Our caring staff is committed to providing support, compassion, information, and direction as needed to all members of our community, their families, and friends who are dealing with loss and grief.
George Menke
Funeral Director and Founder
George, an Arizona native, founded the funeral home in 1977. He continues to provide counsel and support to the staff and families we serve on a daily basis.
Kelly Browder
General Manager
Kelly, an Indiana native, moved to the valley in 2017. She is a 1991 graduate of John A Gupton College of Mortuary Science in Nashville, Tennessee. She has been in the profession for the last 27 years serving across various states including Tennessee, Nevada, and Arizona. She has made it her mission over the years to live the “Golden Rule”.
“You are going through one of the worst times of your life, it is my job to make this portion as easy as possible for you.”
Kelly is a member of the Sun City Host Lions Club and the Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue. She currently lives in Surprise, AZ with her husband David, their daughter, 1 dog, 2 cats, and a rabbit. She is an avid fan of rodeo and the PBR, and in her spare time she likes to crochet and swim.
Peder Strand
Licensed Funeral Director
Peder has been serving families in the valley since 1990. Peder received his degree in mortuary science from Vincennes University in Indiana after graduating with a BA from the University of North Dakota. He has been a funeral director with Menke Funeral & Cremation Center since 2000. Peder states, “The ultimate compliment is for those families we have served in the past to call upon us again when the need arises”.
Peder is a native of Montana, has been a resident of Arizona for the past 27 years and is a current resident of Avondale. He is married to his wife Kathy, who happens to be our Administrative Assistant, has 2 children and 2 dogs. He is an active member of the Rotary Club of Sun City Del Sol and enjoys fitness and reading.
Robert Zimmerman
Licensed Funeral Director
Robert “Rob” began his career in funeral service while in high school, 36 years ago. Rob graduated from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service after graduating from New Mexico State University. Rob has served as a licensed funeral director with Menke Funeral & Cremation Center since 2006. Rob is passionate about serving the families of this community.
Rob was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico and is a current resident of Goodyear, AZ. He is married to his wife Libby and has 3 sons. Rob is an active member of Palm Valley Church in Goodyear, AZ, where he and his wife, Libby, have led a Grief-Share ministry for the past several years. Rob enjoys golf and is an avid fan of ASU, the Cardinals and Diamondbacks.
Kathy Strand
Administrative Assistant
Kathy started her career in funeral service 34 years ago as the Administrative Assistant at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center. With her many years of knowledge and experience in serving the families of Menke Funeral Home, she has learned there is only one way to serve families in their time of need; the right way the first time.
Kathy is a lifelong West Valley resident and currently resides in Avondale with her husband Peder and their 2 dogs, Skrappy and Brewster. They also have 2 adult children. Kathy is a member of the Women of the Moose and enjoys reading and relaxing with her husband and dogs.
