Staff members of George Boom Funeral Home are caring and experienced professionals who understand that each family is unique and has personal requests and traditions. These requests and traditions are of utmost importance to our staff of licensed funeral directors.
George Boom
Retired Funeral Director
George Boom was born Dec. 16, 1925, on a farm between Tea and Lennox, S.D. He graduated from Lennox High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School, Bainbridge, Md.; South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D.; Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D.; and graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Mortuary Science, Minneapolis, Minn. He worked for a time at a funeral home in New Ulm, Minn., before moving to Sioux Falls where he worked at Miller Funeral Home. He became a partner in Banton Funeral Home in 1954. In 1956 he became majority stockholder at which time he renamed the business George Boom Funeral Home. He also operated an ambulance service for many years and provided ambulance service for all Huset's Speedway Races for 17 years. In addition, he served as Minnehaha County Coroner in the mid-1960s.
He is an active member of East Side Lutheran Church. Over the years he donated countless hours to many civic and fraternal organizations including: the Optimist Club and its “World's Largest Rummage Sale”, Lutheran Social Services Boards, Volunteers of America Day Care Board, the El Riad Shrine and the El Riad Shrine Horse Corps, as well as others.
Candice VanLiere
Manager/Funeral Director
Phone: 605-336-1454
Candice (Nebelsick) Van Liere grew up in Canistota, SD, where she graduated from Canistota High School. Candice received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from South Dakota State University. She then graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, IL. While attending mortuary school, she worked for Smith-Corcoran Funeral Homes in Chicago and later completed her apprenticeship with the firm. She later moved to Minneapolis and worked as a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer for Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels. Candice joined the staff at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in January of 2011 and became a partner in the firm in 2017. She holds licenses to practice mortuary science in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Illinois.
Candice, along with her husband, Jason and two children are active members at Westminster Presbyterian Church where she serves as Elder and Chair of the Worship Committee. As a family, they enjoy attending their kids' activities, spending time with friends, entertaining, and watching Minnesota Twins Baseball.
Phil Schmitz
Funeral Director
Phone: 605-336-1454
Phil was born in Decorah, Iowa, the third of eight children. He grew up in northeast Iowa where he graduated from high school. He attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and graduated with honors from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in Dallas, Texas. He is a third-generation funeral director. He grew up in a funeral service family where he worked for a short time before beginning employment with George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in 1985. He has been the manager of the firm since 1993 and became a shareholder in the firm in 1994. He has also served as manager of Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls since 2003. He maintains professional funeral director licenses in South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota, and is a nationally Certified Crematory Operator.
He is an active member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church; is a member of the Knights of Columbus; Member of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association; former member of Sioux Falls Downtown Rotary as well as other professional organizations. He is married to his wife Pam and has one son, Zach, who after graduating from MIT, is enrolled at the University of Minnesota in their chemical engineering PhD program. When not at work, he enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, traveling, public speaking and reading.
Jon Salberg
Retired Funeral Director
Jon Salberg was born in Mason City, Iowa. As a child he moved with his family to Saint Paul, Minn.; Titonka, Iowa; Scotland, S.D.; and Belle Fourche, S.D., before moving to Yankton, S.D., in 1970. He graduated from Yankton High School in 1979 and attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., and Yankton College and Mount Marty College in Yankton.
He served his funeral director's apprenticeship at Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton prior to attending Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science, Dallas, Texas. Following graduation from mortuary school, he worked for a short time at Cooper Funeral Chapel in Kermit, Texas. He joined the staff at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in March of 1984 and became assistant manager and shareholder in 1994.
Jon retired from George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory at the end of 2021 after 38 years with the organization. He is married to his wife, Connie, and they have a daughter, Amanda. He is an active member of East Side Lutheran Church. He enjoys singing, and in addition to singing in the East Side Lutheran Adult Choir, he volunteers as a soloist at area churches, hospitals and nursing homes. He is also an avid motorcyclist and is the principal driver and caretaker of the Ride On Motorcycle Hearse.
Russell Berg
Funeral Director
Phone: 605-336-1454
Russell Berg was raised in O'Neill, Nebraska, graduating from O'Neill Saint Mary's Catholic School in 1995. He attended Wayne State College and graduated from Mortuary School in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1999. Following graduation, he worked at John A. Gentleman Mortuary in Omaha, Nebraska, for five years and three years as a funeral director in Saint Cloud, Minn. He comes from a family of funeral directors: his father Robert and brother Ryan. Russell joined the staff at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in December of 2007 and became a partner in the firm in 2013. Russell is a licensed funeral director in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska.
Russell is an active member at Saint Lambert Catholic Parish, The Knights of Columbus and The Country Club of Sioux Falls (formerly Westward Ho Country Club) in Sioux Falls. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Carmyn, two daughters, Bridget & Delaney, step-son, Olyver, playing golf, tennis and working around his home.
Kyle Pospisil
Funeral Director
Phone: 605-336-1454
Kyle was born and raised in Creighton, Nebraska. He graduated from Creighton High School and later attended Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Nebraska. He then earned his funeral service degree from Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa.
Kyle worked for the Brockhaus Funeral Homes of Northeast Nebraska for several years before a transition to Anderson Funeral Homes in Marshalltown, Iowa, where he served for two years. He became licensed as a Funeral Director in South Dakota and is excited to start a new chapter in his life with George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory. Kyle is a licensed Funeral Director in South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and North Dakota. Kyle has been a dedicated member of the George Boom Funeral Home since 2017 and was made a partner in 2024.
He and his wife, Ellie (Tielke) Pospisil live in Brandon, South Dakota, with their son, Graham and daughter, Carson. He enjoys golfing, and league bowling at Eastway Bowl. They are looking forward to making the Sioux Falls area their new home and becoming involved in the community.
Jordan Schurman
Funeral Director
Phone: 605-336-1454
Jordan Schurman was born and raised in Yankton, S.D., where he graduated from Yankton High School. He enlisted in the South Dakota Army National Guard in 2007 and was a member of Charlie Battery 1st/147th Field Artillery Unit in Yankton, SD until his honorable discharge in 2013. Following his military service he moved to Portland, Oregon, where he attended Mount Hood Community College and he obtained his degree as a Funeral Service Practitioner/Embalmer. Jordan served his Funeral Director Internship and Apprenticeship at Springer and Son Aloha Funeral Home and Crematory in Aloha, Oregon, and is a licensed Embalmer and Funeral Service Practitioner/Director in Oregon and South Dakota and is a nationally Certified Crematory Operator. He moved back home to be closer to his family and joined the staff as a Funeral Director at George Boom Funeral Home & On-Site Crematory in August 2017. He enjoys spending time with his large family, his golden retriever, Rosy and going to the Lewis and Clark Lake in Yankton.
Paul C. Hitchco*ck
Funeral Director
Phone: 605-336-1454
Paul Hitchco*ck was born and raised in the Iron Ore mining town of Hibbing, MN where he graduated from Hibbing High School. After high school he took some time to work and travel throughout the United States. In 1993, Paul enrolled at St. Cloud State University in St. Cloud, MN. In 1995 he transferred to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus where he received his bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science, graduating in 1997. Paul started his career in the central Minnesota town of Cold Spring prior to purchasing the funeral home in Glenwood, Minnesota where he served that community for 13 years. Serving the community of Glenwood included being a member of the local Lion’s Club, Rotary International, Good Samaritan Nursing Home Board, assisting in church events, and being a part of The Main Event - Vintage Oval Snowmobile Race, “The Chase for the Hetteen Cup”. Following his time in Glenwood, Paul worked as a funeral director in northern Minnesota before coming to work as a funeral director for the George Boom Funeral Home and On-Site Crematory in Sioux Falls in November of 2022. Paul is a licensed funeral service provider in both Minnesota and South Dakota.
Paul has made Sioux Falls his home with his fiancé Laura. The couple look forward to being involved in the community while working and volunteering. Both Paul and Laura enjoy being outdoors. Camping, sightseeing, hiking, four-wheeling and gardening are just some of the activities which keep them busy. They also enjoy spending time with their family on camping trips and holidays. Paul has two grown children, while Laura has three grown children and seven grandchildren. Let’s not forget Paul and Laura’s dog, Gizzmo.
Theresa Woitte
Funeral Arranger
Theresa Woitte was born and raised in Sioux City, Iowa, graduating from West High School in 2001. In 2002, she began the adventure called life by moving to Tijuana, Mexico. There she lived and raised her two children, Eliya and Javier, for almost 15 years. In 2016, Theresa and her children moved back to Sioux City to care for her ailing mother. In 2019, Theresa and her husband Tim, found their dream farm and relocated to the greater Sioux Falls area. She is an ethical vegan and in 2020 started a pig rescue “The Rooty Tooty Ranch”, to give a loving home to pigs in need. She currently has eight rescues: Leroy, Winston, Borris, Frank, Charlie, Peter, Willis, and Maggie. In the spring of 2022, Theresa began her undergraduate studies at University of Sioux Falls and, in the fall of 2024, will graduate DMACC’s Mortuary Science Program. In March of 2022, Theresa began her apprenticeship with George Boom Funeral Home, where she looks forward to a lifelong career as a bilingual Funeral Director.
Theresa Woitte nació en Sioux City, Iowa, y graduó de la escuela West High en el 2001. En el 2002, ella empezó una nueva aventura, y se mudó a Tijuana, México. Allí vivió y crio a sus dos hijos, Eliya y Javier, por casi 15 años. En el 2016, Theresa y sus hijos regresaron a Sioux City a cuidar a su mama enferma. En el 2019, Theresa y su esposo Tim se compraron la granja de sus sueños en el área de Sioux Falls. Ella es una vegana ética y en el 2020 estableció un santuario para cerditos necesitados. Al momento tiene ocho rescates: Leroy, Winston, Borris, Frank, Charlie, Peter, Willis, y Maggie. En la primavera del 2022, Theresa comenzó sus estudios en la Universidad de Sioux Falls y tiene la esperanza de graduar del programa de Ciencia Mortuoria en el 2024. En marzo del 2022, Theresa empezó su aprendizaje en la Funeraria George Boom, donde espera servir la comunidad hispana como directora bilingüe.
Coty Ochoa
Office Administrator
Phone: 605-336-1454
Coty joined the staff of George Boom Funeral Home in the Fall of 2022.
Shari Brasel
Front Desk
Phone: 605-336-1454
Shari Brasel was born and raised in Carroll, Iowa and is a graduate of Kuemper Catholic High School. Her dad always told her she had a "gift for gab", so she pursued her childhood dream of working in the media. Armed with a degree in Journalism from South Dakota State University, Shari spent many years in the radio business, before shifting to a long career in banking. Shari and her husband Brian have one daughter and live in Sioux Falls.
In her free time, Shari enjoys being a part time baker at a local cupcakeshop, meeting with friends for coffee, writing and helping her husband with his golf car business.
Michael Polasky
Funeral Director
Phone: 605-336-1454
Michael was born in Appleton, Minn., and his family moved to South Dakota shortly thereafter. He graduated high school in 1983 in Winner, S.D., and then attended Northern State University in Aberdeen, S.D., graduating with a Bachelor Degree in Business in 1988. He apprenticed under Floyd A. Miller at Miller-Huebl Funeral Home in Aberdeen. He attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Ill. While in Chicago, he worked for Skaja Terrace Funeral Home. After graduating from mortuary school, he was a funeral director for Skroch Funeral Chapel in Flandreau, S.D. He later moved back to Aberdeen where he was a funeral director for Miller-Huebl Funeral Home for 13 years and Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory for one year. He joined our team in January of 2008.
Michael and his wife, Penny, live in Brandon, S.D., and they have three daughters: Kara, Kirstyn, and Kenzie. Penny is the director of Once Upon A Time Daycare in Brandon.
Tyson Johannsen
Funeral Director
Phone: 605-336-1454
Tyson Johannsen was born and raised in Wagner, S.D., and was a graduate of Wagner High School in 2005. He attended undergraduate schooling at the University of Sioux Falls and graduated from Kansas City, Kan. Community College in 2008 with a degree in mortuary science.
He completed his apprenticeship at Miller Funeral Home in 2009. In January of 2010, he moved to Brookings, S.D., where he was employed at Rude's Funeral Home. He had the privilege of serving families in Brookings until September of 2014, when he moved to Sioux Falls and accepted his current position on our team. He became a partner of the firm in 2015 and is thankful to serve the Sioux Falls community.
James Bartels
Funeral Director
Phone: 605-336-1454
James Bartels was born in Sioux Falls, S.D. He was raised in a household with two deaf parents and is fluent in American Sign Language. He is a graduate of Washington High School. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the U.S. Navy and served from 2003-2008. During his time in the Navy, he was deployed three times serving as a Mass Communication Specialist aboard the USS Boxer stationed in San Diego, Calif. His duties included journalism, photography and public relations.
Upon completing his five years of service, he attended Dakota State University through Sioux Falls’ University Center. He graduated with an Associates of Business Management degree, earning “High Honors." He went on to attend Des Moines Area Community College to complete his Mortuary Sciences degree. He joined our team in May of 2018.
James and his wife, Arika, have two children, Natalie and John, and they make their home in southeastern Sioux Falls.
Chelsea Asmus
PrePlanning Manager/Licensed Insurance Agent
Chelsea (Tripp) Asmus grew up in Sioux Falls, SD where she graduated from Lincoln High School. Chelsea received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Healthcare Administration from University of South Dakota. Chelsea returned to Sioux Falls and began her career in healthcare administration, holding various positions at Vance Thompson Vision, Sanford Women’s and Sanford Health Plan. After many years in healthcare administration, Chelsea joins our company as the manager of our PrePlanning Department – The Care Group.
Chelsea also serves on the House Corporation Board of Alpha Phi at the University of South Dakota, and volunteers for Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons as a troop co-leader. She and her family; husband, Eric, and children, Mackenzie and Calvin; enjoy supporting the University of South Dakota Coyotes. In addition, Chelsea can typically be found supporting her children’s activities; dance, baseball, basketball and football.
If you would like to learn more about advance funeral planning and options available to your family - please call our PrePlanning Department, The Care Group at 605-336-2637.
Steven Schumacher
Preplanning Specialist / Licensed Insurance Agent
Steven started with our company in September of 1996. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, doing yardwork, and spending time outdoors.
Shannon Stroman
Preplanning Specialist / Licensed Insurance Agent
Shannon Stroman called Blunt, S.D., her hometown where she grew up on the family ranch. She later moved to Presho, S.D., where she graduated from Lyman High School. She has lived in the Sioux Falls and Parker areas since 1991.
“My personal experiences have allowed me to help others in a caring way. I worked for Sanford Hospice for over 15 years where I saw firsthand the healing nature a well-planned funeral service could offer families, and was excited to help families in this way when I transitioned into this position.”
“Losing my mom in 2016, also showed me and my three brothers the 'true gift' advanced planning gives to families and friends.”
Besides her extensive training and experience in hospice, she has served her community through the United Way and coordinating fundraising events at the Parker School District.
When not working, she is an avid photographer, and loves spending time with her husband Bruce and four grown children: Tristan, Brooks, Lindsay and Shelby. She and her family enjoy various outdoor activities that include: boating, fishing, racing, music, and traveling to visit relatives.
Kim Banks
Preplanning Specialist / Licensed Insurance Agent
Kim grew up in De Smet, S.D., and graduated from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Economics. She has worked in the banking industry across South Dakota for many years and moved back to Sioux Falls in 2017. She has one son Matt and one daughter London. She also has two adorable twin grandsons. She enjoys golfing, boating, hiking, or anything outdoors with family and friends in her spare time.
Emily McNamara
Preplanning Specialist / Licensed Insurance Agent
Emily was born and raised in Hartford, S.D. She studied Communications at the University of South Dakota. She and her significant other Micheal enjoy watching and going to NASCAR races. Her family loves to spend time outdoors and enjoy camping during the summer months. When they are not camping you can find them at their family's farm riding horses and four-wheeling. Emily, Micheal and their three children reside in Hartford.
