DAKAN FUNERAL CHAPEL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- CFSP, Licensed Mortician, Managing Partner & Funeral Director, Joined Dakan Funeral Chapel in 1981
- Licensed Mortician - Managing Partner - Funeral Director
Alan C. Kerrick, CFSP, Licensed Mortician, Managing Partner & Funeral Director, joined Dakan Funeral Chapel in 1981.
Alan graduated from Caldwell High School and San Francisco College of Mortuary Science. He also attended the College of Idaho in Caldwell and Boise State University. Alan is a Licensed Mortician in the State of Idaho and is also Certified as a Funeral Service Practitioner by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice. He currently is the Managing Partner and is a practicing Embalmer and Funeral Director. Alan is a fourth generation Canyon County resident. He is married to the former Lisa Canterbury of Nampa and has four children, Adam, Kara Sue, Ali and Charlie; and seven grandchildren, Dylan, Logan, Riley, Taylor, Braxton, Pearl and Rose. He attends Boone Memorial Presbyterian Church and is a member of Caldwell Lodge No. 1448 B.P.O.E. and a member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell. He is also a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, a member and past district trustee of the Idaho Funeral Service Association, and a member and past president of the Treasure Valley Funeral Directors Association. He enjoys skiing, boating, motorcycling, yard work, running cross country, and time spent at the family cabin.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Funeral Director - Resident Trainee - Administrative Assistant - Benefits Coordinator
Chantele (Dice) Hensel was raised in Nampa, Idaho and graduated from Vallivue High School. She was very active in the horse community and enjoyed an agricultural-based lifestyle. Specifically, she reigned as McCall Senior Rodeo Queen, traveling across Idaho meeting new people.
Chantele married her best friend Michael in 2008 and has four children, Zach, Garrett, Paige and Audie. She is the proud grandmother "Bama" to a wonderful Granddaughter.
In late 2014, after she sent Audie to kindergarten, she went back to another passion she had developed throughout the years, newspaper design and production. Chantele is the publisher of The Caldwell Perspective, a monthly community generated newspaper and the 2014 Caldwell Chamber of Commerce Rookie Business of the Year.
Chantele's love of people has been the driving force in her life. Chantele provides care to our families in a multitude of roles. She is likely to be one of the first people you will meet, and with patience, compassion, and love, she will help you through the transition as your loved one comes into our care. For Chantele, this is not a job, it is a calling.
Chantele is furthering her education to pursue her passion in the funeral industry as funeral director.
Darrel provides funeral pre-planning assistance to families. He is fully licensed to assist in the writing of insurance policies that qualify for funeral plan trusts. Darrel can meet with you at the funeral home or in the privacy of your own home.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Mortician - Managing Partner Emeritis - Funeral Director
- Licensed Mortician, Managing Partner Emeritis & Funeral Director, Joined Dakan Funeral Chapel in 1973
Douglas K. Reinke, Licensed Mortician, Managing Partner Emeritis & Funeral Director, joined Dakan Funeral Chapel in 1973.
Hunter is an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for hunting and fly fishing. When he's not exploring the outdoors, he's dedicated to his role in the insurance industry, specializing in helping folks set up their funeral prearrangements. With a genuine desire to assist and support others, Hunter finds fulfillment in helping people navigate through important decisions and ensure peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.
Combining his love for the outdoors with his professional endeavors, Hunter brings a unique perspective to his work, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and protection in all aspects of life.
With a strong commitment to professionalism and integrity, Hunter is known for his reliability, empathy, and dedication to serving others. Whether he's in the office or out in nature, his passion for helping people shines through, making him a trusted advisor and a valuable asset to his clients and colleagues alike.
Job Titles:
- Ambassador - Former Owner
- Second Generation Owner
James R. Dakan is a second generation owner of Dakan Funeral Chapel, being the son of T. Wilbur Dakan. Jim has been in and around the funeral business most all of his life. His earliest memories are living at the funeral chapel with his parents. Jim was raised and educated in Caldwell. After serving in the military, he graduated from San Francisco College of Mortuary Science and became licensed as a Mortician in the State of Idaho. He joined the family business and later purchased it in 1972. Jim has served our community in many ways, most notably as Mayor. He has been very active in civic clubs and fraternal organizations. He was very active in Shriner's organizations and served as Potentate for the State of Idaho, just as his father had. Jim retired from the business in 1996, but returned in 2018 and now serves as an Ambassador.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant - Family Benefits Coordinator
- Benefits Coordinator & Administrative Assistant, Joined Dakan Funeral Chapel in 1998
Lisa C. Kerrick, Benefits Coordinator & Administrative Assistant, joined Dakan Funeral Chapel in 1998.
Lisa was raised as Lisa Canterbury in Nampa, Idaho, where she attended school. She later graduated from the American Institute of Medical and Dental Technology as a Registered Medical Assistant. She married Alan C. Kerrick of Caldwell and has four children, Adam, Kara Sue, Ali and Charlie; and seven grandchildren, Dylan, Logan, Riley, Taylor, Braxton, Pearl and Rose. She loves being a wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. Her hobbies include oil painting, wood crafts, and cooking. She is an active member of this community, volunteering in various ways with local schools, community sports, and city and chamber of commerce events.
Job Titles:
- Amabassador - Funeral Assistant
Nicki Wong graduated from Parma High. She and her husband Lolly were long-time Parma residents. They owned and operated Wong Snowmobiles for 26 years. Nicki has two children, Todd and Paige. She is also blessed with four grandsons. She became a Dakan staff member after her retirement from Farm Credit Services. She attends Eagle Nazarene Church. Her hobbies include gardening, sewing, painting and crafts. She counts being a wife, mother and grandmother as her greatest accomplishments.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Assistant - Administrative Assistant - Student of Mortuary Science
Nikki joined our team in August 2022. She is a current student to become a Mortician/Funeral Director.
Nikki was born in Las Vegas, Nevada and raised in Meridian, Idaho. She graduated high school in 2021 from Mountain View in Meridian.
Nikki serves our families in a multitude of roles. She is a strong team player who helps families 24/7. She has a gift for helping loved ones through the difficulty of loss, Nikki is a bright light that warms the room around her. Her energy is a drawing force. We are excited to have such an amazing young woman working beside us. Although she is young, she is a mature young woman we are so thankful for her!
Nikki's hobbies include music, art, hiking, live shows, and spending quality time with friends and family. She brings a flare of culture to our Dakan family.
Job Titles:
- Ambassador - Receptionist
- Member of the Caldwell
Ruth Rhoades joined Dakan Funeral Chapel in 2008 and has served as an Ambassador and Receptionist. Ruth is an active member of the Caldwell community as a member of Soroptimist. She is also very active and involved in rodeo in Caldwell and surrounding communities. Ruth attends Canyon Hill Church of the Nazarene.
Job Titles:
- Ambassador - Funeral Assistant
Stan was raised and educated for his first 15 years in Missouri and later moved to Wenatchee, Washington, where he graduated from high school. Stan attended Northwest Christian College in Eugene, Oregon and later Boise Bible College in Boise, Idaho. He served his country for eight years with the United States Navy. Stan married the former Glenna Gehle of Caldwell and has four children, Brent, Bruce, Brenda and Brian. He also has 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Stan attends Deer Flat Free Methodist Church of Caldwell and is a member and past president and past secretary/treasurer of the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell. He is also a member of the Photographic Society of America, and is an Eagle Scout.
Job Titles:
- Licensed Funeral Director / Titus
Titus feels like assisting families in their time of need is a calling more than a job. He is passionate about his calling and makes sure that families are well cared for.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Director
- Licensed Mortician - Funeral Director
Valden G. Christensen, Funeral Director, joined Dakan Funeral Chapel in 2004.
Valden grew up on a farm in Rigby, Idaho and came from a large family of 13 children. He married the former Valerie Benson of Logan, Utah, and they have three grown children, Spencer, Annika and Carrie. They also have a son in-law, Matt, and daughter in-law, Lauren.
Valden graduated from Utah State University in Family and Human Development and Gerontology. He then went on to mortuary school in Mesa, Arizona, where he graduated in 2004 with honors. The Christensen's are active in the Caldwell Lions Club, where they both serve on the board.
Valden attends the Caldwell 11th Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He has served as Bishop and is currently on the High Council. He enjoys traveling, playing the guitar, and cooking gourmet breakfasts. He loves serving in his community and strives to make a difference every day.
Job Titles:
- Secretary
- Funeral Assistant
Valerie grew up in Logan, Utah, and is the oldest of seven children. She is married to Valden Christensen, and they are the parents of three adult children, a son in-law and daughter in-law.
Valerie graduated from Ricks College (now BYU-Idaho) and Utah State University with a degree in Family and Human Development. She attends the Caldwell 11th Latter Day Saints Ward and teaches Sunday School to 12 year-olds.
Valerie is active in her community and currently serves on the Board of the Lions Club as 2nd Vice President. She writes several columns for the Caldwell Perspective newspaper.
Valerie has been a secretary, preschool teacher, and educational assistant. She likes to read, craft, sing, and travel. Most of all, she loves being a wife and mother.