Our Staff

David Klassen

Funeral Director

David Klassen realized his passion for funeral service at a family funeral.  He observed the care of the funeral director and decided then and there to pursue it as a career.

As well as being a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan, David holds a degree in music and counselling.  David worked with and was mentored by Perry Bulbuck for more than 27 years, before Perry’s unexpected death.

David is a member of the Funeral Board of Manitoba.  He enjoys volunteering on various committees and community events.  He and his wife Melissa are members of the Russell Alliance Church.

David and his wife Melissa have 4 children and 6 grandchildren, and he loves spending time with them.  He has many other interests revolving around music and sports.

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Bryce Paterson

Funeral Director

Bryce Paterson was born and raised in Hamiota, Manitoba.  He found his calling in his teen years to commit his life to serving families during their grief. Bryce serves his families with care and compassion.  He has been fortunate to serve families with a great team of professionals since he began with The 110 group in 1998. He is a certified Funeral Director and Embalmer in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan.  He began his training in 2004 through the Western School of Funeral Service and graduated with honours. Bryce & his wife Michelle enjoy spending time with their daughters Michaela and Évangéline, as well as having quality time with family and friends.

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Rick Thom

Funeral Director

As a young man, Rick Thom was impacted by the death of his mother and wanted to be able to assist others as they went through the grief process. The memories he carries gives him reason to minister into the lives of the families he serves.  Rick has heart for the people he serves and listens to the families as they share their stories.  He strives to assist them in planning a funeral that will honour the life of their loved one.

Rick began working with Braendle-Bruce Funeral Service in 1977, having graduated from the Western School of Mortuary Practice.  He is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in Manitoba and a licensed Funeral Director in Saskatchewan.  Rick has also completed numerous continuing education courses to better support the families he serves.

Rick and his wife Wendy, who is the pastor of the Shoal Lake Baptist Church, have resided in Shoal Lake since 1988 and have two married sons and three grandchildren whom they love to spend time with.

Randy Klassen

Funeral Director

Randy joined our team in January 2021.  Born in Winnipeg and raised in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Randy is excited to return to the West; now residing in Esterhazy, Saskatchewan.

Randy attended Mennonite Brethren Bible College studying psychology, religion, and counselling.  Randy also studied graphic design, and later in his career, became a Certified Human Resources Professional.  Randy worked with at-risk children and youth in several roles, the most recent as the Executive Director of a non-profit agency.  Randy has served on several committees and boards for at-risk youth, adult training services, and local sports clubs.

Randy has two adult children.  He enjoys photography, recreational volleyball and cycling.

Lori Gallant

Office Administrator

Lori was born in Russell, MB and currently lives in her hometown of Angusville, MB. She graduated from Major Pratt Collegiate in Russell with a business diploma.

Lori began working as the office administrator for Braendle-Bruce Funeral Service in March 2001. Lori enjoys working with the families she serves.

After experiencing the loss of her husband at a young age, she believes in the importance to giving more than is asked for. Special attention and personalization add so much to funeral service.

Lori and her late husband Lorne have two sons; Kyle and his wife Kim who live in Winnipeg and Colin who lives in Calgary.  Lori is an active member and serves on the parish council for St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Russell, MB.  Lori also volunteers for the care and maintenance of St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in the RM of Riding Mountain West.

Joyce Karau

Administrative Assistant

Joyce is originally from Frankford, Ontario and has lived in many places including Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories before arriving in Saskatchewan.

Joyce is a Library Technician and a Family Literacy Facilitator who joined the funeral home in 2016.

As an avid quilter, Joyce enjoys sharing this art with those around her.  She has volunteered for a broad assortment of organizations over the years and currently volunteers with Quilts of Valour Canada and Saskatchewan Angel Dresses.

Ron Drozda

Funeral Assistant

Devona Putland

Funeral Assistant

Devona was raised on a farm near Churchbridge, Saskatchewan.  She has her Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan and her Master of Educational Administration from the University of Regina.  She has worked and taught in Mongolia and India through the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation, as well as in Saskatchewan, most recently in Moosomin.

Devona joined the funeral home in April 2019.  In her spare time, she likes to travel, garden, golf and bake.  Devona is also an End of Life Doula.  She is a Rough Rider season ticket holder and wears green proudly!

Devona serves on the provincial Superannuated Teachers’ of Saskatchewan Executive as a member at large, as well as serving as president of the Moosomin Chapter.

Melinda Schentag

Funeral Assistant