About Us

My career in funeral service began when I was fourteen years old. I began working for a family owned funeral home in Council Bluffs in the spring of 1992. Every day after school and throughout the summer I would ride my bicycle to the funeral home. I would wash cars, care for the lawn and help with other duties. A couple of summers later, once I had a driver's license, my role changed significantly. I began driving to the cemetery and helping with all of the services and during evening visitations. I became so passionate about funeral service that I found my early life revolved around working at the funeral home.

Life for me has always been about service to others. While attending college, the owners of the funeral home sold their ownership to a national firm and there was no room for me after this acquisition. Seeking service to others, I took a job with the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office as a corrections officer and that led to being promoted as a deputy sheriff. Eventually, I was hired by the Iowa Department of Public Safety. During my 10 year career, I served in the Division of Criminal Investigations and as a state trooper with the Iowa State Patrol.

I found my time serving in law enforcement personally rewarding, especially the helping others in my community, my passion for helping families with funeral service never was silenced. During my time with the Iowa State Patrol, I was able to complete my education as a funeral director and for a few years I worked two jobs. I worked as a trooper on the midnight shift and as funeral director/mortician during the day.

Nick is a licensed Funeral Director in Nebraska and Iowa. He graduated from Fremont High School in Fremont, Nebraska before going to Midland University, where he acquired his prerequisites for Mortuary Science. Nick finished his degree in Mortuary Science at Kansas City Kansas Community College.

Nick is honored to help the families of Omaha and the surrounding communities at the difficult time of losing a loved one. His goal is to be transparent, understanding and compassionate with every person he meets. 

Outside of work, Nick enjoys spending time with his wife and their two children, traveling, and spending time outdoors.

Maranda Price is a licensed funeral director in Nebraska and Iowa. She earned her degree in Mortuary Science from Kansas City Kansas Community College in 2017 and then moved to Omaha to start her Funeral Directing career. Maranda is a Nebraska native, growing up in a small town has taught her the value of community support and the importance of maintaining strong personal connections, which is why Maranda serves on the Benson Neighborhood Association.

Maranda has built a reputation for guiding families through one of life’s most challenging times with empathy and respect. Maranda believes that every life is unique and deserving of a meaningful farewell. She is committed to supporting families not only through the logistical aspects of planning a funeral but also through the emotional journey that accompanies loss. Maranda is a strong believer in the fact that every day is a gift and to always tell the ones close to you that you love them. 

Maranda enjoys visiting and spending as much time as she can with her family and friends, especially with her husband and their dog Duke. She also enjoys traveling and making memories with loved ones. 

Caroline is a licensed funeral director in Nebraska and Iowa, specializing in embalming and post-mortem reconstructive surgery. She earned her degree in Mortuary Science from Kansas City Kansas Community College, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2014. Caroline's commitment to excellence is demonstrated through her completion of over 100 hours of specialized embalming and reconstructive training at Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills. 

Believing strongly in the psychological benefits of open casket viewing, Caroline advocates for its importance in comforting grieving families and friends. Her dedication to maintaining the highest standards of care in the embalming profession is evident through her ongoing pursuit of education and professional development. 

In her role, Caroline is deeply committed to providing compassionate support to families during their time of loss. She ensures that each individual receives the utmost care and attention, reflecting her unwavering dedication and passion for funeral service.

Michelle Arroyo, born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Moved to Omaha, Nebraska in 2008, and shortly after started working for Good Shepherd Funeral Home. I have enjoyed being a part of Good Shepherd and helping families in a time of need. Being fluent in Spanish has given me the opportunity to assist our Hispanic community. When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family.

I was born in Omaha and received my Bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. I joined the funeral industry in 2015.

I approach each and every individual that I meet with respect, dignity and compassion and try to provide families with what they need before they even realize that they have a need. I am so grateful to work with the amazing staff at Good Shepherd.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, knowing that each and every moment I have with them is special and worth cherishing.

Andrew is an Omaha native who graduated from Benson High School. A veteran of the Armed Services, he is a graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Decatur, Georgia. Inspired by his father, who worked in the Funeral Service business for over forty years, Andrew is currently working as a Funeral Assistant for Good Shepherd Funeral Home. He is a compassionate professional with comprehensive knowledge and experience directing all aspects of funeral service, while improving efficiency. Andrew is a man of kindness and humility with great integrity.

Gisselle Garcia Diaz is a licensed Funeral Director in the state of Nebraska and currently an Intern in the state of Iowa. Gisselle was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. Gisselle is fluent in Spanish and her family originates from Guatemala and El Salvador.  Graduating from Benson High School in 2018, Metropolitan Community College with a degree in Liberal Arts/Academic Transfer Associates in Science in 2020 and Des Moines Area Community College with an Advance Standing Diploma in Mortuary Science in 2023.

Gisselle started her career back in April of 2018, helping as a student and working her way up over the years. Through personal loss Gisselle found her calling to become a Funeral Director.

 “It’s very meaningful to me to be able to help families in any way I can to alleviate the grief and stress that comes about after a loss of a loved one, I’m here to help and make it as smooth as possible”

Gisselle enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and dog. She enjoys being outdoors, whether that be going on walks, hikes or fishing.  Also going to craft shows/community events and watching tv shows.

I grew up in Estherville, a small town in NW, IA. I started working at a local funeral home in my late teens, and was drawn to funeral service from the very start. Being from a smaller community meant that I knew somebody in most every family served, and made me realize how fulfilling and important it was to help others in their time of need. I received my education at Bethel College and the University Of Minnesota, earning a Bachelor Degree in Mortuary Science. Once fully licensed, I worked at funeral homes in several communities in MN & IA, before moving to the Omaha area in 1996. I spent some time away from funeral service working as a Real Estate Broker, but returned to funeral service in 2014. I receive a great deal of personal satisfaction in the areas of funeral service I am involved in. Every day brings new opportunities to serve families in need, and to work alongside the most dedicated staff that I have ever had the privilege to work with.

Jack Critchfield is an experienced Licensed Funeral Director and Preneed Counselor with a career spanning over a decade. A lifelong resident of Omaha, Nebraska. Jack takes great pride in assisting families from the communities where he grew up.

After graduating from Ralston High School, Jack received his Bachelor’s Degree from Peru State College and then pursued his passion for funeral service at Des Moines Community College. Since 2010, he has been committed to providing compassionate and professional care, assisting families with both immediate funeral arrangements and preneed planning.

Jack’s expertise and caring approach ensure that every detail is managed with the utmost respect and care. His role is not only about addressing the needs of families but also about helping them prepare for the future.

Outside of his professional life, Jack enjoys spending time with his family. He loves being outside, watching the Kansas City Chiefs and being on a golf course.

Leah Critchfield offers a unique and empathetic approach to her role as a Preneed Counselor, following a rewarding 13-year career as a special education teacher. Her shift to the funeral industry has allowed her to leverage her passion for assisting others in orchestrating meaningful and respectful funerals.

In her role, Leah supports families through the nuances of prearranging funeral services, ensuring that each plan is tailored to honor the individual’s legacy and address the family’s specific needs. Her educational background has honed her skills in communication and empathy, enabling her to provide compassionate and thoughtful assistance.

Leah has found great fulfillment in her transition to the funeral home industry, appreciating the selfless and impactful nature of the work. Her dedication to creating memorable and respectful tributes speaks to her commitment to both her profession and the families she serves.