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. They have two children, Kyle and Ella and are members of St. Cecelia Catholic Church. 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 very involved with the Algona Chamber of Commerce and is currently serving as the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors President. She 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.

Traci Johnston

Funeral Director

Traci Johnston has been a licensed funeral director since 2001. She grew up in Turin, Iowa, relishing life on the family farm, especially caring for and riding the horses. Traci was an honor student and a 1989 graduate of West Monona Community High School in Onawa, Iowa. She received her Bachelor of Animal Science degree at Iowa State University, then her Associates Degree in Mortuary Science from Kansas City Kansas Community College. Traci lives in West Bend, Iowa with her two sons, Brandon and Aidan, and has worked as a funeral director there for the past 20 years. Traci has also been an active volunteer in her community, serving church, school and various organizations. She is a member of Sts. Peter & Paul’s Catholic Church in West Bend. Traci participated in a bowling league for 20 years, loves music, enjoys golfing and values her family and friends.

Kelley Helmers

Pre-Arrangement Consultant

Kelley Helmers has spent most of her life in Algona. After graduating from Algona High School she went on to college obtaining an AA degree with an emphasis in business and marketing. Prior to joining Oakcrest she spent over twenty years in advertising at Algona Publishing. She and her husband Josh have two girls, Brooklyn and Brielle who are carrying on the tradition of attending Algona Public School. They also have a beloved Persian cat, Jazzy. Kelley is passionate about helping people feel comfortable about pre-arrangement, ensuring wishes are honored and providing emotional relief so that loved ones can gather and share memories of life. She is very open to different religions, beliefs and cultures and enjoys traveling and learning new things.

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.