Matt Linn
Owner and After Life Experience Leader
Matthew W. Linn was born in Des Moines and raised in Indianola, Iowa. While growing up, Matt maintained a busy life. He was active in many sports including football, basketball and baseball. He learned at an early age the desire to work and be involved in the community. Matt graduated from Indianola High School in 1991. He then attended Grand View College in Des Moines to pursue an education and to play baseball. After two years at Grand View, Matt moved to Denver, Colorado and attended Regis University. The culmination of his studies resulted in a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Physical Education in 1996. While in Colorado, Matt became interested in the field of mortuary science. He worked full-time for Olinger Mortuary in Denver while completing his degree.
Matt attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Illinois and graduated in 1997. Matt worked for Steuerle Funeral Home in Villa Park where he received hands on training while attending school. Matt completed his internship at Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service in Waterloo and remained as a licensed funeral director until January 2004.
Matt moved to Cedar Rapids and began working for Brosh Chapel. He completed the purchase of the Brosh family business in January 2008. In June of 2008, the downtown location of Brosh, was devastated by the Flood, and as a result a new location was secured from Czech National Cemetery. This new location joined Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre as modern facility equipped to handle all facets of services. Matt is the owner of Brosh Chapel, The Avacentre (www.theavacentre.com) and Eternal Fan (www.eternal.fans). The Avacentre is the food and beverage option which compliments Brosh Chapel's families served. The Avacentre has a full catering kitchen in the Solon Brosh location. In 2005, Matt formed Eternal Fan. Eternal Fan's purpose is to give families a new option to create a legacy at their special places. Eternal Fan is currently a partner in NASCAR and is actively in discussions with other sports properties.
Matt is a licensed insurance agent in the State of Iowa, a member of St. Ludmila's Catholic Church, a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, CSA, Western Fraternal, SOKOL and a board member at Czech National Cemetery. Matt enjoys traveling, golfing and attending various sporting events. He also enjoys the company of his family and taking in various sporting events.
Matt Linn
Owner and After Life Experience Leader
Matthew W. Linn was born in Des Moines and raised in Indianola, Iowa. While growing up, Matt maintained a busy life. He was active in many sports including football, basketball and baseball. He learned at an early age the desire to work and be involved in the community. Matt graduated from Indianola High School in 1991. He then attended Grand View College in Des Moines to pursue an education and to play baseball. After two years at Grand View, Matt moved to Denver, Colorado and attended Regis University. The culmination of his studies resulted in a degree in Business Administration with a minor in Physical Education in 1996. While in Colorado, Matt became interested in the field of mortuary science. He worked full-time for Olinger Mortuary in Denver while completing his degree.
Matt attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Illinois and graduated in 1997. Matt worked for Steuerle Funeral Home in Villa Park where he received hands on training while attending school. Matt completed his internship at Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service in Waterloo and remained as a licensed funeral director until January 2004.
Matt moved to Cedar Rapids and began working for Brosh Chapel. He completed the purchase of the Brosh family business in January 2008. In June of 2008, the downtown location of Brosh, was devastated by the Flood, and as a result a new location was secured from Czech National Cemetery. This new location joined Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre as modern facility equipped to handle all facets of services. Matt is the owner of Brosh Chapel, The Avacentre (www.theavacentre.com) and Eternal Fan (www.eternal.fans). The Avacentre is the food and beverage option which compliments Brosh Chapel's families served. The Avacentre has a full catering kitchen in the Solon Brosh location. In 2005, Matt formed Eternal Fan. Eternal Fan's purpose is to give families a new option to create a legacy at their special places. Eternal Fan is currently a partner in NASCAR and is actively in discussions with other sports properties.
Matt is a licensed insurance agent in the State of Iowa, a member of St. Ludmila's Catholic Church, a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, CSA, Western Fraternal, SOKOL and a board member at Czech National Cemetery. Matt enjoys traveling, golfing and attending various sporting events. He also enjoys the company of his family and taking in various sporting events.
J. W. Kissling
After Life Experience Expert
J. W. is originally from Toddville Iowa (just North of Cedar Rapids) and a graduate of Alburnett High School. He received his AA Degree from Kirkwood Community College and Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (Cincinnati, Ohio) in 2001. With 14 years of funeral service experience already, J.W. joined Brosh Chapel in July of 2015. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and attending his kids’ numerous sporting events, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and being at the cabin. He and his wife live in the Toddville area with their four children.
J. W. Kissling
After Life Experience Expert
J. W. is originally from Toddville Iowa (just North of Cedar Rapids) and a graduate of Alburnett High School. He received his AA Degree from Kirkwood Community College and Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (Cincinnati, Ohio) in 2001. With 14 years of funeral service experience already, J.W. joined Brosh Chapel in July of 2015. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and attending his kids’ numerous sporting events, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and being at the cabin. He and his wife live in the Toddville area with their four children.
Rick Kemmann
Advanced Planning Expert
Rick Kemmann, Advance Celebration Planner is originally from Clarence, Iowa. He is a graduate of Clarence-Lowden High School and has an A.A. Degree from Kirkwood and a B.A. Degree from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa. Rick joined Brosh in July 2020. In his spare time, Rick volunteers for a local animal shelter and assists in pet rescues and adoptions. He likes being outdoors and tries to hike and bike the nature trails when he can. In addition, he enjoys the variety of local cultural events, concerts, festivals, and other activities that the community has to offer.
Rick Kemmann
Advanced Planning Expert
Rick Kemmann, Advance Celebration Planner is originally from Clarence, Iowa. He is a graduate of Clarence-Lowden High School and has an A.A. Degree from Kirkwood and a B.A. Degree from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa. Rick joined Brosh in July 2020. In his spare time, Rick volunteers for a local animal shelter and assists in pet rescues and adoptions. He likes being outdoors and tries to hike and bike the nature trails when he can. In addition, he enjoys the variety of local cultural events, concerts, festivals, and other activities that the community has to offer.
Karen M. Ryan
Celebration of Life Coordinator
Karen M. Ryan was born in Iowa City and raised in Fairbank, Iowa. She graduated from Wapsie Valley High School in 2002. Karen continued her education at Hamilton College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, graduating with an associate's degree in Criminal Justice. Towards the end of her studies, Karen began helping out and gaining experience at Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein, Iowa.
Karen attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Illinois and received an associate's degree in Mortuary Science in 2005. Karen completed her internship at Brosh Chapel in May of 2007 and was extended the offer to join the staff as a licensed funeral director. Karen is very dedicated to the love and care of pets. She shares this exceptional love in her ability to celebrate the lives of pets as Brosh Chapel's Pet Loss Specialist. She actively volunteers as a Rescue and Foster Care Coordinator for the Animal Welfare Foundation of Iowa, and is a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids. In her spare time, Karen enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs.
Karen M. Ryan
Celebration of Life Coordinator
Karen M. Ryan was born in Iowa City and raised in Fairbank, Iowa. She graduated from Wapsie Valley High School in 2002. Karen continued her education at Hamilton College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, graduating with an associate's degree in Criminal Justice. Towards the end of her studies, Karen began helping out and gaining experience at Jamison-Schmitz Funeral Home in Oelwein, Iowa.
Karen attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Illinois and received an associate's degree in Mortuary Science in 2005. Karen completed her internship at Brosh Chapel in May of 2007 and was extended the offer to join the staff as a licensed funeral director. Karen is very dedicated to the love and care of pets. She shares this exceptional love in her ability to celebrate the lives of pets as Brosh Chapel's Pet Loss Specialist. She actively volunteers as a Rescue and Foster Care Coordinator for the Animal Welfare Foundation of Iowa, and is a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids. In her spare time, Karen enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs.
Terry Brosh
Former Owner and Funeral Director
In Loving Memory
Terry L. Brosh a fourth generation funeral director, became licensed by the State of Iowa since 1970. Terry was born and raised in Cedar Rapids in the heart of Czech Village, and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1964. He attended Winona State College until 1967 when he enlisted in the United States Navy. Graduating from Hospital Corps School, he spent over two years as a Medical Corpsman with the Navy and was attached to the Fleet Marine Force and Military Sea Transportation in Vietnam. He was also stationed aboard the U.S.S. Sanctuary Hospital Ship as well as in country service. Terry graduated from San Francisco College of Mortuary Science and started working with his father at Brosh Chapel in March of 1970.
Over the years, Terry was involved in many local organizations. He was active in the Sutliff Bridge Authority where he helped save the old bridge in Sutliff. Terry was a charter member of the Solon Stone Academy, as well as being instrumental in the restoration of the old school house. He is currently a member of the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post # 460. Terry is a former board member of the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids, and a past board member of the St. Peter and Paul Historical Society. An avid contributor to many wildlife and conservation groups, Terry helped found the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He is a member of Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids.
Terry and his wife Christine were married in October of 2003. He has two sons: Justin and Matt. Terry's hobbies include fishing, hunting and all outdoor activities, especially time spent with dogs.
Terry Lee Brosh, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 2, 2023, in his home following a lengthy battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
Terry Brosh
Former Owner and Funeral Director
In Loving Memory
Terry L. Brosh a fourth generation funeral director, became licensed by the State of Iowa since 1970. Terry was born and raised in Cedar Rapids in the heart of Czech Village, and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1964. He attended Winona State College until 1967 when he enlisted in the United States Navy. Graduating from Hospital Corps School, he spent over two years as a Medical Corpsman with the Navy and was attached to the Fleet Marine Force and Military Sea Transportation in Vietnam. He was also stationed aboard the U.S.S. Sanctuary Hospital Ship as well as in country service. Terry graduated from San Francisco College of Mortuary Science and started working with his father at Brosh Chapel in March of 1970.
Over the years, Terry was involved in many local organizations. He was active in the Sutliff Bridge Authority where he helped save the old bridge in Sutliff. Terry was a charter member of the Solon Stone Academy, as well as being instrumental in the restoration of the old school house. He is currently a member of the Solon American Legion Stinocher Post # 460. Terry is a former board member of the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids, and a past board member of the St. Peter and Paul Historical Society. An avid contributor to many wildlife and conservation groups, Terry helped found the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He is a member of Hus Memorial Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids.
Terry and his wife Christine were married in October of 2003. He has two sons: Justin and Matt. Terry's hobbies include fishing, hunting and all outdoor activities, especially time spent with dogs.
Terry Lee Brosh, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 2, 2023, in his home following a lengthy battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
Rob Dugger
Primary Care Leader
I am a State of Iowa Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer at Brosh Chapels of Cedar Rapids and Solon. All the details that go along with a compliant mortuary, maintaining, recording and filing necessary information. Being a funeral director demands that one wear many different hats. I am sometimes a counselor and arranger and other times a technician and event director. Sometimes, I am an accountant and other times a writer. I want to do best at whatever Brosh Chapel needs me to be as a funeral director. Additionally, I have held my Iowa Funeral Service Preceptor certification for close to twenty years. Beginning in 2003, I have mentored and overseen Apprenticeships for Iowans seeking their State of Iowa License. It is my honor so say I have assisted and am assisting five individuals to licensure in Iowa during this time.
Immediately out of high school, I felt God’s calling either to be a Missionary or Minister. I was young and undecided. Christmas Break 1986, I was blessed with the opportunity to work at the Dahl Van Hove Schoof Funeral Home in Cedar Falls, while attending UNI. After only several weeks there, it was obvious that funeral service would be my life’s work. Funeral service presented a distinct and unique opportunity for ministering. I have now been licensed since 1991. I am excited and honored to begin work with Brosh Chapels, serving the families of Cedar Rapids, and Solon.
Hopefully, it is my ability to put others at ease by visiting. I am sociable and I have never had any problem meeting and getting to know people. It doesn't matter where I am, I am always looking for someone I know or want to meet. I am a great for a smile and firm handshake. My grandfather and father were grocery store owners. Thus, I was raised on the ideals of small business. Customer service always, first and foremost, when caring for a family that has entrusted their loved one.
Funeral service, for me, has always been a profession of ministry. It is the caring aspect, all funeral directors showed that attracting me. I am a very socially comfortable person. My family would say I am the type that has never known a stranger. I like talking to people, and people in general. As a younger man, I felt a calling to ministry. I believe my faith guided me to minister to the grieving. God has given me many wonderful experiences in funeral service.
Mount Vernon is a great town with so much to offer. We look forward to making new friends. Additionally, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City are host to so many fun events and activities Michelle and I like to attend. Our sons live in Cedar Falls, Waterloo and Iowa City. It is great to be able to close enough to be together on special occasions.
I am married to my high school sweetheart, Michelle. She and I have been married for going on thirty-three years. We are proud parents of three fine grown gentlemen, Ryan, Nick and Jonny. We all have such similar interests and have way too much fun when we are together. I am a wildlife and landscape artist, primarily working in acrylics. Michelle and I, are very excited to have moved to Mount Vernon. Together we love taking advantage of all the great opportunities Cedar Rapids and Iowa City have to offer.
Rob Dugger
Primary Care Leader
I am a State of Iowa Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer at Brosh Chapels of Cedar Rapids and Solon. All the details that go along with a compliant mortuary, maintaining, recording and filing necessary information. Being a funeral director demands that one wear many different hats. I am sometimes a counselor and arranger and other times a technician and event director. Sometimes, I am an accountant and other times a writer. I want to do best at whatever Brosh Chapel needs me to be as a funeral director. Additionally, I have held my Iowa Funeral Service Preceptor certification for close to twenty years. Beginning in 2003, I have mentored and overseen Apprenticeships for Iowans seeking their State of Iowa License. It is my honor so say I have assisted and am assisting five individuals to licensure in Iowa during this time.
Immediately out of high school, I felt God’s calling either to be a Missionary or Minister. I was young and undecided. Christmas Break 1986, I was blessed with the opportunity to work at the Dahl Van Hove Schoof Funeral Home in Cedar Falls, while attending UNI. After only several weeks there, it was obvious that funeral service would be my life’s work. Funeral service presented a distinct and unique opportunity for ministering. I have now been licensed since 1991. I am excited and honored to begin work with Brosh Chapels, serving the families of Cedar Rapids, and Solon.
Hopefully, it is my ability to put others at ease by visiting. I am sociable and I have never had any problem meeting and getting to know people. It doesn't matter where I am, I am always looking for someone I know or want to meet. I am a great for a smile and firm handshake. My grandfather and father were grocery store owners. Thus, I was raised on the ideals of small business. Customer service always, first and foremost, when caring for a family that has entrusted their loved one.
Funeral service, for me, has always been a profession of ministry. It is the caring aspect, all funeral directors showed that attracting me. I am a very socially comfortable person. My family would say I am the type that has never known a stranger. I like talking to people, and people in general. As a younger man, I felt a calling to ministry. I believe my faith guided me to minister to the grieving. God has given me many wonderful experiences in funeral service.
Mount Vernon is a great town with so much to offer. We look forward to making new friends. Additionally, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City are host to so many fun events and activities Michelle and I like to attend. Our sons live in Cedar Falls, Waterloo and Iowa City. It is great to be able to close enough to be together on special occasions.
I am married to my high school sweetheart, Michelle. She and I have been married for going on thirty-three years. We are proud parents of three fine grown gentlemen, Ryan, Nick and Jonny. We all have such similar interests and have way too much fun when we are together. I am a wildlife and landscape artist, primarily working in acrylics. Michelle and I, are very excited to have moved to Mount Vernon. Together we love taking advantage of all the great opportunities Cedar Rapids and Iowa City have to offer.
Bailee Anderson
Manager of Daily Office Operations
Bailee was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She attended Jefferson High School and Graduated with an Associate’s Degree in art from Kirkwood Community College. Bailee Joined Brosh Chapel in May of 2023, where she uses her degree in art making beautiful folders for our families who come through Brosh Chapel. Bailee now lives out in Central City where, in her free time, She enjoys, spending time with her family, playing board games, kayaking, painting, ceramics, and hanging out with her two wonderful cats, Muffin and Chewbacca.
Bailee Anderson
Manager of Daily Office Operations
Bailee was born and raised in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She attended Jefferson High School and Graduated with an Associate’s Degree in art from Kirkwood Community College. Bailee Joined Brosh Chapel in May of 2023, where she uses her degree in art making beautiful folders for our families who come through Brosh Chapel. Bailee now lives out in Central City where, in her free time, She enjoys, spending time with her family, playing board games, kayaking, painting, ceramics, and hanging out with her two wonderful cats, Muffin and Chewbacca.
Eric Londquist
Advance Celebration Planner
Meet Eric Londquist, your Advance Celebration Planner at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre. Born in Fairfield, Eric was educated in Cedar Rapids and at the University of Iowa. His career in funeral service started in 1993, helping families plan their funerals in advance as well as designing monuments and memorials of all kinds.
Eric enjoys spending his free time by boating, golfing, playing tennis and just hanging out with his four kids. He also loves traveling and discovering new places, yet Iowa will always be his home and his heart.
Eric is a true asset and trusted advisor at Brosh Chapel. His personal mission is to help our families create a perfectly planned celebration that tells your own unique story.
Eric Londquist
Advance Celebration Planner
Meet Eric Londquist, your Advance Celebration Planner at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre. Born in Fairfield, Eric was educated in Cedar Rapids and at the University of Iowa. His career in funeral service started in 1993, helping families plan their funerals in advance as well as designing monuments and memorials of all kinds.
Eric enjoys spending his free time by boating, golfing, playing tennis and just hanging out with his four kids. He also loves traveling and discovering new places, yet Iowa will always be his home and his heart.
Eric is a true asset and trusted advisor at Brosh Chapel. His personal mission is to help our families create a perfectly planned celebration that tells your own unique story.
