History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our Valued Staff

  • Ryan M. Redinger

    Ryan M. Redinger, Funeral Director

    a graduate of St. Paul High School. He attended the University of Central Oklahoma where he earned his Mortuary Science degree in 2001. He is a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church and is a member of the Knights of Columbus and Kearney Dawn Rotary. He serves as Past President of the Gibbon Chamber of Commerce and is a Board Member of the Kearney United Way. Ryan is a Past District President of the Nebraska Funeral Directors Association and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Consumer and Professional Review Committee. Ryan and his wife, Brandi have a daughter, Makenna and two sons, Tyson and Taten.

  • Brandi Redinger

    Brandi Redinger, Office Manager

    Brandi is originally from St. Paul, Nebraska. She earned her bachelors degree in Business Administration with Honors from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Brandi joined the staff in the Fall of 2014. She and her husband, Ryan have three children; Makenna, Tyson and Taten.

  • Gary M. Straatmann

    Gary M. Straatmann, Funeral Director

    A lifelong resident of Kearney, Gary Straatmann graduated from Kearney State College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Broadcasting. He later obtained his mortuary science degree from Kansas City Kansas Community College. Gary is a member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney, building committee member for the Trails and Rails Museum, 2014 president of the Nebraska Funeral Directors Association, past president of Kearney Concert Association, past co-fund drive chairperson of the Kearney United Way,past president of the board for Kearney Jubilee Center and Thrifts Store, Kearney Elks Lodge, member of 1733 Barbershop Chorus, Rob Morris Lodge #46 A.F. & A.M, 32nd degree and the Tehama Shrine. He is married to Stephanie (Dlouhy). They have four children; Alex (Kimberly), Katie(Aaron)Fiscus, Joseph (Briana), Abby(Steve)Froom and grandchildren, Andrea and Matthew Fiscus.

  • Gailen  Kotrous

    Gailen Kotrous, Monument Sales & Pre-need Counselor

    Gailen was born at Niobrara, NE and attended high school at Grant, NE. After high school he went to Omaha and attended Omaha Barber College where he received his Master of Barbers Degree. Gailen barbered in Kearney for 33 years, served as the Greyhound Bus agent in Kearney and Lexington. He has been a monument designer for the past 22 years. Gailen joined the staff at O’Brien Straatmann Funeral Home in 2006. Gailen is a member of St. James Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, and has served as publicity chairman for the Kearney Area Concerned Citizens Thanksgiving dinner program for the past 25 years.Gailen and his wife, Becky have been married for 30 years and have four grown children, Gailen Jr., Clark, Chad and Linsay.

  • Lee Ward

    Lee Ward, funeral and visitation assistant

  • John  Ward

    John Ward, funeral assistant

  • Ron Catlin

    Ron Catlin, Funeral and visitation assistant

  • Lee Vohland

    Lee Vohland, Funeral assistant