Olson Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd., Cooper-Quiram Chapel

Scott Olson

Scott is a Rockford native and is the fifth generation of the Olson family to serve as President and Funeral Director of Olson Funeral & Cremation Services. He began working for his family's funeral home as a teenager. Though he spent the early years of his career after graduating from Denison University in northwest Colorado at a local fishing and ski outfitter, he returned to Rockford and Olson Funeral & Cremation Services after graduating from Worsham College of Mortuary Science. Scott is proud to serve his community, both as a funeral director and outside of his work. He's served on the boards of The First Tee of Greater Rockford, Keith Country Day School, Rockford Country Club, Patriots' Gateway Community Center, and was formerly the President of the Board of Commissioners for the Rockford Park District. He currently serves on the Northern Illinois Hospice Operating Board of Directors as part of their leadership team and on the Daniel James McMahon Memorial Golf Outing Board. Scott may be a recipient of The Rockford Chamber of Commerce's 40 Under 40 Award and the Rockford Park District's Community Service Award, but he says that the greatest reward is being able to work at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services. He believes that helping his community through some of their darkest days is his calling and working alongside his team of empathetic professionals makes him even more inspired to serve. Favorite way to spend a day: Scott is a family man who loves spending time with his wife and two children. When he's not working or reconnecting with his family, he loves just about anything that gets him outside, from cycling to skiing to trail running. Favorite local spot around Rockford, IL: Another way that Scott has served his community is by helping to design and build the silent sports trails at Atwood Park, just south of Rockford in New Milford. Today, Scott considers it to be his happy place, but if he's not there, you could catch him spending time on the Rock River. What do you love most about working at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services? The people on his team are the reason why Scott believes so firmly in what Olson Funeral & Cremation Services can do. He's proud of the culture that they've created, forming a place where the Rockford community can go in their time of greatest need, where they know they'll have a supportive and kind team waiting to help them.

Education: Denison University , Worsham College of Mortuary Science

Services: Funeral Services

John Nelson

A native of Chicago and the Chicagoland suburbs, John brings over 30 years of knowledge and expertise to Olson Funeral Home and Cremation Services. A fourth-generation funeral director, John was taught to set high standards for himself. His work ethic and empathetic approach were all shaped by his early experiences at his own family's funeral homes nestled within Chicago's Swedish community, instilling in him, too, a deep appreciation for cultural sensitivity and connection. His leadership roles in various funeral service establishments in both Illinois and Wisconsin have provided him with an invaluable perspective that has fine-tuned his abilities to navigate a multitude of community needs across diverse settings. He is honored to extend his heartfelt commitment to the families of Rockford and beyond, ensuring they receive the thoughtful, dignified, and compassionate care they need and deserve. Favorite Way to Spend a Day: John cherishes any time with family, especially his adult children who he is most proud of. Some of his favorite pastimes are chess, golf, and league bowling. He and his beloved are passionate about cooking. Albeit proud of his Swedish roots, John and she often celebrate their Italian ancestry, too, by creating and indulging in authentic Italian dishes together. The kitchen is the heart of his home, his sanctuary. Favorite Local Spot around Rockford: TOAD HALL Bookstore and Records, where he can hunt for his next great find to add to his vinyl collection, is a favorite spot of his. And, stopping in to 460 MEATS where he can grab one of his favorite Swedish treats during the holidays. What I Love Most About Working at Olson Funeral Home and Cremation Services: John is proud to work with an incredible group of professionals. The mutual support and shared purpose of everyone on the Olson team is making real and meaningful differences in the lives of others. He enjoys coming to the office. He considers it a pleasure and a privilege to work in an environment that cultivates such excellence in service, and to work alongside others whose principles match his own.

Services: Funeral Services

Jennifer Seay

Jennifer has been with Olson Funeral & Cremation Services for over a decade and currently holds the position of a funeral director. She attended Rock Valley College before going on to get her degree in Mortuary Science from Worsham College. A Rockford native, Jennifer finds joy in giving back to the community that raised her. She believes that small gestures make a big difference, and she's eager to lend a sympathetic ear or hold the hand of someone struggling. She loves working with a team who feel like family to her, and she hopes that everyone who enters Olson Funeral & Cremation Services comes to feel like they are their family too. Favorite way to spend a day: Jennifer considers her team to be a family to her, but she also loves spending time with her husband and kids. Favorite local spot around Rockford, IL: The quaint feeling and delicious homemade flavors keep Jennifer and her family as loyal customers to Rockton's Dairyhaus. A locally owned favorite, if you wanted to visit any ice cream shop in the Rockford area, Jennifer says this one should be it! What do you love most about working at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services? Jennifer finds joy in treating the deceased with care, helping loved ones create funerals that truly celebrate the life of the one they've lost. But her team is the reason why she's able to do her job so well. She knows that she's working with people who care just as much as she does.

Education: Rock Valley College , Mortuary Science, Worsham College

Services: Funeral Services

Clay Kloster

Clay always knew he would become the funeral director he is today. Growing up, Clay watched his grandfather, a funeral home owner, proudly serve his community with compassion and dedication. As a teenager attending school at Pecatonica High School, he worked at Countryman Funeral Home, where he was inspired by all the service and community-oriented people around him. He took the lessons he learned there and went on to graduate from Rock Valley College, before getting his degree in Mortuary Science from Worsham College. Though he was born in Rockford, Clay currently resides in Sycamore, where he's a member of Sycamore United Methodist Church, Sycamore Lions Club, and the Cook County Funeral Directors Association. Favorite way to spend a day: When he's not working, Clay loves spending time outdoors, especially with his family. He's an avid bike rider, traveler, and farmer. If he's not outside, you could catch him watching his favorite team, the Chicago White Sox, or finding some vintage styles at the local thrift stores. Favorite local spot around Sycamore, IL: Clay loves seeing shows at the historic Egyptian Theatre in DeKalb. The beautiful art deco theater is a must-see for anyone who enjoys taking in the local music and arts scenes. Restaurant-wise, Clay believes you can't go wrong with the Greek American cuisine of Sycamore's Tom and Jerry's Restaurant or the homestyle cooking of Kirkland Family Restaurant in Kirkland. What do you love most about working at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services? Having been around funeral services his entire life, Clay is a believer in giving families options and advice to help them through the loss of a loved one. He also loves training the next generation of funeral directors.

Education: Rock Valley College , Mortuary Science, Worsham College

Services: Funeral Services

Victoria (Tori) Muller

Tori is launching her career with Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, and the team is so grateful to know that the next generation of funeral directors starts with her. After graduating from Rock Valley College with an associate degree in Arts, Tori went on to get her bachelor's degree in Mortuary Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Today, Tori is a funeral director with the Olson team, serving families in the Rockford community. Favorite way to spend a day: Tori loves exercising and can often be found at Peak Fitness in Rockford or doing art projects with her niece in her free time. She's also a proud mom to two cats and eagerly spoils them. Favorite local spot around Rockford, IL: If she's not exercising in a gym, you can bet that Tori is taking advantage of the great outdoors at Nicholas Conservatory in Rockford. If you're looking for a bite to eat, Tori loves Pho Square Vietnamese Restaurant, an unassuming place that's hiding some of the best Vietnamese food Rockford has to offer. What do you love most about working at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services? Tori enjoys learning and growing alongside her Olson family, who she credits for teaching her how to not only be a funeral director, but also how to be someone that the Rockford community can trust and rely upon. Tori is eager to advance in her career, and she can't wait to continue doing it with the Olson team.

Education: Associate degree in Arts, Rock Valley College , Bachelor's degree in Mortuary Science, Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Services: Funeral Services

Peter Nichols

Peter Nichols is a funeral director with Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, which has served families in northern Illinois since 1888.

Services: Funeral Services

Steve Brunette

Steve Brunette is a funeral director with Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, which has served families in northern Illinois since 1888.

Services: Funeral Services

Jane Burden

Jane came to Olson Funeral & Cremation Services following 34 years as a teacher and administrator at Keith Country Day School, but in her position as a Family Care and Advance Planning Advisor, she continues her role as an educator. A Rockford native who graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, Jane has always enjoyed making connections in her local community, which she is committed to serving. In her role at Olson's, she holds the hands of her community members as they plan for funeral services. Because preplanning for a funeral can save families from added stress during their time of grief, the role that Jane plays is a crucial one that can make a big difference in the experience loved ones have during the funeral process. Many a time, loved ones have expressed that the deceased gave them a gift by preplanning their funeral, and Jane feels great pride in being able to pass that gift off to them. Outside of Olson's, Jane feels a calling to continue giving more to her community. She is a life-long member of Zion Lutheran Church, where she has served on numerous committees and boards, while also gracing the chorus with her lovely voice. Her love of music and arts is reflected in her many years as a board member of the Coronado Concert Association, and currently Friends of the Coronado. She also now serves as President of the North Suburban Library District Board of Trustees and is an active board member of the Swedish Historical Society. Jane currently resides in Loves Park alongside her husband and their two felines. Favorite way to spend a day: Jane loves traveling and gardening, but she's also happy to spend time at home with her husband and beloved pets. Favorite local spot around Rockford, IL: As a great lover of exploring and the arts, it's no wonder Jane has plenty of recommendations of what to see in the Rockford area. She loves taking strolls in the Nygren Wetlands in Rockton, the Sinnissippi Gardens and Nicholas Conservatory in Rockford, and the Blumen Gardens in Sycamore. If you're looking to grab a bite, Jane suggests the tapas of Abreo, the authentic Thai and Laotian dishes of Thai Sisters Café, the classic American cuisine of Greenfire, and the scrumptious Swedish plates from Stockholm Inn, which can all be found in Rockford. Don't forget to take in a show at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, also in Rockford! What do you love most about working at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services? Jane loves continuing as an educator, providing friends and neighbors with comfort and care during a difficult time. She takes much pride in what she does, which makes the funeral process much easier and less stressful. But she also takes a lot of pride in the people she's surrounded by, who are focused on care and are committed to serving Rockford and its surrounding communities.

Education: Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois

Services: Funeral Pre-Planning

Kristine Ranger

Kristine Ranger is a Family Care and Advanced Planning Advisor with Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, helping families in northern Illinois plan ahead.

Services: Funeral Pre-Planning

Wendy Elliott

Although Wendy works behind the scenes at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services as a controller, she believes strongly in the mission of making sure families have the highest level of service possible in their toughest times. Wendy received her bachelor's degree in Business Economics with a concentration in Accounting from the University of California Santa Barbara before working toward her Master of Business Administration in Business Management from the University of La Verne. Wendy has been with Olson's for nearly a decade and loves being a part of a team that's service-oriented and an integral part of the Rockford community. Favorite way to spend a day: Wendy is a lover of travel, but you won't catch her going any place cold. She loves escaping the Illinois winter and heading to warmer climates. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and she's always ready for a workout. Favorite local spot around Rockford, IL: Wendy enjoys exploring Rock Cut State Park in Loves Park. But when she's looking for a bite to eat, she enjoys going out for Mexican or Italian food. What do you love most about working at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services? While Wendy says that she truly loves her job and loves accounting, what makes the workday even better is her team. Whether she's working or not, she enjoys being around such kindhearted people and considers them to be her second family.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Economics, concentration in Accounting, University of California Santa Barbara , MBA studies in Business Management, University of La Verne

Lindsey Ralston

Lindsey was raised in the Roscoe area, but she returned home to Rockford to work with the Olson Funeral & Cremation Services family back in 2017. She attended school at Hononegah High School before getting her bachelor's degree in Family and Human Development at Arizona State University. Today, Lindsey is an administrator at Olson's, where she strives to demonstrate the respect, compassion, and communication that the family-owned funeral home is known for. Favorite way to spend a day: Lindsey loves spending time with her family and friends, but she also enjoys taking every opportunity that she can to travel to warm places. When she's not traveling, she can be found with her nose in a book, getting lost in other places that way. Favorite local spot around Rockford, IL: Whether she's taking a walk or sitting by the lake, Lindsey enjoys being at Rock Cut State Park in Loves Park. And for a bite afterward, she believes you can't go wrong with the tasty options at Pig Minds Brewing in Machesney Park. What do you love most about working at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services? Lindsey loves being someone that the community of Rockford can count on. She knows that she's working with a team that truly cares, and that inspires her all the more to serve her neighbors.

Education: Hononegah High School , Bachelor's degree in Family and Human Development, Arizona State University

Phyllis Johnson

Phyllis Johnson is a member of the administration team at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, which has served families in northern Illinois since 1888.

Ryan Marsh

Ryan Marsh serves in administration and as a crematory operator at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, which operates its own crematory in Winnebago, Illinois.

Services: Cremation Services