Meet Our Caring Team

Shannon Gilbertson

Shannon Gilbertson

Licensed Funeral Director


Justin Turpie

Justin Turpie

Licensed Funeral Director


Eliana Branch

Eliana Branch

Funeral Director Intern

Eliana is from Minneapolis. She has bachelor’s degrees in mortuary science and in sociology of law, criminology and justice. Eliana has spent time working as a night attendant and doing clinical rotations at funeral homes. She received her cremation certificate in 2023. Eliana chose this career path because she wanted to diversify the funeral service profession and make every individual and community feel like they have a place to go in their greatest time of need. She values kindness and enjoys meeting new people every day.


Outside of work, Eliana’s hobbies include painting, playing drums, and playing the piano. She also likes soccer and volunteers as a youth coach. She has three nieces and two nephews. 

Gary Pearson

Gary Pearson

Advance Funeral Planner

Gary grew up in a farming community in the Red River Valley of Western Minnesota. Following his enlistment in the U.S. Army, he attended Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, earning bachelor’s degrees in business and English.


Since 2014, Gary has enjoyed educating people on the importance of funeral and memorial service advanced planning. He exercises great care to ensure that preferences are documented so that one’s wishes will be honored and the needs of loved ones will be met. He is honored to help bring peace of mind to individuals and loved ones through the completion of a meaningful plan.


Gary is a lifetime VFW Auxiliary Member and enjoys supporting various veteran causes and events. In his free time, Gary also likes biking and participating in water and winter sports. He and his wife reside in Stillwater, Minnesota. They enjoy spending time with their two daughters and two granddaughters at local parks or at “The Lake.”