Eric Schley
Owner/Funeral Director
Eric Schley
Owner/Funeral Director
Empathy, compassion, and care are what Eric brings to the funeral services he directs. Eric has been in the funeral industry since 2001 as an apprentice out of high school. Born and raised in Walworth County, Eric is a graduate of Selby High School and alumni of Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD with a degree in Business Management. He attained his degree in mortuary science from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, IL in 2005. Outside of being a member of both professional trade and community associations, Eric currently serves as the Walworth County Coroner to give back to his community. He is full time owner and operator of Kesling Funeral Home and its affiliate companies. From the “time of passing” to “moments of remembrance” Eric works with families to provide their loved one with services that reflect their bonds and significance. Mr. Schley has been committed to his craft for over twenty years, valuable experience he hopes provides relief, compassion, and confidence when families entrust Kesling Funeral Home. Having held positions in the funeral industry in Illinois, Idaho and Rapid City, SD. Eric presently makes his home in Mobridge, SD with his wife and two children. Outside of work you’ll find him ice-fishing with his children: Rylee & Addison, “On the Greens” or cheering on the Broncos on a Sunday night. Reach out to Mr. Schley at klfuneralhome@westriv.com or schley@keslingsfuneralhome.com
John Zaharia
Funeral Director
John Zaharia
Funeral Director
Professional & respectful are traits Mr. John Zaharia brings with him to Kesling Funeral Home. Skilled and experienced in the funeral home industry, Mr. Zaharia brings over 30 years of practice to the Mobridge area. Mr. Zaharia is from the Cavalier/Pembina area of North Dakota and a graduate of Cavalier High School class of 1991. After attending Moorhead State University, he went on to graduate from Mid-America College of Funeral Service in Jeffersonville, IN and was licensed in 1995. Having assumed growing responsibilities through diverse capacities, John worked in Fargo, North Dakota for six years, Grand Junction, Colorado for three years and Strum Funeral Home in south-central Minnesota to then transition from Funeral Director to business owner. Mr. Zaharia purchased & operated funeral homes in Truman, Fairmont, & Ceylon, Minnesota for close to 20 years. He has served his communities in various charitable roles through civic organizations and clubs, among them being the Truman Assistant Fire Chief for close to ten years. In 2021 Mr. Zaharia joined Kesling Funeral Home in Mobridge, South Dakota, bringing with him his wife Kristen, who is an Elementary Teacher. John has four beautiful daughters and just welcomed a precious grandson. He has three stepchildren & three step-grandchildren and enjoys spending time with family. Mr. Zaharia has dedicated his professional career to the service of others, and we value that contribution at Kesling Funeral Home. You are in good hands with Mr. Zaharia. Reach out to John at klfuneralhome@westriv.com
Kimberly LaFramboise
Funeral Apprentice
Kimberly LaFramboise
Funeral Apprentice
Born and raised in Mobridge, Kimberly returned home in 2015 after living in Worthington, Minnesota and Atlanta, Georgia for 17 years. Coming back was a choice of the heart. She wanted to serve the communities that raised her and the people who shaped her life. After raising her four children and walking through life changing experiences, she made the decision to finally pursue the calling she had felt since high school. Within a week of discovering she could complete her schooling online, she enrolled and began her apprenticeship at Kesling Funeral Home. She will graduate from Des Moines Area Community College in March, fulfilling a 32-year lifelong dream.
Kimberly is known for her compassion, empathy, and genuine love for people. She believes in serving families with dignity, understanding, and heartfelt care during their most difficult moments. She has a strong desire to honor and dedicate the rest of her career to the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribes, cherishing their traditions and the privilege of serving their communities.
She is the proud mother of three grown daughters and a senior high school son, and the grandmother of two grandsons, Graham (4) and Grey (2). Outside of work, Kimberly enjoys time with her family, her dog Festus, planning trips and concerts, trying new foods, and traveling the world. She has visited nine countries and continues her search for the perfect beach. Reach out to Kimberly at klfuneralhome@westriv.com
Claire St. Pierre
Funeral Apprentice
Claire St. Pierre
Funeral Apprentice
Empathetic and professional were the words that came to mind when Ms. St. Pierre joined Kesling Funeral Home. Having grown up in Hayti, SD, Claire is a graduate of Hamlin Education Center in 2020. She continued her education at Lake Area Technical College (LATC) to pursue a career in cosmetology and obtained her license in 2021. She was a cosmetologist for three years before following her true calling of becoming a funeral director. She currently attends Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) studying funeral science and is a funeral apprentice with the state of South Dakota. She began working with Kesling’s in April of 2025. Claire made the move to Mobridge to live with her partner Barrett and her dog June shortly before beginning her employment. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and being outdoors. Claire is honored to serve your family with empathy, compassion, and professionalism. With her blend of academic experience, she is dedicated to help guide you through some of life’s most difficult moments. Reach out to Claire at klfuneralhome@westriv.com
Rich Maier
Funeral Assistant
Rich Maier
Funeral Assistant
A thoughtful and skilled conversationalist brings meaning and connection to the services Mr. Maier assists with. Richard Maier grew up and is from north of Morristown, SD. He is a graduate of McIntosh High School class 1974. Although he grew up ranching, he moved to his own farmstead north of Morristown, SD in 1975. Where Richard and his wife, Laura owned and operated a cattle and hog business while raising their 4 children on the farm. He thoroughly enjoyed the ranching industry but knew he was called to serve the community and those in a time of loss. He made the move in 1998, to Dallas, Texas to attend classes at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service, graduating with a funeral degree in 1999. Rich’s dedication to helping families started in 1999, alongside the Kesling staff. In October of 2024 Rich decided go part time and in 2025 “retire” although he often visits the funeral home for coffee or to help with services. Some of Rich’s hobbies include leatherwork & woodworking, spending time in his shop, and camping with his wife Laura. We value the many skills Mr. Maier brings to Kesling Funeral Home.
Kourtenay Schley, PhD.
Director of Business Operations
Kourtenay Schley, PhD.
Director of Business Operations
Dr Schley is an innovative director, dedicated to the financial management & performance of her family business. Having started in the management sector with over ten years of leadership in human resource management for the Rapid City Area School District and later Standing Rock Sioux Tribe she honed a skill set in; strategic financial planning, compliance and state & federal financial reporting for her departments and organizations. She now oversees the financial performance of the umbrella corporation of Kesling Funeral Home, which is comprised of Schley Monuments LLC., funeral services, and management of Trusts for the organization (Producer License # 22154430). Focusing on small business finance, management accounting & reporting, and strategic solutions for the overall organization. Dr. Schley is a former academic, having held a tenure-track position with Black Hills State University-School of Business in Spearfish, SD. with her PhD in Business Administration from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK, she is a published and cited expert in A-Business Journals. Dr. Schley has served philanthropically on advisory boards and non-profit board of directors for the Boys & Girls Club, The Artemis House and memberships in SD-CEO West and more. Dr. Schley is a veteran of the United States Air Force and a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. With her husband Eric, they own and operate Kesling Funeral Home. Together they live in Mobridge, SD where they raise their two boys: Rylee & Addison. Kourtenay enjoys “hiking in the Hills” and is a yoga enthusiast who loves to travel. Reach out to Dr. Schley at schley@keslingsfuneralhome.com
Dave Lawrence
Funeral Assistant/Transport
Dave Lawrence
Funeral Assistant/Transport
Mr. Lawrence grew up in Timber Lake, SD and graduated from Timber Lake Highschool in 1982. He began his career in law enforcement in 1989, working for the Cheyanne River Sioux Tribe for 10 years. In 1999, David moved from the Cheyenne River Sioux Law Enforcement to Standing Rock BIA Law Enforcement for the next 20 years, becoming the BIA police chief in 2013. He retired after 30 years of Law enforcement service in November of 2019. In February of 2021, he joined the Kesling Team as our head of transportation and funeral assistant. David and his wife Jan have 4 beautiful children. David enjoys spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He is also an avid hunter and outdoorsman.
Steve Dady
Building Custodian
Doug Wilkenson
P/T Funeral Assistant
