Our Staff

Greg Karvonen | Suzi Karvonen

Licensed Funeral Director & Owner | Funeral Assistant & Owner

Greg David Karvonen was born on July 28, 1968 in New York Mills, Minnesota. Susan Rae Salo was born on October 2, 1972 in Wadena, Minnesota. Greg and Suzi are both graduates of the New York Mills High School and married on August 24, 1991 in New York Mills. Greg graduated with honors in 1992 from Mid-America College of Funeral Service in Jeffersonville, Indiana. In 1993, Greg and Suzi joined the family funeral firm and in January of 1998 purchased the family business. We are proud to able to continue what has become a family tradition.

John Karvonen

Licensed Funeral Director

John returned to the Karvonen Funeral Home & Cremation Services in the summer of 2018 to assist families.  After growing up in the Funeral Service business in New York Mills, John, a 3^rd Generation Licensed Funeral Director graduated From Moorhead State University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and from the University of Minnesota in 1981 with a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science.  As a licensed funeral director since 1981, John joins the staff at Karvonen’s to provide professional service and personal care to each and every family at a time of need. As a certified cremation operator, John’s knowledge of the vast cremation options and personalized services is an asset to the communities that Karvonen’s Funeral Home and Cremation serves.

Larry Belmont | Gayle Belmont

Licensed Funeral Director | Funeral Assistant

Larry Bruce Belmont grew up in the family funeral home and graduated from the Henning High School in 1966. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1969 with a Degree in Mortuary Science. Larry was employed with Thompson Brother’s Funeral Home in Minneapolis until purchasing a funeral home in Thief River Falls in 1973. Larry purchased the Belmont Funeral Home from his father, Lawrence Sr. in Henning in 1986 while continuing to operate the Belmont Funeral Home in Thief River Falls. In 1999, Larry made his home in Henning, Minnesota. Larry married Gayle on July 12, 2003.

Derek Glenna

Licensed Funeral Director

Derek has been a traveling licensed mortician throughout the state of MN and is also licensed in Wisconsin.  He and his family reside in South St. Paul, MN.

Sam Salo

Funeral Director's Assistant/Funeral Assistant

Samantha “Sam” Salo was born to Steve and Robin Salo. She graduated from New York Mills High School with the class of 2016 and moved to Fargo, North Dakota shortly after. On February 1, 2018, Sam returned home to New York Mills and began her employment at Karvonen Funeral Home. She is proud to continue the Karvonen tradition.

 Sam has specialized in meeting the needs of families. She has been certified in cremation by Matthews International as she is the cremation operations manager for the funeral home.  Sam excels at cosmetizing loved ones for viewing at visitations, funerals and private family viewings.  She has an extreme natural talent of giving a family's loved one a natural, normal appearance.

She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing music and singing. She is a member of the New York Mills Community Band, where she can continue her passion for playing the trumpet.

Marty Friedrich

Funeral Assistant

Marty Friedrich was born in Austin, MN, he moved to Henning in 1963 and graduated from Henning High School in 1972. After spending 3 years in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman he attended Wadena Tech and received a degree in accounting. He and his wife raised their family in Deer Creek and lived there for 34 years before retiring to West Leaf Lake between Ottertail and Henning. He retired as a Postmaster from Perham, MN after 31 years of service. The 31 years of service were in the Henning, New York Mills, Clitherall, Deer Creek, Ottertail, Frazee and Perham areas. Marty has been married to Sandy for 41 years and they have 3 children (Luke, Kate and Maggie) and 3 grandchildren. He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Deer Creek, Deer Creek American Legion, deer hunters association and Knob Hill Sportsmans Club. In his spare time he likes to be at his hunting land, fish, hunt and spend time wood working and traveling.

Tim Lannon

Funeral Assistant

Bev Lannon

Funeral Assistant

Bev Lannon has resided in Henning for 25 years. She moved from Bertha where she taught in the Bertha-Hewitt School District. Bev is married to Tim and has two daughters. After retirement, Bev is happy to be part of the Karvonen and Belmont Funeral Home Staff. She is also an active volunteer at Lutheran Island Camp.

Joani Salo

Funeral Assistant

Joan “Joani” Salo was born on the family farm in Otto Township, rural New York Mills, Minnesota. She graduated from New York Mills High School with the class of 1958. In 1960, she was united in marriage to Gerald “Jerry” Salo and they were blessed with four children.

Joani loves spending time in her kitchen where she bakes, cans, and hosts friends and family for coffee with her husband. She also likes to sew, play cards, garden, read and hunt. During her time away from home she is a part of the Karvonen Team, serving families refreshments, snacks and meals for visitations and funerals.

Linda Gustafson

Funeral Assistant

Sara Stone

Funeral Assistant

Sara joined the Karvonen team as a way provide support to families in their time of need. Although a time of loss often times bring forth much grief, many families are also able to celebrate their loved one in a supported environment. 

Pam Janssen

Funeral Assistant

Pamela Janssen joined the Karvonen’s Team as a funeral director assistant and caregiver.  Her acute attention to details and personal skills with grieving families, friends and children have been a blessing to those at a difficult time of need as she’s a valuable resource for understanding families spiritual needs.  Pam earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services Administration with a minor in Social Work from University of Northern Iowa in 1983. She’s expanded her knowledge with additional bereavement training and seminars that have benefited individuals and families that she interacts with and touches. Pam has tremendous experience as a teacher, facilitator, speaker and human resource professional as well as being a liaison with hospice, hospitals and clergy.

Rick Youngbauer

Funeral Assistant