Our Staff

Patrick Fahrenkrug

Owner/Funeral Director

Pat was born and raised in Neenah and graduated from Neenah High School in 1988. For many years Pat and his family have been members of St. Gabriel Catholic Church. He has been involved in funeral service in the Fox Valley since 1988 and has been a licensed funeral director since 1994. Pat is also a registered Life Insurance Agent in the state of Wisconsin and is available to assist people with pre-planning as well as pre-funding their funeral arrangements. In August of 2017, Pat, along with Derek Van Deurzen, assumed the ownership of Kessler Funeral Home. Pat has dedicated his life to serving those in need, and is extremely passionate about the funeral profession. He is honored to be serving families in his hometown of Neenah.

Derek Van Deurzen

Owner/Funeral Director

Derek is a native of Little Chute and got his start in the funeral profession working for George Kessler in 2009. He is a graduate of Kaukauna High School and Milwaukee Area Technical College where he majored in Mortuary Science. Derek is a member of many area service clubs including the Knights of Columbus, JC’s and the Elks Club, and is also a volunteer fireman. In August of 2017, Derek, along with Pat Fahrenkrug, assumed the ownership of Kessler Funeral Home. Derek is extremely dedicated to his profession and the families he serves. His caring and compassionate nature is evident while guiding them through the funeral process.

Katie Krohn

Funeral Director

Katie was born and raised in Oshkosh and graduated from Winnebago Lutheran Academy, Advanced College of Cosmetology, and the Fox Valley Technical College. She graduated from Des Moines Area Community College with a degree in Mortuary Science, Katie has a big heart and a great passion for serving families through the tough journey of the loss of a loved one. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, camping, baking, crocheting, sewing, crafting, and most of all, spending time with her children. She is a members of Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Neenah and her children attend Trinity Lutheran School.

Linda Hidde

Office Assistant / Facilities Support

Linda is in charge of keeping the interior of the funeral home facilities in tip top shape at all times. She also assists with office duties, family and customer service. Linda is a lifelong resident of Appleton, and joined the staff in August of 2018. She is a proud mother and grandmother! Spending time with family is the most important thing for Linda. She also enjoys her kitties,baking, and reading