Meet Our Team

Stacy Pickerign

Owner/Funeral Director

Stacy has been in funeral service since 1999. She grew up in Eagan, MN and graduated with a B.S. degree in Mortuary Science from the University of MN. Shen then went to work in Chippewa Falls where she was a funeral director and became a partner in the business in 2012. She sold her interest in that business and in March 2021, purchased Hemer Funeral Service from Jeff Hemer and renamed the business Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home. 

In 2026, she purchased Pederson-Volker Funeral Home in Chippewa Falls, where her son Mac works full time as a Funeral Director Apprentice. 

Besides working, Stacy enjoys camping, traveling, being with her family and playing with her Bernese Mountain Dog, Rupert.

Jeff Hemer

Former Owner/Funeral Director

Jeffrey, a fourth-generation former owner and funeral director, joined Hemer Funeral Service in July 1980 after completing his education.  Raised and educated in Medford, he attended UW Eau Claire and graduated from the funeral service program at Milwaukee Area Technical College.  Since 1980, he co-owned and co-operated this four-generation family funeral home with his brother, J. Mark “Smokey” Hemer.  In July 2006, Jeff became sole owner upon the retirement of his brother.  In May 2021, Jeff retired and sold the business to Stacy Pickerign, the current owner.  Although finding retirement very fitting, he enjoys helping when needed.

Jeff is married to Kathy (Brost) Hemer, a retired family nurse practitioner with Aspirus Medford Hospital. They have three children: Dr. Megan (Nathan Bilodeau) O’Connell, Ethan (Mary) and Ben (Laney) Hemer, along with four grandchildren.

Colton Freiberg

Funeral Director

Colton Freiberg joined us in May of 2016. Born and raised in Medford, he attended UW-Stevens Point and graduated from the funeral service program at Milwaukee Area Technical College in West Allis in 2013. Prior to working at Hemer Funeral Home, Colton worked for several funeral homes in the Milwaukee Area and in Baraboo.

Brittany Hoffman

Funeral Director Apprentice

Britt is pursuing a career in funeral service, driven by a strong passion for supporting others during life’s most difficult moments.  She grew up in Auburndale and studied Criminal Justice at Northcentral Technical College in Wausau.  She moved to the Medford area in 2018 where she currently works at the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office. 

In January 2026, Britt began her role with Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home as a Funeral Director Apprentice.  She plans to continue her education at DMACC (Des Moines Area Community College) to further her training in mortuary science and her commitment to providing compassionate professional care for the families she serves.

Outside of work, Britt enjoys spending time with her dog, family and friends and appreciating a good cheese board.

Dale Ludwig

Funeral Assistant

Dale grew up in Dorchester and graduated from Dor-Abby High School.  He moved to Medford in 1965 and served in the Army National Guard.  He has been assisting with funerals since 2017.

When Dale is not tending to his yard, detailing cars, putting puzzles together or going for walks, you can find him on the golf course, getting in 18 holes before most of us are awake!

Paul Woods

Funeral Assistant

Paul began his career with and A.S. in Police Science and a B.S. in Criminal Justice, serving as a Police Officer and dan EMT while off duty.  Over the years, God called him into pastoral ministry in the Medford area while completing a Masters and Doctorate in Theology.  He enjoys motorcycling, bicycling and walking. He is an active member of the Medford community and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Taylor Electric.

Rhonda McClure

Funeral Assistant

Rhonda was raised in Whittlesey, with her five siblings and a variety of pets.  She graduated from Medford Senior High School and enjoyed participating in athletics and academics.  She is a veteran of the United States Air Force, and in addition to her regular duties, was chosen to represent Malmstrom Air Force Base as a member of the Military Honors Funeral Detail.  Rhonda treasures her memories of living in and calling Montana home for over 40 years.  Somewhere between work, home life, and countless adventures, she graduated from Montana State University-College of Technology.  Being back in Wisconsin, she’s come full circle, and is enjoying time with her mom and dad, and rediscovering the Badger State.

Rhonda’s warm smile and cheerful personality brighten every room, and her welcoming nature makes others feel instantly at ease.

Kirt Pickerign

Funeral Assistant & “Jack Of All Trades”

Kirt grew up in Chippewa Falls.  Following high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he worked on a supply ship and was stationed in Guam.  His working career starting in HVAC, and ended as a project manager for an engineering firm.  He retired in 2026, but you will still see him doing work around the funeral homes or working on funerals…basically whatever his wife Stacy has on the “honey-do” list. 

He enjoys traveling, being outdoors, spending time with his family and watching sports.