Janel Vandemore

Owner

Janel Vandemore was born and raised in Waterloo, Iowa.  She attended the University of Iowa, and graduated with a degree in history.  She holds a Master's Degree in Educational Administration and taught in the Social Studies Department at Bettendorf High School for 15 years.  While there, she served as the dance team and cheer squad coach and as an adviser for a very large and active Student Council. 

After taking some time off to stay home with her children, she now serves as owner of Vandemore Funeral Home.  Janel returned to the classroom in 2015 and is currently, in addition to her duties as owner of the funeral home, the 6th-grade teacher at St. Malachy School.  When not working, Janel loves supporting her children in their activities, traveling, reading, being active and outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.

Emma Vandemore

Co-Owner

Emma was born and raised in Geneseo. She graduated from Geneseo High School and attended Iowa State University. She graduated with a degree in Public Relations. After graduation, Emma came back to Geneseo to help her dad run Geneseo Memorials and Bronze and Vandemore Funeral Homes. She is now a proud owner!.

Emma is engaged to Joe and will be  married in October, 2021. They have two labs, Izzy and Nala, who rule the roost and steal 90% of the bed every night. When she isn't working, you can find Emma enjoying food and drinks with her friends, traveling, and spending time with her family. 

"I am beyond honored to continue the Vandemore Way, just like my dad strived to do on a daily basis. Along with my mom and sister, we will strive to serve the families of Henry County in a caring and professional way." - Emma 

Joel Vandemore

In Loving Memory 1967 - 2020

Joel was the owner and president of Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory.  A native of Atkinson, Joel was the second generation to serve the families of Atkinson and Geneseo in their time of need.  He graduated from Atkinson High School, Black Hawk College, and Worsham College of Mortuary Science.

Joel was active in several community organizations and has two daughters, Emma and Mia.

Telephone: 1-309-944-1415

Email: 

Victor Dzekunskas, Jr.

Funeral Home Manager and Funeral Director

Victor joined the Vandemore team in 2011.  He has been a licensed funeral director for 27 years.  He graduated from Geneseo High School in 1989, where he played baseball and ran cross country.  He spent three years in the United States Navy as an Aviation Electrician.

Victor has two children, Christian and Millie, and he lives in Atkinson.  Victor enjoys golfing and walking the canal.

Telephone: 1-309-944-1415

Email: 

Justin Levingston

Funeral Director

Justin was raised in Lewistown, IL, and graduated from Lewistown High School in 2006. He attended Millikin University in Decatur, IL and Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg. He received his Mortuary Science degree in 2010. He worked as a licensed funeral director and embalmer for nearly 10 years in Danville, IL, before moving to Geneseo in April of 2020.

Justin’s family, which includes Rhiannon, Kinleigh, and Emersyn, enjoys spending time outdoors - hunting, fishing, kayaking and traveling.  Justin is very eager to become active in the community in various ways and supporting Geneseo once it is safe and restrictions allow. 

Telephone: 1-309-944-1415

Email: 

Brandy Stockton

Office Manager

Brandy Stockton is the office manager at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory.  Brandy has over 35 years of experience in the clerical field with a strong background in customer support.  She has recently been licensed in Illinois as a Life Insurance Producer and is a Notary Public.

Brandy is married to Duke.  They have two children, Travis (Katie) and Cheyenne (Justin), and three grandchildren, Emmett, Everly, and Maverick.  When Brandy is not working, she enjoys traveling with her husband, riding horses, antiquing, camping, and especially loves spending time with her grandkids.  She has two Great Pyrenees, Mo and Joey, that she absolutely spoils and they rule her household.

Telephone: 1-309-944-1415

Email: 

Kay Henderson

Greeter and Office Assistant

Kay joined Vandemore Funeral Homes and Crematory in August 2020.

Kay and Terry are originally from Streator, Illinois and relocated to Geneseo in 2015. They have three children, Michael of Geneseo, Ryan (Danette) of Geneseo and Daniel (Dawn) of Milan, IL. They have two grandchildren. Lauren attends the University of Northern Iowa and Zachary is a senior at Geneseo High School, and will  join his sister at UNI this fall.

The Henderson's also have a rescue beagle, named Cooper, who is a real delight and keeps them quite busy.  Kay enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her family.

Terry Henderson

Senior Funeral Assistant

Terry joined Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory in September of 2017.  He is a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, class of 1975.  

Terry and his wife, Kay, moved to Geneseo in 2015 to be closer to the family.  They have three children, Michael of Geneseo, Ryan (Danette) of Geneseo, and Daniel (Dawn) of Milan, IL.  They have two grandchildren, Lauren and Zachary.  Terry enjoys golf, traveling, and spending time with his family.

Randy Dahl

Funeral Assistant

Bio coming soon!

Chet McCoy

Funeral Assistant

Pic and Bio Coming Soon!

Terry Lancaster

Funeral Assistant and Reverend

Pic and Bio Coming Soon!

Brett VanDeWoestyne

Certified Pet Loss Professional/Vandemore Pet Cremation Service

Brett has been with Vandemore Funeral Home since 2003 and has managed Vandemore Pet Cremations since it opened in 2009.  Brett is a Certified Pet Loss professional, crematory operator and is certified in pet grief companioning.  He is also a licensed life insurance producer.

Brett is an active member in the Pet Loss Professional Alliance (PLPA), Geneseo Kiwanis Club, and St.  Malachy Catholic Church.  He is a licensed pilot, enjoys riding his motorcycle, and following his children's many activities.  Brett resides in Geneseo with his wife, Renee and their two children, Nathan and Katie, and their pet Coco.

Telephone: 1-309-944-1498

Chris Verbeke

Maintenance

Chris joined Vandemore Funeral Home in July, 2019. He just retired after 40 years as a professional painter in various capacities. This includes eight years in the U.S. Air Force, working for Boeing in Saudi Arabia, and for a local paint contractor for the last 22 years. He is a person with a strong customer service background and his attention to detail, and he looks forward to using these skills in his new role.

Chris is married to Janice. They have three children, Monae, Jared and Tyler, and two grandchildren, Aiden and Ayla. Chris has many interests. He loves and restores classic cars, fishing, landscaping, refurbishing furniture and reading. He loves his time with family and friends.