Our Staff

Corey Ferguson

Licensed Funeral Director

Corey has been with Kessler & Maguire Funeral Home since 1997. He was born in the small southwestern Minnesota town of Breckenridge and at a young age moved with his family to Minneapolis. After graduating from Robbinsdale Senior High School, he attended a local Liberal Arts College in Golden Valley. Corey completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Winona State University. After spending a few years traveling, Corey returned to the University of Minnesota and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mortuary Science. 

In 1995, while working at a local funeral home, Corey met his wife Heidi, who worked as a licensed funeral director at Kessler & Maguire Funeral Home. Corey continued to develop a relationship with John Lepak, owner of the funeral home, and joined the staff in 1997. 

While away from the funeral homes, Corey and Heidi enjoy spending time with their two children, going on all of the typical family outings. 

Heidi Ferguson

Licensed Funeral Director

Heidi was raised in Barnesville, Minnesota, and graduated from Barnesville High School in 1991. She attended the University of Minnesota, Morris before transferring to the twin cities campus where she graduated with high distinction from the Program of Mortuary Science in 1995. Upon graduation Heidi was awarded the MFDA Award of Merit and the MFDA Past President's Continuing Education Award. 

Heidi and her husband Corey live in Cottage Grove and they have two children, Blake and Emma. Heidi is active in her church, in her children’s activities, and in the Chamber of Commerce. In her spare time Heidi enjoys scrapbooking and reading. 

Timothy Johnson

Licensed Funeral Director

Timothy was raised in Litchfield and graduated from the University Of Minnesota with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mortuary Science.  Tim went back to school in 2009 and received his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at St. Cloud State University.  He has worked as a funeral director for over 30 years along with time as a Life, Accident, and Health Insurance Salesman with Combined Insurance, and as a counselor with Northern Pines and Neuis Mental Health. 

Tim is married to Karen, they have a daughter Kristen, who resides in Anchorage, AK and a son Peter, who is a carpenter in Litchfield, MN.  Tim and Karen are members of Grace Covenant Church in Little Falls.

Tim’s free time is spent traveling with his wife, spending time at their lake home, hiking, hunting, and spending time on their land near Little Falls.

Tim is excited to be on the Kessler & Maguire and Choice Funeral Home team.  His love for helping families through funeral service has a long history and he hopes to continue the care and devotion already established through the Kessler & Maguire and Choice Funeral Homes.

Andrea Karels

Licensed Funeral Director/Pre-Planning Specialist

Andrea graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mortuary Science in 1996, and she has worked with grieving families in the Twin Cities since that time.  She is passionate about funeral service, and strives to provide the best of care to the families she serves.  While she is no longer working as a funeral director serving families after a loss, Andrea is now able to provide assistance to families looking to plan a meaningful service ahead of time.

Andrea and her family live in White Bear Lake. She enjoys spending time with family & friends and getting to Northern Wisconsin to the cabin as often as she can.  

Please reach out to Andrea if you have any questions or if you are looking to plan your funeral.

Lara Shea

Licensed Funeral Director/Aftercare Coordinator

Lara grew up in Glenwood, Minnesota. She attended the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis graduating with a bachelor degree in Mortuary Science. She married her high school sweetheart, Mike Shea. They enjoyed working together for many years as funeral directors in their hometown of Glenwood. It was there that she first observed the need and discovered a passion assisting families following the funeral experience itself. “Serving as a funeral director you realize the sacredness of being in the presence of those confronted with the death of someone they love. It is an honor to walk with families during such ‘marked moments’ of saying goodbye. But the journey continues following the service...after the flow of people slow down, calls and cards dwindle and silence hurts…that’s the continued path of support I am here to help with in any way I can. ” 

Lara values her time with husband and four children. She also enjoys being active in their church, reading, biking and helping in whatever arena their children are involved in.