Counselors
The certified counselors at Cedar Memorial make the funeral planning process simple and affordable. Our counselors are specially trained through a national certification program to serve the best interests of you and your family.
Brad Kurtz
Director of Sales and Marketing
Brad leads the creation and implementation of marketing programs and materials that educate the benefits of preplanning and the unique services offered by Cedar Memorial. He also oversees and guides the Family Service Counselors, ensuring they are best equipped to provide assistance to the families that we are honored to serve.
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Brad began serving families in 2001 as a funeral director assistant while attending Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School. He later graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science and has been an Iowa licensed Funeral Director since 2006.
Brad is a member of Christ Episcopal Church, Mt. Hermon Masonic Lodge, the Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite, El Kahir Shrine, Cedar Rapids Daybreak Rotary, the National Funeral Directors Association, and the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association. Brad and his wife Jaclyn are proud to reside in their hometown of Cedar Rapids with their four children, Thomas, Hope, Henry, and Mary.
Jill Christine
Family Service Counselor
Jill began her career at Cedar Memorial in February of 2009. Her role as a Family Service Counselor involves helping families secure their cemetery and memorialization needs, as well as planning funeral services before death occurs. She received her Certified Planning Consultant accreditation in October 2011.
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Having been on the ‘other side of the table’ to plan a loved one’s funeral, she understands how overwhelming it can be for individuals and families during the selection process. She believes that helping families make as many decisions as possible prior to death truly serves as a gift to their loved ones. The gift of preplanning allows the survivors to experience less stress in decision making and gives comfort and peace knowing they are fulfilling their loved one’s last wishes. Jill educates families on the options available and then allows them to select the disposition and service that is right for them. Since preplanning is not the ‘easiest thing to discuss', her intention is to make the process as simple and comfortable as possible.
Jill graduated from Luther College in 1992 with a degree in nursing. She went on to work as a registered nurse in LaCrosse, WI before moving to Cedar Rapids. She is active with women’s ministry programs.
Jill has two daughters, Kennedy and Madison. She enjoys hiking and snowshoeing, interior design, needlework, cooking and scrapbooking.
Crystal Ellis
Family Service Counselor
Crystal began her career at Cedar Memorial in March of 2017. As a Family Service Counselor she serves our families by helping with their pre-planning decisions for cemetery, mausoleum and memorialization needs. She also assists in securing decisions in preplanning funeral arrangements for families and individuals before the time of need by making the process as simplified and comfortable as possible. She truly believes that securing your arrangements can serve as a gift to your loved ones.
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Crystal graduated from Mount Mercy College in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry where she went on to work in the science and technology field. She is active in the community volunteering for the Iowa Donor Network, Iowa Lions Eye Bank, Dogs Forever and Project Linus.
She enjoys traveling to new places, Christmas, her motorcycle, watching old movies, finding new adventures each month, and mostly spending time with her dog, (who she’s pretty sure is a reincarnated six year old boy) Max.
Kristin Murphy
Family Service Counselor
Kristin joined the Cedar Memorial family in 2017 after serving for many years as an elementary school teacher. Her vast experience facilitating learning and presenting options for meaningful decision making has transitioned well into her role as Family Service Counselor. Kristin believes that preparation is key to navigating the loss of a loved one. Preplanning funeral services and internment rights creates a road map for survivors, and provides assurance in the knowledge that final arrangements are in order.
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Kristin is a native Iowan and graduated from Washington High School in Cedar Rapids. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from George Mason University in Virginia and holds a New Jersey State Teachers Certificate. After many years on the East Coast, where she raised two wonderful daughters, Kristin returned ‘home’ to the Hawkeye State. She enjoys weekend drives through the beautiful countryside, tent camping, bike riding, and growing edible flowers.
Delcy Haack
Family Service Counselor
Delcy joined Cedar Memorial in February 2021 after twenty-seven years in media. Having experienced death loss in her own family, she believes that preplanning is the best gift anyone can give to their family. Delcy is honored to assist families during the preneed planning process as well as the selection of options at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
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Delcy Graduated from Hamilton College in 1992 in accounting. She started her media career in television and then managed sales departments for area radio stations.
Delcy has three adult sons, Grant and his wife Roxana live in Orgeon, Carter is a Cedar Rapids Area Realtor with EXIT and Zak is a recent Graduate of Linn Mar High School. She also has two “fur babies” Kudoz and Grayson. She spends her free time with family, snuggling puppies, home decorating and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Indianapolis Colts. Fall IS the best time of year!