Meet Our Staff

At Dokken-Nelson we are a team. Our staff of skilled and talented people are what make Dokken-Nelson exceptional—providing the hands that do the work, embodying the integrity of the company, and focusing continuously on achieving client-family satisfaction. Each person is committed to going above and beyond what is just acceptable to ensure that your experience is as comforting and meaningful as possible.

photo
Chris Remely Funeral Director & Owner
photo
Bailey Krause Funeral Director & Assistant Manager
photo
Jacob Krause P-T Funeral Director
photo
Luke Foreman P-T Funeral Director
photo
Shanna Hamilton Administrative Assistant
photo
Mikel Bechtold Staff Assistant
photo
Cyndi Lockart Funeral Director Assistant
photo
Pat Lorang Funeral Director Assistant
photo
Alice Van Dyke Funeral Director Assistant
photo
Rob Petroff Funeral Director Assistant
photo
April Rhodes Funeral Director Assistant
photo
Lora Holmes Funeral Director Assistant
photo
Marsha Fendler Funeral Director Assistant

Chris Remely

Funeral Director & Owner
photo

Chris grew up in Bozeman, graduating from Bozeman Senior High School in 1987 and from Montana State University with a Business Finance Degree in 1992. He attended mortuary school at the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science, graduating in February of 1995, and has been with Dokken-Nelson since that time. Chris and his wife, Monica, purchased Dokken-Nelson in September of 2007. Chris served many years on the MSU Bobcat Club Board and on the Athletic Advisory Board, the Bozeman Deaconess Foundation Board, and the Grace Bible Church Deacon Board. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association, Montana Funeral Directors Association, and Grace Bible Church. Chris and Monica have two daughters, Taylor and Ashley. When he is not working Chris enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and attending MSU sporting events.

Bailey Krause

Funeral Director & Assistant Manager
photo

Bailey was born and raised in Wisconsin. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science with a minor in Religious Studies in 2020 from the University of Minnesota. From 2019-2020, Bailey served as the President of the Mortuary Science Student Association, and she co-chaired the Anatomy Bequest Service of Gratitude. Bailey volunteered at Crescent Cove Children’s Hospice and Respite Home in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, while earning her degree. In her down time Bailey enjoys the outdoors, which made moving to Montana a great fit.

 

Jacob Krause

P-T Funeral Director
photo

Jacob grew up in Milwaukee and is a licensed Funeral Director through the Mortuary Science Program at Milwaukee Area Technical College. A graduate of Montana State University, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Accounting with a minor in Small Business Management. When Jacob left Bozeman after graduation he knew he would return some day. Joining Team Dokken-Nelson in 2022 was the perfect opportunity. And his love of all things outdoors made it an easy decision to head west. He has since left his full-time position at Dokken-Nelson, but helps out occasionally as needed.

Luke Foreman

P-T Funeral Director
photo

Luke is a Bozeman native, graduating from Manhattan Christian High School in 2013 before moving to downtown Chicago where he received his bachelor's degree in Pastoral Studies from Moody Bible Institute. He also attended the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service and received a degree in mortuary science and is now a licensed funeral director. When he is not working, he enjoys spending time with his amazing wife, Tatjana, rock climbing, hiking, camping, fishing, and drinking coffee. Luke has transitioned away from a full-time position with Dokken-Nelson but helps out occasionally as needed.

Shanna Hamilton

Administrative Assistant
photo

Shanna was born and raised in Billings, MT--a 2nd generation graduate from Billings Senior High in 1987. Shanna moved to Bozeman in 2014 with her husband, Cory, and two girls, Braelyn & Kennadi, after he finished his military career. She loves to spend time with her family outdoors hiking, BBQing, walking the dog, or skiing. She also loves to take road trips exploring palces off the beaten path. Before joining the Dokken-Nelson team, she spent her career in retail sales management.

Mikel Bechtold

Staff Assistant
photo

Cyndi Lockart

Funeral Director Assistant
photo

Cyndi grew up in Gallatin Gateway and graduated from Bozeman Senior High School in 1978. She has worked part-time for Dokken-Nelson as a Funeral Director Assistant since 2004. She has been a volunteer at the Bozeman Help Center on the crisis line. In her off time, Cyndi enjoys going to the movies and traveling.

Pat Lorang

Funeral Director Assistant
photo

Pat is a Montana native, raised on a ranch south of Great Falls.  She earned a BS degree with honors from MSU and her first career was a high school science teacher and speech/debate coach.  Her family of 3 adult children, 7 adorable grandkids and a special niece and nephew bring constant joy.  In addition to entertaining friends, Pat enjoys traveling, Bobcat sports, and being outdoors in any summer activity the valley provides.

Alice Van Dyke

Funeral Director Assistant
photo

Alice was born in Missoula and grew up on what is now the Wheat Montana farm in Three Forks. She and her husband are 2nd generation cattle ranchers in the Gallatin Valley. She enjoys traveling, especially to any beach. She also enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. 

Rob Petroff

Funeral Director Assistant
photo

Robert (Rob) was born and raised in Bozeman, Montana. Growing up he played numerous sports, enjoyed snowboarding the mountains of Montana, and fishing—while also becoming a race car driver at the age of 16, which he still continues to do. He is a proud father, and an up-and-coming businessman. Rob has been with Dokken-Nelson since the beginning of 2021 and plans to continue his role here for years to come.

April Rhodes

Funeral Director Assistant
photo

April was born and raised in Aberdeen, WA. In 2019, she embarked on a new chapter by relocating to the beautiful landscapes of Montana. April was a CNA for four years, and has worked in a funeral home for as long as she can remember. She is the third generation in her family legacy in funeral service. April finds joy in baking, as well as being in the great outdoors—whether hiking or exploring new destinations with her husband, Philip, and their fun-loving German Shepherd, Depot.

Lora Holmes

Funeral Director Assistant
photo

Lora's family moved to Bozeman when she was six years old, and she has called it home ever since. She attended Mount Ellis Academy and pursued further education at Montana State University, majoring in English Literature. She is driven to assist people during their most critical moments of need. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, and playing the piano.

Marsha Fendler

Funeral Director Assistant
photo

Marsha was born and raised in Bozeman, graduating from Bozeman High School. She was a bookkeeper for several companies, including the plumbing business she and her husband, Eric, owned for 25 years. Marsha enjoys spending time with her five children and all of her grandchildren. She loves to travel and do jigsaw puzzles when she has extra time.