Brad Billings
Licensed Funeral Director
30 Year Pin Recipient, 2013
Indiana Funeral Directors Association (IFDA)
The Billings family has served the greater Elkhart community for over seventy-nine years in care-giving capacities, and we intend to continue for many years to come. Our vision at the funeral home is to continue building lasting relationships with families. After twenty five years, I am increasingly grateful for the new family and friends that walk through our doors. We become so involved at such a critical and sensitive time in people’s lives, that true friendships are formed between us all.
What an honor and privilege I have serving my families, in the city I love, and the many neighbors and friends I care about. Every single day I am enriched by these life stories. I have one-on-one and face-to-face contact with amazing people; people who are stronger than they realize. People who possess conviction and a desire to remain on course. That’s where we come in - I want Billings to be known for being fair, honest, and having a can-do attitude. There is nothing that we won’t do to go the extra mile in providing service and treating you as we would our own family.
We pride ourselves on being one of the most reasonably priced funeral homes in the area, although many expect our charges to be much higher given our level of professionalism, the quality of our facilities, and our ethical standards. Consumers and families finally can learn first hand that there is a difference in the service we provide and they do not need to fall into the trap of traditional loyalty many funeral homes attempt to count on. Today, being good is not good enough.
In addition, we are so proud to be chosen a Veterans & Family Memorial Care provider; to be able to serve our veterans, our heroes, is an honor!
Telephone: 1-574-264-2425
Jo B. Johnston
Licensed Funeral Director
It is hard for me to believe that more than twenty years have gone by since I became a licensed funeral director graduating from Franklin College and Mid-American College of Funeral Service after my early years at Culver Military Academy. I am originally from southeastern Indiana and have lived in Elkhart since 1990. It is my calling day in and day out to be attuned to the sensitive needs of a family suffering the loss of a loved one and be responsive when they turn to us.
One of the positive attributes of being a director at Billings is that we have the freedom to do whatever it takes to address the unique needs of each and every family, both emotionally and financially. This higher standard of care is much easier to achieve with a family-owned and operated funeral home rather than a larger corporation. Each family has specific needs and expectations, and it’s easier to fulfill their requests when you’re not restricted by corporate guidelines. Billings’ families are cared for on an individual basis, and the celebration of a life lived is paramount to the Billings’ philosophy.
I am blessed to have a family of three children and two grandchildren and have found an even greater respect and admiration for our men and women in uniform having a son who served in the U.S. Army. To serve our veterans with an honored last service is such a privilege.
Telephone: 1-574-264-2425
Dorinda Dietz
Funeral Director
I have been a licensed funeral director since the Summer of
2018, and I look to serve each of my families with the upmost respect and care.
I have always had a passion for helping others as well as being a servant
leader. I originally wanted to become a medical surgeon but after much prayer
and consideration, I felt the strong calling to become a funeral director and
actively pursued that ministry.
I graduated in 2017 with high honors from Ivy Tech
Community College in Indianapolis with an associate degree in mortuary science.
Later, I went on to receive my associate degree in business administration from
Ivy Tech in 2018 with high honors and was an active member in my college’s Phi
Theta Kappa Honors Society chapter. I attend St. Thomas of the Apostle Catholic
Church in Elkhart where I married the love of my life, Lucas Dietz. Together we
have expanded our family and were blessed with our sweet son, Kaspar Dietz, who
was born in February of 2023.
I look forward to serving each of my families equally
regardless of their race, religion, background, or lifestyle. I have always
enjoyed being a servant leader and helping those in need. I take the verse
Matthew 25:40 – 45 to heart, ‘whatever you did for one of the least of these
brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Working at Billings has allowed
me to access my full potential as a funeral director and I am very blessed and
honored to be serving the families of Elkhart County.
Telephone: 1-574-264-2425
Bill Gill
Licensed Funeral Director
I am the product of the American dream! My Navy father and mother met
during the Vietnam War in the Philippines. Shortly afterward, I was born here
in the U.S.A.
Originally from Michigan, I was raised in a
blue-collar neighborhood in Detroit. I have moved around the Midwest throughout
my life. I’m proud to say that meeting new people is what shaped me the way I
am.
Upon graduating from the only Mortuary school in
Michigan, Wayne State University, I received my Bachelors’ Degree in Mortuary
Science. I am licensed to practice funeral service in both Michigan and
Indiana.
I can frequently be found engaging with my
church family at Granger Community Church. I love serving the Lord and the
community as I have been a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and 4 Michiana.
I belong to professional organizations Christian Business Fellowship and
Northern Indiana Funeral Directors Association.
I love working at Billings Funeral Home,
regarded Elkhart’s Best Funeral Home, because Brad, Jo, Dorinda, and everyone
at Billings always put the families we serve first. What made me decide to stay
here was how everyone here treated grieving families like their own. They have
become more than my “work family” as much as Michiana is more than just my
community. I look forward to serving Elkhart and the surrounding area for many
years to come!
I like to make people laugh and set people at
ease with my calming demeanor. I was told I am very relatable due to being
around diverse people and of all faiths. I believe that God planted me here in
Michiana.
I love spending time with my wife, Mary, and
young son, Marco, whether we are traveling around the country (or the world) or
just hanging out by the pool. In my free time, I can be found working in my
yard, watching my Detroit Sports teams frustrate me, studying professional
soccer, or attending Notre Dame Hockey. I also enjoy listening to motivational
podcasts, watching independent movies, and collecting anything pop culture.
Telephone: 1-574-264-2425
Kenna Musser
Funeral Director
As of April 2022, I became a licensed funeral director intern, and I am beyond thrilled to begin my journey in the funeral service profession! I graduated from Penn High School in June 2019 and moved on to IUSB for one year of general studies. After that year, I began my journey at Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Illinois, and earned my Associate’s in January 2022.
I can wholeheartedly see the importance of this profession and the people involved. In December 2017, I lost my grandfather. He was my best friend and biggest supporter in everything I did. When we arranged his services, I was intimidated and scared. However, the funeral director, whom my family and I worked with, quickly changed our minds. When we showed up a few days later for my grandfather’s visitation, we were overwhelmed with relief as we were greeted with the calmest atmosphere. This experience, for many reasons, was engraved in my memory and a driving force for me to pursue this career. I hope to provide this same quality of care as that funeral director did for my family.
When I have downtime, I enjoy painting and drawing, especially with my best friend, Marissa. I can be found spending quality time with my grandmother, parents, close friends, and my beloved cat, Eddie. I enjoy being able to help out those in need and always try to have a shoulder to lean on for anyone around me.
I enjoy working at Billings Funeral Home and am honored to complete my internship here. From my coworkers to the families we serve, there is no better place for me than Billings. We take pride in acknowledging each individual’s unique life and helping those in Elkhart and surrounding areas. I hope to continue my time here and look forward to supporting families in need for years to come!
Telephone: 1-574-264-2425
Carla Forgey
Office Manager
As the Office Manager, I will do just about anything that needs to be done. From working closely with the funeral directors to doing the books, I keep pretty busy. In this position, I have found that my love for people is even deeper than I had ever experienced before. It is partly the environment of the funeral home, but mostly the people coming to us in their time of need or for pre-planning. I am an extension of the business and the services provided by Billings and so glad to serve in this capacity!
Sad to say, several years ago, Billings Funeral Home took care of my fiancé’s death. Brad Billings, Jo Johnston and staff helped me every step of the way with their attention to detail, and they were exactly what I needed to lift many burdens.
I
reside in Elkhart and graduated from Elkhart Memorial High School.
I
cannot tell people enough how happy I am to be here!
Telephone: 1-574-264-2425
Brad McIntire
Altera Cremation Manager
I have followed Brad Billings over the years of what he has accomplished here at Billings Funeral Home. I like what I see in terms of their relationship with all those who come to them at a time of loss. He has served the community and given back and continues to expand and change the business for the better. The environment is respectful, professional, and friendly focused on a mission that every funeral service deserves to be truly personal and memorable, affordable and dignified.
My role is Altera Cremation Manager. Altera is a subsidiary of Billings for those preferring cremation - some 55% of Indiana residents. I'm a compassionate person offering services that are needed to people who gather together at this time. As of July, 2014, I am happy to announce that I have successfully completed the CCO Program™ of The National Funeral Directors Association of Brookfield, Wisconsin. I am a designated Certified Crematory Operator and can better serve the needs of families that desire cremation.
I was born and raised in nearby Shipshewana and graduated from International Business School in Fort Wayne. I have spent the last 30 years happily married to Pam, and we have raised two children and enjoy our four lovely grandchildren.
Telephone: 1-574-264-2425
Jeremy Sarber
Pastor and Preneed Advisor
Twelve years is long enough to preach more than a thousand sermons, pastor two churches, and plant a third. Jeremy Sarber knows because he’s done it. He served as a Christian pastor and Bible teacher for twelve years until the time seemed right to begin an indefinite sabbatical from that particular role and pursue a different kind of ministry—namely, assisting families after the loss of a loved one.
Trading the tobacco fields of North Carolina for Indiana corn, Jeremy and his family returned to their hometown of Nappanee in the summer of 2019. Soon after, God’s providence united him with the Billings Funeral Home family where he can use his humble gifts to serve the wonderful people of Elkhart County. Mortality can be an unpleasant, albeit necessary matter, but he’s thankful for every opportunity to help others grieve, remember, and even celebrate the life of one who has passed.
Equipped with experience in funeral service, preaching, counseling, community outreach, writing, and web development, Jeremy is thrilled to play a part in the thoughtful, compassionate, personalized service provided by Brad, Jo, Dorinda, and the entire staff of Billings Funeral Home.
On a personal note—he’s not always working, after all—Jeremy loves spending quiet evenings at home with his beautiful wife, Danae, and playing with his kids. Otherwise, you’ll likely find him reading a book, watching an Atlanta Braves game, listening to a Bob Dylan album, or writing (for the pure enjoyment of the craft).
Telephone: 1-574-264-2425
Julie Hinzmann
Family Follow-Up
I have recently joined
Billings' staff in the Family Follow-up position and I am pleased to be able to
offer some assistance and solace to family members
who are grieving. I am a life-long Elkhart resident, graduating from Concord
High School and then attaining my bachelor's and master's degrees in social
work from Ball State and Indiana Universities.
In 2016 I retired from the Elkhart Community Schools,
where I had served as a school social worker for 28 years in two elementary
buildings. While working there, I became involved in a crisis-response team
that developed protocol for responding to deaths and serious illnesses
affecting students and staff, and trained teams from each of the school
buildings. Along with this I participated in numerous educational opportunities
involving the grief process and was committed to providing bereavement
counseling to students.
I have always been impressed by Brad Billings and his
staff, who have cared for many of my family members and acquaintances. They
were very compassionate and helpful when my late husband died unexpectedly in
2001, and most recently, my mother in 2015. When I saw this position advertised
I felt it was a perfect for me and I am proud to be a part of the Billings
"family".
My husband and I live in Elkhart and enjoy spending time
at our family lake cottage with our three grandchildren and extended family.
Telephone: 1-574-264-2425
Danny Rust
Maintenance / Groundskeeper
Danny E. Rust has been with Billings Funeral
Home full time as the funeral home’s groundskeeper for a little over a year
after serving 27 years as an Osolo Township Firefighter. He is responsible for
keeping the funeral home and property up to date and in good repair.
Danny is a single parent with two adult children
and 3 grand daughters and enjoys woodworking, golfing and being outdoors. He
loves spending time with his family and attending Riverview Baptist Church,
where he has always felt that he is amongst friends.
Helping others has always been a priority for
Danny and the ability to assist families through providing them with clean,
updated place in which to celebrate a loved one’s life makes him proud that he
is a part of the Billings family.
Telephone: 1-574-264-2425
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