Our Staff

Meet Our Caring Staff

Our staff is comprised of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services. Please feel free to contact any of our staff members at any time.

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Theresa D. Zollars

Manager/Licensed Funeral Director

Theresa grew up in the small Northeast Michigan village of Mikado. She graduated from Alcona High School and then joined the United States Navy. She spent almost five years in the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman attached to the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. Theresa was first assigned to the pediatric department within the hospital, but a chance encounter and a lot of hard work allowed her the opportunity to be placed with the Navy Mortuary Affairs Department. Here she was tasked as the Burial at Sea Coordinator for the Navy Mid-Atlantic Region and was also the assistant to the Navy Morticians at NMCP. This opportunity opened the door for Theresa to be able to obtain an apprenticeship, to complete mortuary school at Norfolk State University, and eventually obtain her funeral service licenses in Virginia, North Carolina, and Michigan. She lives in Allegan and is married to Tim. They have one child. Theresa enjoys reading, spending time with family, animals, and camping.

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Tom L. Smith

Licensed Funeral Director

Tom graduated from Buchanan High School in southwestern Michigan in 1975. Then continued his education in Mortuary Science at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1980. With over 40 years of experience in funeral service, Tom is excited to bring his wealth of knowledge to Crandell Funeral Homes. Tom is married to his wife Lisa, and they have two children, Colin and Anna, and also a grandson Landon. When not working, Tom is an avid sports enthusiast and competed in many sports in his younger years. Tom has served on many organizations, such as Rotary club, Big Brother Big Sisters, United Way, Optimist club and Chamber of Commerce. Tom finds his greatest reward in life, outside of his family, is his compassion in serving families in the time that matters most.

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Alex Bremer

Licensed Funeral Director

I'm a passionate individual from Grand Rapids, Michigan, who made the exciting move to White Cloud with my husband in 2023. Alongside our furry companions - one dog and two cats - we have welcomed our first daughter into the world in June of 2025. So far in 2025, I graduated from Gupton Jones College, passed both sections of the National Board Exam, the Michigan state test, and was approved to be a licensed funeral director. I reflect on the gratifying nearly six years I have devoted to working in the industry. This journey has not only shaped my professional expertise but has also instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and compassion.

Outside of my studies and career, I find solace and joy in the simple pleasures of life. Whether it is spending quality time with my family and friends, immersing myself in a captivating book, challenging my mind with intricate puzzles, or basking in the serene beauty of the beach, I savor every moment that brings me closer to what truly matters. My diverse interests and genuine love for connecting with others allow me to appreciate the beauty and richness of each experience, shaping me into a well- rounded and empathetic individual.

In a world filled with fast-paced chaos, I strive to create moments of peace, understanding, and connection, both in my personal life and professional endeavors. With a heart full of empathy and a mind eager to learn, I look forward to continuing my journey with an open heart, ready to embrace all the challenges and joys that come my way. Each day is an opportunity to grow, connect, and make a positive impact - and I am committed to living a life that reflects these values.

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Jordyn L. Wagenmaker

Office Manager

Jordyn graduated from Holton High School in 2013. Jordyn married Jacob Wagenmaker on October 3, 2020, and they have two children. Daughters Zoey Jane, and Maizey Rae. Jordyn has been employed at Crandell Funeral Home since December 2023. When not working she enjoys camping, spending time with her family, reading, and watching movies.

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Scott Crandell

Director/CCSP - Semi retired

At this time, Scott has chosen to move to part time role with the funeral home. Scott graduated from Fremont High School in 1981 and then from Alma College in 1985 earning a Bachelor of Science Degree. Scott later attended Wayne State University Department of Mortuary Science in Detroit, graduating in 1991 and earning his Funeral Directors License in 1992. Scott married Elizabeth Suzanne Bartlett in 1991 and currently lives in Fremont. Scott & Elizabeth have two children Olivia Marie and Zachary Anderson. They are members of the Fremont United Methodist Church where Scott plays and sings in the Praise Band. Scott is a member of the Fremont Rotary Club and the Hesperia-Arcana Lodge No. 346 F & A.M. Scott is a 4rd generation funeral director in Newaygo County following in his grandfather's, and father's footsteps to serve the communities of West Michigan. Scott received the Michigan Funeral Directors "25 Year License Award" in May 2016 at the annual Michigan Funeral Directors Convention.