Family Service Representatives

At Michigan Memorial Park, we hire only mature, caring representatives who put the needs of grieving families first. They are all dedicated to making the process of choosing a final resting place for your loved ones or yourself a smooth and professional process. Contact any of our representatives at (734) 782-2473.

Joe Fugedi

Joe, a graduate of the University of Iowa and a former teacher in Detroit Public Schools, came to Michigan Memorial as a sales representative in December 1969. During his time at the cemetery he has held several positions, such as Manager of Michigan Memorial Park's vault manufacturing plant, office manager and sales & marketing manager. Even as Joe assumed different responsibilities, he has always stayed active as a sales representative and over the years has received numerous awards for the compassionate guidance to the many families he has assisted.

"Over the years I have witnessed too many families making cemetery and funeral arrangements immediately after the passing of a loved one while in a very emotional state and under stress. I am convinced that making arrangements in advance of need is certainly easier, kinder and more economical."

Joe has been married to Julie since 1981, has four children and three grandchildren. He has been a member of Ward Presbyterian Church since 1980, was a member in the choir and serves as an elder. He enjoys skiing in the winter and weekends at the cottage on Vineyard Lake in Irish Hills.

Dan Rice

Dan has been representing Michigan Memorial Park since April 1981. He enjoys the opportunity to guide families in making decisions that affect their entire family and building relationships that last for years. Because of Dan's commitment to what he does, it has led his wife Debbie and daughters Cindy and Amy to join the staff.

Dan has been married to Debbie since 1970, has three children and eleven grandchildren. He attends Northline Baptist Church where he is a Deacon and adult teacher. Dan is originally from Pikeville, Kentucky.

Herb Evans

Herb has been representing Michigan Memorial Park since June 1982. He enjoys the relationships that he has made with families he has met while working here along with his Michigan Memorial family. His time spent representing Michigan Memorial Park has been very rewarding to him.

Herb has lived in Flat Rock for over 40 years, has been married since 1970 to his wife Elaine, and has two daughters and two grandsons. He is a Charter member of Community Lutheran Church in Flat Rock, a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Carleton, and a member of the American Legion in Carleton.

Debbie Rice

Debbie has been representing Michigan Memorial Park since May 1998. She enjoys working with families and showing them all their options. It is important that each person she represents decides what is best for them, many of which have remained friends years later.

Debbie has been married to Dan since 1970, has three children and eleven grandchildren. Debbie is very involved with her church, Northline Baptist. She also has a non-profit charity named Debbie's Closet which assists families going through short term struggles.

Jack Catton

Having represented Michigan Memorial Park for five years during the 1990's, Jack and his wife Louise moved to Traverse City and owned/operated a Heavenly Ham franchise for six years. He then worked for the Leelanau County Sheriff's Department for another four years, before returning to Michigan Memorial Park five years ago.

He and Louise together have six children, fifteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. They are members of Twin Oaks Christian Church in Woodhaven, where Jack serves as a Deacon and Louise is Director of Women's Ministries.

"I thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to be a calming presence in the midst of a family's most difficult time, gaining their confidence and respect and many times, lasting friendships."

Rick Thompson

Rick has been representing Michigan Memorial Park since May 2004. He enjoys the people. Whether it's the staff or the families he represents, they enrich the experience of being part of the Michigan Memorial Park family.

Masonic Affiliations: Golden Ark #595 F&AM (past Master), Sunlight Chapter #189 RAM, Moslem Shriners and Taylor Shrine Club.

Larry Piiparinen

Larry has been representing Michigan Memorial Park since March 2005. As "your" Family Service Representative, Larry's goal is to support and serve families by educating them about all the benefits of pre-planning. It is so important for them to know they are dealing with someone they can really trust and help guide them through this sensitive process based on their wishes and concerns. He receives personal fulfillment in knowing that he has helped so many and enabled them to live their lives to the fullest, without worrying about leaving any emotional and financial burdens for their loved ones.

Larry is a member of Faith Christian Assembly in Melvindale, Michigan

Cindy Stevens

Cindy has been representing Michigan Memorial Park since September 2006. For her, it's all about the families. She has shared all types of emotions with her families from tears to happy memories. "Very few careers give the opportunity to help guide families through such important decisions. It's about being someone people can trust and I take this responsibility very seriously".

She is married to Ron and has three sons. She attends Northline Baptist Church.

Patti Leaman

Patti has been representing Michigan Memorial Park since April 2007. She loves working at Michigan Memorial because she feels she can make a difference in people's lives. She finds her job rewarding and gratifying, knowing she is helping families through difficult times. "When you get a big hug from a family member thanking you for all your help and guidance, that means a lot to me. This is why I'm honored to be part of the Michigan Memorial family."

She has been married to husband Scott since 2001 and they reside in Southgate. Between both of them, they have four children and seven grandchildren. She loves camping and golf in the summer, working out and spending time with her family.

Amy Bettinger

Amy is married to Ryan Bettinger, who is the Pastor at Northline Baptist Church in Taylor. They have four wonderful children named Lexi, Ali, Asher and Judah.

Working in the church, Amy and Ryan have counseled many families going through difficult times. Losing a loved one is not only very emotionally and physically difficult, but at times overwhelming. It is at these times when you, as the family, need to know you are working with someone who demonstrates compassion and integrity.

Rebecca Scott                                                                                                                  

Being a Family Service Representative for Michigan Memorial Park has given Rebecca the      

opportunity to meet many wonderful families. "I have found it very rewarding having the chance to help families in their time of need. Taking the first step is always the hardest, but pre-planning really takes the stress and burden off your family."       

                                                                                                                   

Rebecca lives downriver with her husband, daughter and toy poodle. She is an active member of the 1st Presbyterian Church of Dearborn.                                                                                           

Lori Conn                                                                                                                                                                                                       

"I approach each family that comes to Michigan Memorial as if they were my own, which means I want the best for each and every one of them. I take particular care to listen to a family's needs, wants and wishes. Then, together, we prepare a package that reflects the family and tells their unique story. When the family is grateful and gives me a huge hug, I know I have done my best for them. I go home in the evenings feeling very fulfilled."

Lori leads a busy life with her husband, Mike, and their five sons. They support their children in many activities such as travel hockey and symphony band. They are also members of the Belleville Yacht Club. Lori serves as Treasurer for the local hockey league and is active at Trinity Episcopal Church, the Autism Speaks Society and the Yankee Air Force Museum.

Cathy Williams                                                                                                                                                                                                  

At the urging of her husband who thought she would be a "good fit", Cathy replied to an  employment 

advertisement for Michigan Memorial Park and was thrilled to be asked to join the Michigan Memorial family.

Since joining she continues creating relationships with our families and truly loves people. In addition to

enjoying the families, she also enjoys the atmosphere and staff.

Cathy lives in Gibraltar with her husband Bob, whom she has been married to since 1990. They have raised two lovely daughters who now both attend Oakland University. Like many other downriver residents, she and her family have enjoyed boating the Great Lakes for many years and are members of the Ford Yacht Club.