Staff

Outstanding service is our #1 priority

The Oakcrest staff is dedicated to helping you and your family. You will have peace of mind that we are here for you 24/7 to help you every step of the way.

Brian Schaaf

Funeral Director, Owner

Brian Schaaf was born and raised in Algona and graduated from Bishop Garrigan High School in 1991. He earned an Associate of Arts Degree from Iowa Lakes Community College in 1994 and continued his education at Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Illinois, graduating in 1995. He served his apprenticeship in Sioux City, Iowa, before returning to the Chicago area where he worked as a funeral director and was married. Brian and his wife, Mary, moved to Algona in 2000 where he joined his father and became a business partner at Oakcrest Funeral Services. His wife, Mary, also works at Oakcrest Funeral Services as the Marketing Director and Graphic Designer. Brian and his family are members of St. Cecelia Catholic Church and their 2 children, Kyle and Ella attend Bishop Garrigan school. Brian is a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Council #952 as well as the Algona Rotary Club, where he enjoyed serving as 2010-2011 President. He recently served on the Board of Directors of the Algona Family YMCA and on the Good Samaritan Society Advisory Board.

Jennifer Weaver

Funeral Director

Jennifer Weaver was born and raised in Algona, Iowa. She graduated from Algona High School in 2011. Throughout high school and college, she worked at the Algona Manor as a CNA. Jennifer graduated from Des Moines Area Community College, where she received her degree in Mortuary Science. After graduation, she served her apprenticeship with Oakcrest Funeral Services and became a licensed funeral director in 2017. Jennifer is a member of the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and enjoys spending her free time with family and friends watching sports.

Daniel Gelhaus

Funeral Director

Daniel Gelhaus grew up in Algona and is a 2012 graduate of Bishop Garrigan High School. He received his Associate Degree from Des Moines Area Community College and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mortuary Science. Daniel worked at funeral homes in Minnesota and Des Moines before returning to Algona in 2017, joining the staff of Oakcrest Funeral Services as a funeral director. He is a member of St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona and has always been active in sports, community organizations, and church activities. He enjoys helping his family farm and spending time with family and friends.

Matt Berry

Funeral Director

Matthew was born in Britt, Iowa and grew up in Corwith. After graduating from CWL high school he served 4 years active duty in the Marine Corps, where he was stationed at MCRD San Diego. In 1999 Matt returned to Iowa and began working in Dakota City. In April 2002 Matt enlisted in the Iowa Army National Guard with the 1-194th Field Artillery, Fort Dodge. Soon after his enlistment his unit was ordered to active duty to support the war on terrorism and was deployed on Operation Noble Eagle II to Selfridge Air force Base, Michigan. After his return, he volunteered for active duty and was deployed with the 1-194th Long Range Surveillance Detachment out of Johnston, Iowa. He was deployed to Iraq, serving in Mosul and Dahuk as a radio operator for 14 months. Matt continues to serve in the Iowa Army National Guard, serving as the Plans Officer with his current rank of Captain (CPT) with the 1034th Combat Service Support Battalion, Johnston. Matt earned an Associate’s degree from Iowa Central Community College, earned his Advanced Standing Diploma in Mortuary Science through Des Moines Area Community College, and has completed his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Buena Vista University. Matt is a member of the VFW, American Legion, Marine Corps League, Algona Lion’s Club, Prudence Lodge #205 A.F & A.M. and currently serves on the Good Samaritan Society Advisory Board. Matt is married to Angelique (Besaw) Berry. Angelique is a Deputy City Clerk with the City of Algona, and an active Kiwanis member. They have three children; Elizabeth, Mitchell, and Hunter and are members of the First Presbyterian Church, Algona. He enjoys camping, riding motorcycles and spending time with family and friends. Matt is currently on active duty in support of overseas service.

Shannon Goche

Pre-Arrangement Consultant

Shannon was raised on her family’s farm north of Swea City and graduated from North Kossuth High School in 1994. She went on to obtain her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Finance from Waldorf College. Prior to joining Oakcrest, she worked locally in the banking field for over 15 years. Shannon and her husband, Ed, live on a farm north of Bancroft with their four children, Madisyn, Grant, Garrett and Gavin. Madi is studying nursing at Iowa Central Community College the boys attend Algona Public Schools. Shannon is an active member of the Algona Ambassadors serving as past president and secretary/treasurer. In 2007, she was honored to receive the Algona Ambassador Congeniality Award of the Year and in 2012 was awarded the Algona Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award. She also currently serves as a board member for the Kossuth County Foundation and is involved in many other community betterment projects in the Bancroft and Algona areas. Shannon joined Oakcrest in 2014 and serves as a Pre-Arrangement Consultant. Outside of work she stays busy following her boys’ basketball and baseball games and Madi’s dance performances and in her free time enjoys boating, music and baking.

Carol Eischeid

Office Manager

Carol grew up on a farm near Ottosen, Iowa. She graduated from West Bend Community School and later Briar Cliff College with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Secondary Education. She began working at the funeral home in the fall of 2001 as the Office Manager. Carol handles the majority of paper work, accounts payable and receivable, death certificates and maintains funeral home records. When her schedule allows, she enjoys reading, playing piano, cooking, baking and movies. She is also active in the Countryside Community Playhouse, both as a board member and performer. Currently Carol is a member of the Bishop Garrigan High School Staff as the Drama Director. She and her husband Mark are members of St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona where she is involved in Parish activities and serves as a church accompanist.