Staff

At Glende-Nilson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, we are honored to have earned the trust and confidence placed in us by those that we serve. We pledge to offer respectful and dignified professional service, service that a family should expect, service that a family deserves. From the time the first phone call is received, throughout the service and beyond, each staff member at our funeral home contributes in an important way. We are very proud of our staff, and hope that you will take the time to learn more about them and their families.

Bruce Nilson, Chris Carlson, Andrew Yaggie, Doug Nelson, and Rick Mekalson

 Bruce Nilson

Licensed Funeral Director

Bruce Nilson was born and raised in Alcester, South Dakota where his grandfather and father owned and operated the Nilson Funeral Home. After serving in the Korean War, Mr. Nilson graduated from the University of Minnesota’s Mortuary Science Program. In 1961, Bruce purchased the Nilson Funeral Home, formerly the Gerhards Funeral Home, in Fergus Falls, with chapels in Battle Lake, Ashby and Evansville. 

In 1995, Mr. Nilson partnered with Glende-Johnson-Nelson Funeral Home. He now enjoys being an active part of funeral service, while still having the opportunity to hunt and fish and spend time with his three children and seven grandchildren. Bruce is a member of First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, a member of the VFW in Fergus Falls and of the Ashby American Legion.

 Doug Nelson

Licensed Funeral Director 

Doug also comes from a funeral service background, where both his grandfather and father were active in the business in Brooten, Minnesota. After graduating from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Doug served his apprenticeship at the Hoplin Funeral Home in Glenwood. 

Following his service in the United States Army, Doug moved to Fergus Falls where he worked as a licensed director at the Glende-Johnson Funeral Home. Doug eventually purchased the Funeral Home which he continues to manage today. Doug and his wife Virginia live in Fergus Falls and have two married daughters. Doug and his wife are active members of Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. He is also a member of the Otter Risers Kiwanis, the VFW and the Ashby American Legion.

 Rick Mekalson

Licensed Funeral Director 

Rick was born and raised in Battle Lake, Minnesota, where he currently resides. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, he worked at funeral homes in Virginia, Minnesota, as well as the Bertha area. In 1995, Rick joined the staff at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home & Cremation Service. 

Rick and his wife Ann live in Battle Lake and have three sons and two grandsons. Rick is a member of the Battle Lake Lions Club and of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church.

 Chris Carlson

Licensed Funeral Director

Chris comes from a funeral service background as well. He grew up and attended school in Page, North Dakota, where his father owned and operated the Lindsey-Carlson Funeral Home. After graduating from the University of Minnesota, he worked at funeral homes in Starbuck and Morris, Minnesota. In 2004, Chris moved to Fergus Falls, and joined the staff at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home & Cremation Service.

Chris and his wife Brenda live in Fergus Falls and have two daughters and one son. He is a member of the Fergus Falls noon Kiwanis.

 Andrew Yaggie

Licensed Funeral Director

A native of Thief River Falls, MN, Andrew joined the staff of Glende-Nilson in June of 2011. Even though he comes from a farming background, Andrew has always had an interest in funeral service.  

After graduating from high school, Andrew attended North Dakota State University in Fargo, ND, graduating with a B.S. in Business Management, in 2009.  He went on to earn a B.S. in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota in 2010, serving his apprenticeship with Mueller Mortuaries in St. Paul/White Bear Lake, MN.  

Outside of the funeral home, Andrew still enjoys helping out on the family farms in Breckenridge and around the Thief River Falls area.  He also enjoys weekends at the family lake cabin on Ottertail Lake, golfing, flying, and is a talented musician, playing the piano and organ.  Andrew is a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, the Fergus Falls Noon Kiwanis and the Lakes Area Pilots Association.

 Karen Holte

Office Manager

Having had Glende-Nilson Funeral Homes serve her family for decades, Karen Holte joined the staff as office manager in March of 2010. She brings with her years of experience in the business sector as well as an associate business degree from Minnesota State Community and Technical College. 

Originally from Evansville, Karen and her husband David have lived on a grain and livestock farm near Wendell since 1993. They have two grown sons, Kyle and Kerby.

During her personal time, Karen enjoys driving motorcycle, quilting, family gatherings and volunteering.

Karen is an active member of the Rock Prairie Church, rural Wendell, and Quilts of Valor. She also finds time to volunteer at Lakeland Hospice.

 Wayne Swenson

Pre-Arrangement Specialist/Funeral Assistant

Wayne Swenson was born and raised in Western North Dakota/Eastern Montana. After working on the family farm, he attended college at North Dakota State University in Fargo. He graduated in 1966 from Moorhead State University and taught Industrial Education, Driver Education and Motorcycle Safety in Fergus Falls District #544 for 33 years. After retiring from teaching in 1999, he was employed by Fergus Power Pump for four years. As Pre-Arrangement Specialist, Wayne is able to assist families by providing advice and knowledge on pre-arranging and pre-paying a funeral. 

Wayne and his wife Glori make their home in Fergus Falls. In his personal time, he enjoys spending time with their two sons, one daughter and four grandchildren. Wayne is a member of Calvary Free Lutheran Church of Fergus Falls and the Lake Region Pioneer Threshermen of Dalton. His interests include restoring old tractors, woodworking and the outdoors. 

Photographs by Janssen Photography