at TJ Maxx. Son, Nathan, works at Bank Iowa, and is married to his high school sweetheart, Ailish. And daughter, Grace, is a graduate of Cedar Falls High School and plans to begin training to become a Dental Hygienist while working at Kimball & Beecher in Waterloo. Jen and Brian have led church tour groups to Germany, Israel, Greece, Norway, Sweden and Denmark.
Jeffrey Krcil
Funeral Director
Jeff was born and spent his early years in the suburbs of the Twin Cities. In 1989, his family relocated to Burlington, Iowa where he graduated from high school. Jeff received his B.A. in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa in 2003. While a student, he lived and worked at the Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home where he found his passion for helping people through Funeral Service. He attended Carl Sandburg College and earned his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Mortuary Science in 2005. He interned and, then, worked for funeral homes in Minnesota and Wisconsin until relocating to the Cedar Valley in 2019 and joining the DVHS team as a licensed director. Jeff is married to Heidi who is originally from the area and works remotely for a healthcare system in Wisconsin. They have a feline fur baby named Banana.
Jeffrey Krcil
Funeral Director
Jeff was born and spent his early years in the suburbs of the Twin Cities. In 1989, his family relocated to Burlington, Iowa where he graduated from high school. Jeff received his B.A. in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa in 2003. While a student, he lived and worked at the Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home where he found his passion for helping people through Funeral Service. He attended Carl Sandburg College and earned his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Mortuary Science in 2005. He interned and, then, worked for funeral homes in Minnesota and Wisconsin until relocating to the Cedar Valley in 2019 and joining the DVHS team as a licensed director. Jeff is married to Heidi who is originally from the area and works remotely for a healthcare system in Wisconsin. They have a feline fur baby named Banana.
Michael Vandeventer
Funeral Director
Mike was born and raised in Cedar Falls, Iowa. A 2006 graduate from Cedar Falls High School, he played football his freshman year at the University of Iowa until injuries forced him to stop. His Junior year, Mike was accepted in the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) where he spent three months backpacking, canoeing, and learning survival and leadership skills in the Australian Outback. He returned to the University of Iowa and received his B.A. in 2010. With a passion for service and caring for others, Mike enrolled at Des Moines Area Community College to pursue a career in Funeral Service. He earned his advanced degree in Mortuary Science in 2013. He interned and became licensed in Iowa before working at funeral homes in Longmont and Denver, Colorado, until 2021, when he returned to the Cedar Valley to be closer to family and serve the community where he was raised. Mike currently lives in Waterloo with his rescue dog, Ivy. He is also a member of the Cedar Falls Lions Club.
Michael Vandeventer
Funeral Director
Mike was born and raised in Cedar Falls, Iowa. A 2006 graduate from Cedar Falls High School, he played football his freshman year at the University of Iowa until injuries forced him to stop. His Junior year, Mike was accepted in the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) where he spent three months backpacking, canoeing, and learning survival and leadership skills in the Australian Outback. He returned to the University of Iowa and received his B.A. in 2010. With a passion for service and caring for others, Mike enrolled at Des Moines Area Community College to pursue a career in Funeral Service. He earned his advanced degree in Mortuary Science in 2013. He interned and became licensed in Iowa before working at funeral homes in Longmont and Denver, Colorado, until 2021, when he returned to the Cedar Valley to be closer to family and serve the community where he was raised. Mike currently lives in Waterloo with his rescue dog, Ivy. He is also a member of the Cedar Falls Lions Club.
Sharon Griffin
Funeral Attendant/Retired Family Service Counselor
Sharon is originally from Tripoli, Iowa, and currently resides in Waverly, Iowa with her husband Tom. She previously was employed at CUNA Mutual Group for 19 years in Waverly. Sharon and Tom have two sons, Ryan Boeckman and his wife Angie and Neal Boeckman and his wife Susan, and three grandsons. Sharon joined the firm in 2015 as the Family Service Counselor and is happy to assist you with your Advance Funeral Planning.
Sharon Griffin
Funeral Attendant/Retired Family Service Counselor
Sharon is originally from Tripoli, Iowa, and currently resides in Waverly, Iowa with her husband Tom. She previously was employed at CUNA Mutual Group for 19 years in Waverly. Sharon and Tom have two sons, Ryan Boeckman and his wife Angie and Neal Boeckman and his wife Susan, and three grandsons. Sharon joined the firm in 2015 as the Family Service Counselor and is happy to assist you with your Advance Funeral Planning.
Dean Pedersen
Funeral Attendant
Dean Pedersen
Funeral Attendant
Bob Hoppes
Funeral Attendant
Bob Hoppes
Funeral Attendant
David & Dee Vandeventer
Funeral Service Assistant
David & Dee Vandeventer
Funeral Service Assistant
Bob and Doris Hewlitt
Funeral Attendant
Bob and Doris Hewlitt
Funeral Attendant
Sid and Linda Hayes
Funeral Attendant
Sid and Linda Hayes
Funeral Attendant
Warren and Vi Brown
Funeral Attendant
Warren retired in 2022 after many years of devoted service.
Warren and Vi Brown
Funeral Attendant
Warren retired in 2022 after many years of devoted service.
Ron and Jan Heth
Funeral Attendant
Ron retired in 2022 after several years of devoted service.
Ron and Jan Heth
Funeral Attendant
Ron retired in 2022 after several years of devoted service.
Gene and Carolyn Haller
Funeral Attendant
Gene and Carolyn Haller
Funeral Attendant
Ellen Humphrey
Family Service Counselor
Ellen is originally from the Cedar Valley where she attended Columbus Catholic High School as well as UNI. In 1997, she moved to Connecticut where she accepted the promotion of Assistant to the Vice President for a Marketing Firm. In 2000, she moved to Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania and in 2005, she moved back home to Iowa. Shortly after, she served as a civilian administrative manager with a government contract though the United States Coast Guard. She also served as corporate support to the Director of Stores for Oakley Retail, North America. She was President of Rotary Club of the Cedar Valley from 2022-23 and joined the Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Team in 2023 as a Family Service Counselor and feels called to help individuals, couples or families to pre-plan their funeral services. Ellen lives in Cedar Falls with her Doberman Pincher, Thunder, and has 2 children, Alexis and Mason who live in Des Moines.
Ellen Humphrey
Family Service Counselor
Ellen is originally from the Cedar Valley where she attended Columbus Catholic High School as well as UNI. In 1997, she moved to Connecticut where she accepted the promotion of Assistant to the Vice President for a Marketing Firm. In 2000, she moved to Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania and in 2005, she moved back home to Iowa. Shortly after, she served as a civilian administrative manager with a government contract though the United States Coast Guard. She also served as corporate support to the Director of Stores for Oakley Retail, North America. She was President of Rotary Club of the Cedar Valley from 2022-23 and joined the Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Team in 2023 as a Family Service Counselor and feels called to help individuals, couples or families to pre-plan their funeral services. Ellen lives in Cedar Falls with her Doberman Pincher, Thunder, and has 2 children, Alexis and Mason who live in Des Moines.
College Students
Funeral Interns
We have employed college students and funeral interns at the funeral home for over 40 years. They perform various duties associated with funeral service.
College Students
Funeral Interns
We have employed college students and funeral interns at the funeral home for over 40 years. They perform various duties associated with funeral service.
Merwin K. "Sam" Schoof
In Memory
Sam died December 28, 2018 at NewAldaya Lifescapes in Cedar Falls. He was born and raised in Waverly, Iowa. He is a graduate of Waverly High School, the University of Northern Iowa in 1953 and Milwaukee Institute of Mortuary Science. Sam served in the U.S. Army in the Security Agency. He taught in the Denver and Waterloo school districts. Sam purchased half interest in the Dahl-Van Hove Funeral Home in 1969.
His wife Lois was born in Wausau, Wisconsin and graduated from Marathon High School and Wartburg College in 1952, where she received a Bachelor of Music Education degree. She taught in the Denver school district for several years. Lois was choir director in Denver, Independence and Cedar Falls. Lois died February 9, 2017.
They have three children, Pam Bryan of Arvada, Colorado, Bob of Washburn and Rich of Cedar Falls.
Merwin K. "Sam" Schoof
In Memory
Sam died December 28, 2018 at NewAldaya Lifescapes in Cedar Falls. He was born and raised in Waverly, Iowa. He is a graduate of Waverly High School, the University of Northern Iowa in 1953 and Milwaukee Institute of Mortuary Science. Sam served in the U.S. Army in the Security Agency. He taught in the Denver and Waterloo school districts. Sam purchased half interest in the Dahl-Van Hove Funeral Home in 1969.
His wife Lois was born in Wausau, Wisconsin and graduated from Marathon High School and Wartburg College in 1952, where she received a Bachelor of Music Education degree. She taught in the Denver school district for several years. Lois was choir director in Denver, Independence and Cedar Falls. Lois died February 9, 2017.
They have three children, Pam Bryan of Arvada, Colorado, Bob of Washburn and Rich of Cedar Falls.
S. H. "Van" Van Hove
In Memory
Van was born on a farm near Titonka, Iowa, and graduated from Titonka High School in 1950. He was a 1953 graduate of St. Louis College of Mortuary Science and attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. In 1959 he purchased a funeral home in Dows, Iowa, and opened a branch in Latimer, Iowa. In 1968 he and his family moved to Cedar Falls purchasing the Dahl Funeral Home.
He and his wife Wanda had two daughters, Lori Van Hove of San Juan Capistrano, California, and Lynelle (Ron) Roetzel of Eagan, Minnesota, and three grandchildren, Ben, Daniel, and Lydia. Van was a member of the Cedar Falls Lions Club and he and his wife were members of Nazareth Lutheran Church. He retired at the end of February 2019. Sylvester died Saturday, October 12, 2024, in Minnetonka, Minnesota, at 92. We are thankful to him for his many years of service and leadership.
S. H. "Van" Van Hove
In Memory
Van was born on a farm near Titonka, Iowa, and graduated from Titonka High School in 1950. He was a 1953 graduate of St. Louis College of Mortuary Science and attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. In 1959 he purchased a funeral home in Dows, Iowa, and opened a branch in Latimer, Iowa. In 1968 he and his family moved to Cedar Falls purchasing the Dahl Funeral Home.
He and his wife Wanda had two daughters, Lori Van Hove of San Juan Capistrano, California, and Lynelle (Ron) Roetzel of Eagan, Minnesota, and three grandchildren, Ben, Daniel, and Lydia. Van was a member of the Cedar Falls Lions Club and he and his wife were members of Nazareth Lutheran Church. He retired at the end of February 2019. Sylvester died Saturday, October 12, 2024, in Minnetonka, Minnesota, at 92. We are thankful to him for his many years of service and leadership.
Lynn M. Izer
In Memory
Lynn died Tuesday, May 16, 2000 in a motorcycle accident in Cedar Falls. He was a 1987 graduate of Alden High School in Alden, Iowa. Lynn made his home in Iowa Falls following high school and attended Ellsworth Community College. He was a 1996 graduate of the Mortuary Science Department of Kansas City Kansas Community College. Lynn served his internship with the funeral home and became a licensed funeral director in 1998. He spent his free time officiating high school and college baseball and basketball. Lynn lived in Cedar Falls and was a member of Nazareth Lutheran Church. He was 31 years of age.
Lynn is survived by his wife Shannon and his son, Jackson, both of Cedar Falls; his parents, Marion and Shirley Izer of Iowa Falls, Iowa; a brother, Marty Izer of Alden, Iowa; two sisters, Shellane Nicknam of San Jose, California and Rochelle Armstrong of Burnsville, Minnesota; and his father and mother-in-law, Gary and Linda Skiles of Cedar Falls. He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.
Lynn M. Izer
In Memory
Lynn died Tuesday, May 16, 2000 in a motorcycle accident in Cedar Falls. He was a 1987 graduate of Alden High School in Alden, Iowa. Lynn made his home in Iowa Falls following high school and attended Ellsworth Community College. He was a 1996 graduate of the Mortuary Science Department of Kansas City Kansas Community College. Lynn served his internship with the funeral home and became a licensed funeral director in 1998. He spent his free time officiating high school and college baseball and basketball. Lynn lived in Cedar Falls and was a member of Nazareth Lutheran Church. He was 31 years of age.
Lynn is survived by his wife Shannon and his son, Jackson, both of Cedar Falls; his parents, Marion and Shirley Izer of Iowa Falls, Iowa; a brother, Marty Izer of Alden, Iowa; two sisters, Shellane Nicknam of San Jose, California and Rochelle Armstrong of Burnsville, Minnesota; and his father and mother-in-law, Gary and Linda Skiles of Cedar Falls. He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.
Virgil J. Keeler
In Memory
Virgil died Sunday, April 20, 2008, at his home in Cedar Falls. He was born December 14, 1929, at Albion, Iowa, the son of Lester and Verna (Stofferahn) Keeler. Virgil married Marlys Ann Thomas on July 24, 1949, in Albion, Iowa. Since 1986, he has been the Family Service Counselor at the Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home. Virgil was 78 years of age.
Survivors include his wife, Marlys Ann Keeler, of Cedar Falls; one son, Dennis (Sue) Keeler of Shakopee, Minnesota; two daughters, Debbie Keeler of Independence, Iowa and Diane (Jerry) Heiser of Cedar Falls; three grandchildren, Kelli Jo Folkers of Cedar Falls, Jim Keeler, serving with the National Guard in Kosovo and Brian (Amy) Folkers of Kansas City, Missouri; one great-grandson, Bryce Folkers of Kansas City; one brother, Corwin (Dorothy) Keeler of Albion and one sister in law, Rose Keeler of Marshalltown, Iowa. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jerry Keeler.
Virgil J. Keeler
In Memory
Virgil died Sunday, April 20, 2008, at his home in Cedar Falls. He was born December 14, 1929, at Albion, Iowa, the son of Lester and Verna (Stofferahn) Keeler. Virgil married Marlys Ann Thomas on July 24, 1949, in Albion, Iowa. Since 1986, he has been the Family Service Counselor at the Dahl-Van Hove-Schoof Funeral Home. Virgil was 78 years of age.
Survivors include his wife, Marlys Ann Keeler, of Cedar Falls; one son, Dennis (Sue) Keeler of Shakopee, Minnesota; two daughters, Debbie Keeler of Independence, Iowa and Diane (Jerry) Heiser of Cedar Falls; three grandchildren, Kelli Jo Folkers of Cedar Falls, Jim Keeler, serving with the National Guard in Kosovo and Brian (Amy) Folkers of Kansas City, Missouri; one great-grandson, Bryce Folkers of Kansas City; one brother, Corwin (Dorothy) Keeler of Albion and one sister in law, Rose Keeler of Marshalltown, Iowa. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jerry Keeler.
Curt and Lana Hochreiter
In Memory
Curt Hochreiter, 90, of Cedar Falls, passed away at UPH/Allen Hospital of Waterloo on Sunday, January 5, 2025 — surrounded by family. He was born in Albert Lea, MN, on August 14, 1934, son of Fred and Bernice (Johnson) Hochreiter. Curt graduated from high school in Kiester, MN, with the Class of 1953. He studied machinist and advanced machinist coursework at Hawkeye Tech. He married Bonnie Buendorf on June 21, 1956, and they had four daughters together, later divorcing. Curt worked for John Deere Tractor Works in Waterloo for 40 years, retiring in 1994. He was a proud Union Worker at UAW Local 838 where he was a Union Steward and served on the election and recreation committees.
Curt married Lana (Jacobsen) Huebner on October 19, 1991, at Nazareth Lutheran Church. Curt was an avid volunteer at Nazareth, Allen Hospital, Cedar Valley Trail Patrol, in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and with Cedar Valley Cyclists to name a few organizations. He and Lana together received the Iowa Governor’s Award for Volunteers in 2023.
Curt was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Eleanor Whisenhunt and Marlys Reed; a grandson; and three granddaughters. He was a devoted husband of 33 years to Lana; loving father to daughters: Terri (Dean) Snell of California, Kimberly (Mike) Miller of Missouri, Wendy (Roberta) Hochreiter of Illinois, and Bobbi Jo (Erik) Renkel of West Des Moines, and step-children: Greg (Irene), Dan (Lori), Suzie (John), Darrell (Julie), Jane (Anthony), Carla, and Kim (Tim); adored grandfather and great-grandfather to many; and sweet uncle to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Curt and Lana Hochreiter
In Memory
Curt Hochreiter, 90, of Cedar Falls, passed away at UPH/Allen Hospital of Waterloo on Sunday, January 5, 2025 — surrounded by family. He was born in Albert Lea, MN, on August 14, 1934, son of Fred and Bernice (Johnson) Hochreiter. Curt graduated from high school in Kiester, MN, with the Class of 1953. He studied machinist and advanced machinist coursework at Hawkeye Tech. He married Bonnie Buendorf on June 21, 1956, and they had four daughters together, later divorcing. Curt worked for John Deere Tractor Works in Waterloo for 40 years, retiring in 1994. He was a proud Union Worker at UAW Local 838 where he was a Union Steward and served on the election and recreation committees.
Curt married Lana (Jacobsen) Huebner on October 19, 1991, at Nazareth Lutheran Church. Curt was an avid volunteer at Nazareth, Allen Hospital, Cedar Valley Trail Patrol, in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, and with Cedar Valley Cyclists to name a few organizations. He and Lana together received the Iowa Governor’s Award for Volunteers in 2023.
Curt was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Eleanor Whisenhunt and Marlys Reed; a grandson; and three granddaughters. He was a devoted husband of 33 years to Lana; loving father to daughters: Terri (Dean) Snell of California, Kimberly (Mike) Miller of Missouri, Wendy (Roberta) Hochreiter of Illinois, and Bobbi Jo (Erik) Renkel of West Des Moines, and step-children: Greg (Irene), Dan (Lori), Suzie (John), Darrell (Julie), Jane (Anthony), Carla, and Kim (Tim); adored grandfather and great-grandfather to many; and sweet uncle to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
