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.
Donna obtained her license initially in Atlanta, GA and worked as lead funeral director and office manager for Alfonso Dawson's Mortuary. She returned to Des Moines in 2001 and became licensed in Iowa. She has owned Henderson's Funeral Service since 2001 She has 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Donna is a Deaconess in her church and stays active with community functions. She loves reading, drawing and listening to music. Helping hurting families is a ministry for her.
Matthew Gilgen is a Licensed Funeral Director fand embalmer, who completed his studies in Mortuary Science at DMACC. Matthew Gilgen, has worked in Marshalltown and Reinbeck as a funeral director and an insurance liaison, and has been with the company since 2016. With his Shakespearean Theatre experience, and smooth sense of style and swagger.. Matthew brings an air of professionalism to any service he directs. He's a newly married father of 3 who is a talented cook, enjoys kayaking, and is gifted in songwriting and playing the guitar.
Jermain is the next generation of Henderson's to serve our community. He loves working with young people, and has three children of his own. He hopes to soon complete studies at DMACC in Mortuary Science.
Deb Breeden is our accounting wiz with over 30 years of experience and well versed in multiple accounting systems. Deb previously worked in Mount Pleasant and we are very lucky to have as a part of the team. She is a mother and grandmother who loves spending her free time with her family and fishing.
Terrance currently is employed part timea as a Funeral Assistant. He is the Youth Pastor at Christ Apostolic Church, is marraied and has 6 children. It is his dream to one day attend mortuary school.
Lawrence is a returning member of our staff. He moved back to Des Moines in 2020 to start his Mortuary Science Degree. He is one step away from completing a degree in Theological Studies. He has a marvelous speaking and singing voice.
Lawrence is single and has a twin brother, Lance.
Jeff along with his wife Annie is the owner of the funeral home. Jeff is a 1985 graduate of Wayne State University’s Mortuary Science Program.
He also holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University which he earned in 1992. He enjoys exercising and spending time off with his children – Maggie, Jack and Peter.
Jeff and his family are members of the St. Basil Catholic Church. When time allows, Jeff likes to be active in our community and is a member of the Kiwanis Club, Loyal Order of the Moose, Sons of the American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus. In 2013, Jeff and his family were the St. Basil Knights of Columbus Family of the year.
Jeff was recognized by the Bobby Walker Administration with their Leadership Award in 2010. He was also recognized by the First Spiritual Church of Covert for his role in community leadership in 2015.