About Us

Kristi Heck

Owner & Managing Director

Born and raised in Fairview, Kristi Heck’s roots run deep throughout the Peace Country. Her connection to the region is more than just where she lives—it’s woven into her family’s history. Kristi’s great-grandparents are laid to rest in the McLennan Cemetery, a lasting testament to her family’s long-standing ties to the area. Her beloved grandmother grew up in Donnelly, Alberta, where the family still holds cherished farmland today. It was in Fairview that her grandmother met her husband, setting down roots that would shape Kristi’s own journey.

Her family’s legacy stretches across the Peace Country, with other loved grandparents having grown up and remained in Hines Creek and Whitelaw. This deep family connection has shaped Kristi’s unwavering love for the region and fueled her passion for supporting the communities that have always been close to her heart.

Kristi’s journey began with over a decade of success as a hair salon owner, where she found fulfillment in caring for clients in long-term care and lodges. However, her true calling emerged in 2013 after the heartbreaking loss of her most treasured friend—her grandmother. That profound experience inspired Kristi to enter funeral services, driven by a desire to provide a higher standard of care and compassion during life’s most difficult moments.

Alongside her partner Chris, Kristi is raising four active boys who share a love for hockey and the great outdoors, embracing the beauty and spirit of the Peace Country with every season.

Today, as the Owner and Managing Director of Peace Valley Funeral Home, Kristi remains dedicated to offering personalized, family-centered care. She takes immense pride in helping families honor their loved ones with empathy, compassion, and excellence—always ensuring that the legacy of those who came before is remembered with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Kolton Heck

Owner & Monument Specialist

Kolton Heck has been an integral part of Peace Valley Funeral Home since 2017, and in 2020, he became a co-owner alongside his sister, Kristi. As our dedicated Monument Specialist, Kolton brings expertise and artistry to every aspect of his work, from designing and installing monuments to restoring them with precision. His skill extends to creating personalized pieces with our laser engraver, offering families endless options to honor their loved ones.

Kolton’s work is marked by his impeccable attention to detail and a commitment to excellence in everything he does. Outside of the funeral home, Kolton enjoys staying active at the gym, restoring vehicles, woodworking, and exploring the Peace Country on his motorbike.

Hannah Lawrence

Funeral Director & Embalmer

Hannah was born and raised in Calgary and pursued her passion for funeral service at Mount Royal University. She became a licensed funeral director in 2017 and an embalmer in 2019. Hannah received the Embalming Award of Excellence following her graduation. Her career began in Grande Prairie at Bear Creek Funeral Home before she later moved to High River. However, missing the Peace Country, she returned in 2024 to join Peace Valley Funeral Home alongside her partner, Kolton.

Families find comfort in Hannah’s gentle demeanor, professionalism, and compassionate care, as she is dedicated to providing support during life’s most difficult moments.

Brieanna Neill

Funeral Director Apprentice/Grief Support Facilitator

Brieanna was born and raised in a small farming community South West of Edmonton, known as Warburg. This lead to her pursuit in the Agriculture Industry, ultimately bringing her to the community of Fairview in 2019. After her uncles sudden passing in 2020, Brieanna quickly realized her passion for helping others and wanted to make a difference within the community. Wanting to change the narrative regarding end of life and discussions that follow, she completed her End of Life Care Doula course through Douglas College December of 2021. She was awarded 'Adult Excellence in Customer Service' in 2024, a true testament to her detail orientated nature and passion for ensuring families have a meaningful experience whether it be during arrangements, a service, or designing a tribute monument. Community-driven, Brieanna always finds volunteer opportunities to be involved in. 

Shauna Welander

Funeral Director

Shauna Welander was born in Fort McMurray, raised in the Hines Creek and Fairview area.  She has spent a lot of her time working with children at daycares and as an Educational Assistant.  Shauna's kind heart and compassionate nature is strongly felt while assisting at the funeral home with families putting them at ease. As a Funeral Director, she has the honor of helping families in their most difficult moments. Family is the heart of everything she does and her journey has been shaped by personal and professional experiences that show the importance of compassion, connection and care. Spending time with her family is what she loves most, along with camping, fishing and quadding.

Krista McKen

Funeral Director

Krista was raised in Berwyn and feels deeply at home here in the Peace Country. She has been a licensed Funeral Director since 2017 and brings both experience and heart to her role at Peace Valley Funeral Home.

A proud mom to Denver and Linc, and a devoted partner to her best friend, Chester, Krista finds happiness in the simple things—fresh air, honest work, and time spent outdoors. Whether she’s gardening in the summer, hunting in the fall, or trapping once the snow sets in, nature is where she feels most grounded. When indoors, you’ll find her in the kitchen, creating something with care.

Krista is genuine and passionate about making a true difference for families as they navigate their final decisions for a loved one. Her warmth and sincerity shine through in every family she serves.

Doug Friesen

Funeral Director & Embalmer

Born and raised in Grande Prairie, Doug has committed his life to working in and owning local businesses as he and his wife Eunice raised their family. Doug worked in the printing industry for a number of years before owning and operating his own service businesses. With his gentle manner and family-centered approach, Doug has developed excellent and trusting relationships within our community. In 2012, Doug decided to use his talents to make a positive and lasting impact on grieving families and he and Eunice established Bear Creek Funeral Home.

Take a moment to speak with Doug and you’ll notice how genuine and passionate he is about making a true difference for families as they make final decisions about a loved one. Doug is dedicated to providing families with options that suit their needs while honouring the life of their loved one in a unique and meaningful way. 

Kaley Look

Funeral Director & Embalmer

Kaley was born and raised in Northern Alberta. She spent the first 25 years of her life in Valleyview before making Peace River her permanent home. Kaley has been serving families since 2014. She is mostly found behind the scenes as our embalmer caring for our families loved one, getting them ready for viewing, and funeral service. Kaley shows the highest standard of care assisting families in such times of need. She has a true love and dedication sharing the importance of the traditional care of a loved one.

Kaley lives on a small acreage with her three children Gavin, Olivia and Colin. In her spare time you will find her raising chickens, gardening and spending time with her extended family. 

Eunice Friesen

Funeral Celebrant

Eunice retired from a 25-year nursing career to serve families together with Doug since 2012. Over the years her warm and caring spirit and natural way of connecting with people have made her a popular choice of Funeral Celebrant for families.