Paul Czaplewski
Owner/Director
I am proud to have been born and raised in Rochester. After graduating from Lourdes High School in 1984, I graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1988. It was then that I began my career in funeral service. Today, after over 38 years of being a Funeral Director I continue to strive to meet each family’s unique needs during their journey through grief. In 1995, I purchased the Vernon Funeral Homes in Dodge Center, Hayfield and Brownsdale. I then purchased Ranfranz and Vine in 2001, to honor its rich history in providing quality service to families in our community. I opened Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes Kasson location in 2018, closing our Brownsdale chapel. In August 2025, Jeff Cink and I purchased Schad and Zabel Funeral Home located in Plainview and Eyota.
Above all my greatest accomplishments are my children, Rachel, and Ben. They both are second generation funeral directors. Rachel and her husband, Alex own Brenny Funeral Homes. I am blessed to have watched them grow into amazing adults and so proud to be their dad. I’m also a grandfather to a beautiful grandson, Lincoln, whom I love to spend time with. In July of 2025, I married Julie Fink, who works as a successful realtor in Rochester, MN.
Outside of the office I enjoy golfing, traveling to our winter home in Arizona, and cheering on the MN Wild and MN Twins. I also value supporting the community in which we live in. I am a member of MN Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association and a certified crematory operator.
We are appreciative of the trust you have in us to care for your loved ones. It is a priority for us to provide personalized and meaningful services that celebrate the life of those who will forever live in your hearts.
Paul Czaplewski
Owner/Director
I am proud to have been born and raised in Rochester. After graduating from Lourdes High School in 1984, I graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1988. It was then that I began my career in funeral service. Today, after over 38 years of being a Funeral Director I continue to strive to meet each family’s unique needs during their journey through grief. In 1995, I purchased the Vernon Funeral Homes in Dodge Center, Hayfield and Brownsdale. I then purchased Ranfranz and Vine in 2001, to honor its rich history in providing quality service to families in our community. I opened Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes Kasson location in 2018, closing our Brownsdale chapel. In August 2025, Jeff Cink and I purchased Schad and Zabel Funeral Home located in Plainview and Eyota.
Above all my greatest accomplishments are my children, Rachel, and Ben. They both are second generation funeral directors. Rachel and her husband, Alex own Brenny Funeral Homes. I am blessed to have watched them grow into amazing adults and so proud to be their dad. I’m also a grandfather to a beautiful grandson, Lincoln, whom I love to spend time with. In July of 2025, I married Julie Fink, who works as a successful realtor in Rochester, MN.
Outside of the office I enjoy golfing, traveling to our winter home in Arizona, and cheering on the MN Wild and MN Twins. I also value supporting the community in which we live in. I am a member of MN Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association and a certified crematory operator.
We are appreciative of the trust you have in us to care for your loved ones. It is a priority for us to provide personalized and meaningful services that celebrate the life of those who will forever live in your hearts.
Ben Czaplewski
Funeral Director
Since I can remember, I have watched my dad’s passion for funeral service. It was his passion that fueled my own desire to be a funeral director. I grew up in Hayfield, MN helping my dad at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes. I graduated from the University of Minnesota majoring in Mortuary Science in 2019. I am now a second generation licensed funeral director and am honored to carry on our family tradition.
Ben Czaplewski
Funeral Director
Since I can remember, I have watched my dad’s passion for funeral service. It was his passion that fueled my own desire to be a funeral director. I grew up in Hayfield, MN helping my dad at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes. I graduated from the University of Minnesota majoring in Mortuary Science in 2019. I am now a second generation licensed funeral director and am honored to carry on our family tradition.
Kaitlyn Reed
Pre-Planning Specialist
I grew up in Byron, MN and am currently residing in Dodge Center, MN with my husband, Travis Reed and our two dogs, Baby and Louie. I am licensed in Minnesota and assist families with pre-arranging and pre-funding their funerals. I also work as our office manager. I take pride in providing a supportive and calm environment. I am honored to be able to hold the trust of families while I assist in guiding them through the process of funeral planning.
Outside of work, I enjoy golfing, cooking, baking, gardening, attending concerts, and spending time with family and friends.
Kaitlyn Reed
Pre-Planning Specialist
I grew up in Byron, MN and am currently residing in Dodge Center, MN with my husband, Travis Reed and our two dogs, Baby and Louie. I am licensed in Minnesota and assist families with pre-arranging and pre-funding their funerals. I also work as our office manager. I take pride in providing a supportive and calm environment. I am honored to be able to hold the trust of families while I assist in guiding them through the process of funeral planning.
Outside of work, I enjoy golfing, cooking, baking, gardening, attending concerts, and spending time with family and friends.
Jeff Cink
Funeral Director
Jeff is originally from Algona, IA, but has made his home in Byron, MN with his wife Jacki. In 1990, he graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, IL and began his career serving families during one of life’s most difficult times. Jeff and Jacki have two wonderful daughters, Lauren (Dan) O'Donnell and Claire (Logan) Busho, and a granddaughter Scarlett Busho whom they enjoy spending time with. Jeff’s passion for his work and value of family, is a testament of his life’s calling.
Jeff Cink
Funeral Director
Jeff is originally from Algona, IA, but has made his home in Byron, MN with his wife Jacki. In 1990, he graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, IL and began his career serving families during one of life’s most difficult times. Jeff and Jacki have two wonderful daughters, Lauren (Dan) O'Donnell and Claire (Logan) Busho, and a granddaughter Scarlett Busho whom they enjoy spending time with. Jeff’s passion for his work and value of family, is a testament of his life’s calling.
Debra Kubista
Funeral Director
Debra graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1988 with a Bachelor Science degree in Mortuary Science. She has worked as a funeral director in Fairmont, Minnesota, Fort Walton Beach, Florida and Owatonna, Minnesota. She began her employment at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home in November of 2017. Debra resides in Owatonna with her husband, Terry. Together they have 4 grown children and 2 grandchildren. She enjoys traveling, attending music festivals and sporting events. Debra is a member of the Owatonna Business Women, AAUW, and attends Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She is also a member of Minnesota Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, and is a Certified Crematory Operator.
Debra Kubista
Funeral Director
Debra graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1988 with a Bachelor Science degree in Mortuary Science. She has worked as a funeral director in Fairmont, Minnesota, Fort Walton Beach, Florida and Owatonna, Minnesota. She began her employment at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home in November of 2017. Debra resides in Owatonna with her husband, Terry. Together they have 4 grown children and 2 grandchildren. She enjoys traveling, attending music festivals and sporting events. Debra is a member of the Owatonna Business Women, AAUW, and attends Sacred Heart Catholic Church. She is also a member of Minnesota Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, and is a Certified Crematory Operator.
Destiny Lilly
Funeral Director
After having grown up in Stewartville, MN, I had the privilege of earning my degree in Mortuary Science from Des Moines Area Community College. Alongside my husband Payton, our beautiful children Henley and Haisley, and our dog Oakley, we currently reside in Stewartville.
When I'm not supporting families or spending time with my loved ones, you can find me indulging in a bit of retail therapy, or soaking up the warmth of the sun outdoors.
Guiding families through their bereavement journey is a responsibility I hold with great respect, and I am dedicated to continuously growing and evolving in my role as a Funeral Director. My goal is to ease the burden of funeral arrangements, provide a calm and supportive atmosphere, and create personalized funeral experiences.
Destiny Lilly
Funeral Director
After having grown up in Stewartville, MN, I had the privilege of earning my degree in Mortuary Science from Des Moines Area Community College. Alongside my husband Payton, our beautiful children Henley and Haisley, and our dog Oakley, we currently reside in Stewartville.
When I'm not supporting families or spending time with my loved ones, you can find me indulging in a bit of retail therapy, or soaking up the warmth of the sun outdoors.
Guiding families through their bereavement journey is a responsibility I hold with great respect, and I am dedicated to continuously growing and evolving in my role as a Funeral Director. My goal is to ease the burden of funeral arrangements, provide a calm and supportive atmosphere, and create personalized funeral experiences.
Joe Hedquist
Funeral Director
Joe grew up in Wabasha, MN. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science. He worked in St. Paul and Albert Lea before moving to Rochester to be closer to family. Joe, his wife Mallory and their dog Skol look forward to exploring the Rochester city parks and trails. Joe and Mallory are members of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Joe enjoys spending time with family and friends, fishing, hiking and anything to do with golf. He looks forward to serving Rochester and the surrounding communities.
Joe Hedquist
Funeral Director
Joe grew up in Wabasha, MN. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Mortuary Science. He worked in St. Paul and Albert Lea before moving to Rochester to be closer to family. Joe, his wife Mallory and their dog Skol look forward to exploring the Rochester city parks and trails. Joe and Mallory are members of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Joe enjoys spending time with family and friends, fishing, hiking and anything to do with golf. He looks forward to serving Rochester and the surrounding communities.
Michael Gostonczik
Funeral Director
I was born in Mankato, grew up and graduated from high school in Osage, Iowa. I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa in Iowa City and graduated with an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from Mid-American College in 1989. I have been a funeral director for 27 years serving in Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota. In 2005, I began working at Ranfranz and Vine and in 2008 became co-owner. My wife, Michelle and I have two sons, Jacob and Ryan. We currently reside in Plainview where we are members of St. Joachin Catholic Church. I enjoy fishing, pheasant hunting, attending my son’s activities, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. I am a member of the MN Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association.
Michael Gostonczik
Funeral Director
I was born in Mankato, grew up and graduated from high school in Osage, Iowa. I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa in Iowa City and graduated with an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from Mid-American College in 1989. I have been a funeral director for 27 years serving in Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota. In 2005, I began working at Ranfranz and Vine and in 2008 became co-owner. My wife, Michelle and I have two sons, Jacob and Ryan. We currently reside in Plainview where we are members of St. Joachin Catholic Church. I enjoy fishing, pheasant hunting, attending my son’s activities, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. I am a member of the MN Funeral Directors Association and the National Funeral Directors Association.
Louie Bortolon
Funeral Director
Louie originally hails from the East Coast and is a 1967 graduate of Rochester Junior College; while living and worked at the original Vine Funeral Home, south of the Mayo Clinic, for two years. He is a 1969 graduate of the University of Minnesota, College of Mortuary Science, with the then newly established four year B.S. degree program. Serving his Internship in Columbia Heights, he returned to that original Rochester, three generation Vine Funeral Home firm, and worked most of his entire career; having celebrated 51 years of Funeral Service in his community.
Louie is involved in several civic, service and professional organizations as well as Bethel Lutheran Church. Louie’s wife, Marian is retired from Mayo Clinic as a Medical Secretary; who he first met on the old U of M Memorial Stadium practice field back then, just prior to the graduation commencement exercises. Louie says, “We’re both enjoying this phase of our experiences in serving our community of Rochester and I’m happy to not be married to the phone anymore… With kindest personal regards and to the many families that I’ve had the privilege to service through my career. Peace be with you and yours”.
Louie Bortolon
Funeral Director
Louie originally hails from the East Coast and is a 1967 graduate of Rochester Junior College; while living and worked at the original Vine Funeral Home, south of the Mayo Clinic, for two years. He is a 1969 graduate of the University of Minnesota, College of Mortuary Science, with the then newly established four year B.S. degree program. Serving his Internship in Columbia Heights, he returned to that original Rochester, three generation Vine Funeral Home firm, and worked most of his entire career; having celebrated 51 years of Funeral Service in his community.
Louie is involved in several civic, service and professional organizations as well as Bethel Lutheran Church. Louie’s wife, Marian is retired from Mayo Clinic as a Medical Secretary; who he first met on the old U of M Memorial Stadium practice field back then, just prior to the graduation commencement exercises. Louie says, “We’re both enjoying this phase of our experiences in serving our community of Rochester and I’m happy to not be married to the phone anymore… With kindest personal regards and to the many families that I’ve had the privilege to service through my career. Peace be with you and yours”.
Kyle Eggler
Funeral Assistant
Kyle graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College and worked as a computer programmer for several years and does carpentry work. He started work with Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes in October of 2016. Kyle lives near Hayfield with his family. Kyle is married to Heather Rollins and they have two children, Kristen and Melanie, both students at Gustavus Adolphus College.
Kyle Eggler
Funeral Assistant
Kyle graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College and worked as a computer programmer for several years and does carpentry work. He started work with Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes in October of 2016. Kyle lives near Hayfield with his family. Kyle is married to Heather Rollins and they have two children, Kristen and Melanie, both students at Gustavus Adolphus College.
Paul Sutton
Funeral Assistant
Paul grew up in Byron and attended school there and also Lourdes High School in Rochester. He was in the Navy for four years and served one year in Vietnam on a river patrol boat on the Mekong Delta. He worked in commercial construction as a carpenter and project superintendent for Benike Construction Co. He is married and has two sons, and five grandchildren. He is active in the Catholic Church, and volunteers at St. James Coffee and as a faith formation teacher at the Catholic Church in Dodge Center and communion distributor at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Paul Sutton
Funeral Assistant
Paul grew up in Byron and attended school there and also Lourdes High School in Rochester. He was in the Navy for four years and served one year in Vietnam on a river patrol boat on the Mekong Delta. He worked in commercial construction as a carpenter and project superintendent for Benike Construction Co. He is married and has two sons, and five grandchildren. He is active in the Catholic Church, and volunteers at St. James Coffee and as a faith formation teacher at the Catholic Church in Dodge Center and communion distributor at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Mary Sutton
Funeral Assistant
Mary grew up outside of Rochester, MN and attended school in Byron, MN. She is currently living in Dodge Center, MN with her husband, Paul. They have two sons and five grandchildren. Mary retired as a surgical technologist at Mayo Clinic after 45 years. She is a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Pine Island and volunteers at St. James Coffee.
Mary Sutton
Funeral Assistant
Mary grew up outside of Rochester, MN and attended school in Byron, MN. She is currently living in Dodge Center, MN with her husband, Paul. They have two sons and five grandchildren. Mary retired as a surgical technologist at Mayo Clinic after 45 years. She is a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Pine Island and volunteers at St. James Coffee.
Ruth Johnson
Funeral Assistant
Ruth Johnson
Funeral Assistant
Kris Streightiff
Funeral Assistant
Kris is a first grade teacher at Hayfield Elementary School. Kris and her husband, Doug, have three children and four grandchildren. She started working as a part time funeral assistant for Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes in February of 2025.
Kris Streightiff
Funeral Assistant
Kris is a first grade teacher at Hayfield Elementary School. Kris and her husband, Doug, have three children and four grandchildren. She started working as a part time funeral assistant for Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes in February of 2025.
Darrin Amy
Funeral Assistant
Darrin was born and raised in Rochester, MN, where he still calls home with his significant other, Angie, and their daughter, Avery. He joined Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes in January 2022, as a Funeral Assistant, and has since gone through training to also become a Certified Transfer Care Specialist. Outside of work, Darrin enjoys traveling, spending time with his family and friends, and pursuing his passion for collecting and selling antique glass.
Darrin Amy
Funeral Assistant
Darrin was born and raised in Rochester, MN, where he still calls home with his significant other, Angie, and their daughter, Avery. He joined Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes in January 2022, as a Funeral Assistant, and has since gone through training to also become a Certified Transfer Care Specialist. Outside of work, Darrin enjoys traveling, spending time with his family and friends, and pursuing his passion for collecting and selling antique glass.
Larry Briske
Funeral Assistant
Larry grew up in the Rochester area. He graduated with his BA in Business from Winona State University in 1974. He was an Airman in the United States Air Force, a Police Officer for the city of Rochester, a Facilities Manager for a local savings and loan company and a Sales Representative for Rochester Brick. Larry is married and has two daughters, and five grandchildren. He enjoys woodworking and bicycling. He is a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Byron and volunteers to help the homeless via “Family Promise Rochester”.
Larry Briske
Funeral Assistant
Larry grew up in the Rochester area. He graduated with his BA in Business from Winona State University in 1974. He was an Airman in the United States Air Force, a Police Officer for the city of Rochester, a Facilities Manager for a local savings and loan company and a Sales Representative for Rochester Brick. Larry is married and has two daughters, and five grandchildren. He enjoys woodworking and bicycling. He is a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Byron and volunteers to help the homeless via “Family Promise Rochester”.
Doug Kunkle
Funeral Assistant
Doug Kunkle
Funeral Assistant
Karen Buelt
Funeral Assistant
Karen grew up on a farm outside of Waltham, MN, and graduated from Hayfield High School in 1980. From there she attended St. Mary’s Jr College, now St. Catherine University, Minneapolis Campus, with an A.A.S. degree in Health Information Management.
Karen recently retired from the BOP, Federal Medical Center, in Rochester, MN, as a Medical Records Administrator Specialist after working there for 28 years. Karen and her significant other of 26 years, Ken Shokes, have a daughter, son, and one grandchild. She enjoys family and friends get togethers, physical activity, comedy and music. Karen started with Ranfranz and Vine in 2018 as a funeral assistant. She understands the needs of people going through difficult time and feels grateful to be able to assist others.
Karen Buelt
Funeral Assistant
Karen grew up on a farm outside of Waltham, MN, and graduated from Hayfield High School in 1980. From there she attended St. Mary’s Jr College, now St. Catherine University, Minneapolis Campus, with an A.A.S. degree in Health Information Management.
Karen recently retired from the BOP, Federal Medical Center, in Rochester, MN, as a Medical Records Administrator Specialist after working there for 28 years. Karen and her significant other of 26 years, Ken Shokes, have a daughter, son, and one grandchild. She enjoys family and friends get togethers, physical activity, comedy and music. Karen started with Ranfranz and Vine in 2018 as a funeral assistant. She understands the needs of people going through difficult time and feels grateful to be able to assist others.
Jolene Rollins
Retired Office Staff
Jolene Rollins has worked with the Funeral Homes in Hayfield, Dodge Center, and Brownsdale since 1988. She had been the office manager of the Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes since 1995, retiring in 2024. She and her husband, Leonard, lived in Hayfield for over 50 years. Leonard was a retired schoolteacher and has assisted with funerals. They have 2 children, Len (Lisa) Rollins in Hayfield, MN, and Heather (Kyle) Eggler in Hayfield, MN. Jolene and Leonard have 4 grandchildren, Ashley (Jimmy) Dahl, Montrose, MN and Jon Rollins of Plainview, MN and Kristen Eggler, Athens, GA and Melanie Eggler, Kasson, MN. Jolene enjoys crocheting, collecting angels and loons, cooking, her family, and working with her grandchildren and traveling.
Jolene Rollins
Retired Office Staff
Jolene Rollins has worked with the Funeral Homes in Hayfield, Dodge Center, and Brownsdale since 1988. She had been the office manager of the Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes since 1995, retiring in 2024. She and her husband, Leonard, lived in Hayfield for over 50 years. Leonard was a retired schoolteacher and has assisted with funerals. They have 2 children, Len (Lisa) Rollins in Hayfield, MN, and Heather (Kyle) Eggler in Hayfield, MN. Jolene and Leonard have 4 grandchildren, Ashley (Jimmy) Dahl, Montrose, MN and Jon Rollins of Plainview, MN and Kristen Eggler, Athens, GA and Melanie Eggler, Kasson, MN. Jolene enjoys crocheting, collecting angels and loons, cooking, her family, and working with her grandchildren and traveling.
Barb Nason
Funeral Staff
Barb Nason has enjoyed working with Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes for several years. She lived in Brownsdale for 45 years and recently moved to Stewartville. She has two children: Bret (Lisa) Nason of Lancaster, WI and Brenda (Mike) Wellner of Chanhassen, MN and 4 beautiful grandchildren: Megan, Elizabeth, Ryan and Owen Wellner.
Barb enjoys golfing, music, reading, walking and being with her family and friends.
Barb Nason
Funeral Staff
Barb Nason has enjoyed working with Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes for several years. She lived in Brownsdale for 45 years and recently moved to Stewartville. She has two children: Bret (Lisa) Nason of Lancaster, WI and Brenda (Mike) Wellner of Chanhassen, MN and 4 beautiful grandchildren: Megan, Elizabeth, Ryan and Owen Wellner.
Barb enjoys golfing, music, reading, walking and being with her family and friends.
