Rich traditions, proud history
Since 1923, generations of families have placed their trust in Oakcrest Funeral Services. We are proud of our history and continue the tradition of making outstanding service our #1 priority.
1923
Mr. Warren Laird built a ‘store-front’ building in downtown Algona on Dodge Street (now occupied by Algona Chiropractic Clinic) and opened Laird Funeral Home.
1936
William G. McCullough moved to Algona from Newton, Iowa, and joined Mr. Laird.
1949
William G. McCullough’s son, Robert “Bob” McCullough became a licensed funeral director and embalmer and joined his father.
1951
William G. McCullough died and Henry Geilenfeld, already working at the firm as a student, became a licensed funeral director and was employed by Bob.
1968
Bob McCullough purchased an additional funeral home from Marion Hyink in Whittemore, Iowa (10 miles west of Algona) and moved it four blocks south.
Bob McCullough purchased the Frank and Emma Dingley home from Farm Bureau, who had occupied it since 1952. This became the new location of McCullough Funeral Home. The house was built in 1915-1916 was located at 218 South Moore Street, the current location of Oakcrest Funeral Services.
1919 Dingley Residence
1969
In October, Michael Schaaf moved to Algona and joined Bob McCullough at Laird Funeral Home.
1971
On January 1, Mike Schaaf and Henry “Hank” Geilenfeld purchased the funeral homes in Algona and Whittemore from Bob McCullough. Bob moved to Tucson, Arizona and passed away in 1982.
1985
On January 1, Garry-Roberts-Murphy-Schaaf Funeral Homes was formed, doing business as Oakcrest Funeral Services. The business included four partners, Tom Garry, Reg Roberts, Rick Murphy and Mike Schaaf. There soon became eight locations, including the former Garry Funeral Home of Bancroft, the former Blake Funeral Homes in Corwith, Lu Verne, Titonka, Renwick and Wesley and the locations in Algona and Whittemore. The business still maintains these locations, which serve Kossuth, Hancock and Humboldt counties in Iowa.
2000
Funeral directors, Brian Schaaf (Mike’s son) and Victor Garry (Tom’s son) moved to Algona to join the team at Oakcrest. Mike and Tom retired from the firm and their sons, Brian Schaaf and Victor Garry then became partners with Reg Roberts and Rick Murphy. Mike continues to assist on funerals and help out when needed.
2010
Reg Roberts retired from Oakcrest. Reg continues to assist on funerals as needed.
2014 – present
Rick Murphy retired from Oakcrest in 2014. Rick continues to assist on funerals as needed. Partners, Brian Schaaf and Victor Garry proudly continue the legacy their fathers and founding partners have built.
