Our Valued Staff & History

We have years of experience caring for families from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

  • Adam J. Sanden, CPA, MBA

    Adam J. Sanden, CPA, MBA, President

    Adam J. Sanden is President of Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center and has worked in the family business since 2007. He is responsible for Controllership duties, Treasury duties, Economic Strategy and Forecasting of the business, and manages HR responsibilities for his staff of 18 employees. Adam grew up in Mentor, Ohio where he attended Lake Catholic High School. Sanden earned his BSBA in Accountancy and MBA from John Carroll University. He also attended Lakeland Community College.Prior to joining the family business, Sanden spent 3 years in private and public accounting. Adam is actively involved in community events, and previously sat on the boards of Painesville Rotary, Lake Health, the Citizens Financial Advisory Committee for the Mentor Public Schools, Leadership Lake County and The Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce. Currently, he is the Treasurer of Citizens for Lake Metroparks. He was profiled as “One2Watch” by Inside Business Magazine for his work in the community, and also received a "Top 4 Under 40" award from the Lake County Chambers of Commerce. He is a member of The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and The Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants.Recently, Adam has gained national attention by speaking to state Funeral Associations about best practices in the funeral industry. He has presented to associations from Florida, Illinois, and Idaho (just to name a few) where he shared his knowledge and expertise about the "business" side of the funeral industry.Adam enjoys golfing, hunting, watching football, and spending time with family and friends. Adam resides in Mentor, Ohio with his wife Reneé, and children Leo and Cora.Adam can be contacted at [email protected].

  • Jason R. Sanden

    Jason R. Sanden, Funeral Director and Embalmer / Partner

    Jason R. Sanden is a Funeral Director, Embalmer and Partner at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center and has been with the family business since 2003. He manages the sale and installation of the firm’s custom cemetery memorials, gravestones, grave markers, monuments and headstones. Jason also supervises the maintenance staff, grounds and upkeep of the company’s nearly two acre campus located in the heart of Mentor, Ohio. Jason earned his Bachelor of Mortuary Science degree from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science after attending Youngstown State. He is a 2000 graduate of Lake Catholic High School.Jason enjoys spending time with friends and family and is a resident of Concord. Jason can be contacted at [email protected].

  • Nancy Brunner Sanden

    Nancy Brunner Sanden, Funeral Director

    Nancy Brunner Sanden is a Partner at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center and has been with the company since 1975. Her days are filled with coaching and training staff, assisting and directing funerals, directing the prearrangement department, overseeing the operation at Ohio’s one-of-a-kind funeral and cremation retail store and gift shop, overseeing the reception center, conducting in-services, and directing tours of their Mentor campus. She also serves as presenter of public speaking engagements.Nancy holds an Associate’s Degree in Business from Lakeland Community College and is a Licensed Funeral Director. She is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from Mentor Shore Jr. High, the Friend of Education Award from Mentor Teachers Association and was inducted into the Mentor High School Alumni Hall of Fame in 2014 and the Lakeland Community College Alumni Hall of Fame in 2015. Nancy is a graduate of the Leadership Lake County Class of 2012 and was appointed Grand Jury Foreman in the winter of 2013. She has always been an active participant in the community, having previously served on the boards of The Lakeland Foundation, The Lake Health Foundation, and The Lake County Council on Aging. In addition to her board positions, Nancy has also been involved in Mentor Rotary, Mentor High Alumni, Lakeland Community College Alumni, Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce, Painesville Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Bede Church. She currently delivers hot and frozen meals to homebound elderly and disabled individuals in Lake County through the Lake County Council on Aging Meals on Wheels program. Nancy spends her personal time at her home on the shores of Lake Erie, where she enjoys water sports and quiet time on the beach. She also enjoys spending time with her two sons, Adam & Jason, both partners in the firm, and their families. She takes pride in her family owned business and the community that has supported them since 1949.Nancy can be contacted at [email protected].

  • Charles (Chuck) M. Brunner

    Charles (Chuck) M. Brunner, Funeral Director and Embalmer / Partner

    Charles M. “Chuck” Brunner is a Funeral Director, Embalmer and Partner at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center. He has worked for the business since 1985 meeting with families and making the arrangements for their loved ones. Chuck holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University and a Bachelor of Mortuary Science degree from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, where he was awarded by the Ohio Embalmers Association a Lester W. Wakeham Award for demonstrated excellence in the combined theory and practice of embalming. He also holds an Associate of Arts degree from Lakeland Community College and is a 1983 graduate of Mentor High School. Chuck and his wife, Roberta Milko-Brunner, have been married for over 25 years, have two children, Morgan and Nathan, and are lifelong residents of Mentor. He has been actively involved with St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Sigma NU Fraternity and has served on the board of directors for the Mentor Schools Foundation and the Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce.He enjoys cross-training and bicycling and has participated three times in the Pan-Ohio Bike Ride, a 328 mile bike ride from Cleveland to Cincinnati to support the American Cancer Society. He has also completed RAIN (Ride across Indiana), a one day 162 mile bike ride across Indiana and ODRAM (One day ride across Michigan) a 151 mile bike ride across Michigan. Chuck is an avid snow skier, and has enjoyed skiing all over the Western United States. Chuck can be contacted at [email protected].

  • Brian P. Deitrick

    Brian P. Deitrick, Funeral Director and Embalmer / Partner

    Brian P. Deitrick is a Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Partner at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Since joining the business in 1991, he helps in the planning and management of funeral services and cremation operations and finds it most fulfilling to be able to assist a family in honoring a loved one that has passed away.Brian is a graduate of Mentor High School, Bowling Green State University, and Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He obtained his license as a Crematory Operator from The Cremation Association of North America (CANA).Brian has served the community with his role as a past board member for the Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce. He is currently on the committee for the Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation.Brian enjoys sports and lives in Mentor with his wife and three daughters. Brian can be contacted at [email protected].

  • Martha Brunner Deitrick

    Martha Brunner Deitrick, Service Representative

    Martha Brunner Deitrick is currently a service Representative at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Born and raised in the family funeral business, Martha officially began her career in 1968. Throughout the years she embraced her roles in office and fiscal operations, scheduling, preparation and care of the deceased, funeral service and the reception center. She was a proud 2nd generation owner from 2002 until her retirement in 2016. A lifelong resident of Mentor, Martha attended St. Mary School, Ridge Jr. High and graduated in 1968 from Mentor High School. She then went on to attend Lakeland Community College. Her college career was interrupted with her commitment to raise her family, all the while balancing a full-time schedule at the funeral home.She has been involved in community activities and clubs at St. Mary of the Assumption School, Memorial Junior High School and Mentor High School.Martha loves spending time with her five children, Brian (Jill), Mary, Anne (Brian) , Joe (Lindsay) and Lucy and eight grandchildren, Kara (Matt) , Emma, Cameron, Addison, Tyler, Brady, Alayna and Callen. She enjoys cooking and trying new dining experiences.Martha can be contacted at [email protected].

  • Jeffrey T. Hathy Jr.

    Jeffrey T. Hathy Jr., Funeral Director and Embalmer

    Jeffrey T. “Jeff” Hathy Jr. is a Funeral Director and Embalmer at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center. He is the main Embalmer for the company and is responsible for decedent care, including transferring loved ones to our funeral home. Jeff also provides a helping hand in all tasks around the Brunner Campus.After completing his apprenticeship, he received his dual license and began work at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center in 2012. Jeff graduated from Riverside High School in 2006 and then earned an Associates of Arts degree from Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. He holds an Associate of Science and Bachelors in Mortuary Science from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. At a young age Jeff was involved in small tasks around a funeral home, which sparked his interest in becoming a Funeral Director and Embalmer. Jeff volunteers and is involved in several organizations including Knights of Columbus, Our Lady’s Rosary Makers International and the Embalmers Association of Cleveland. Jeff lives in Mentor with his wife Laura and two cats, Buddy and Jack and enjoys reading and music. He is a member of Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, Cleveland. Jeff can be contacted at [email protected].

  • Nick  Eskew

    Nick Eskew, Funeral Director and Embalmer

    Nick Eskew is Funeral Director and Embalmer at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center and has been in the business since 2011. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and Bachelor’s Degree in Mortuary Science from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, where he also was Vice President of his class. Nick planned on being a firefighter, but a project in high school changed that when he had to interview someone in a biology field. After interviewing a funeral director & embalmer, he decided to pursue a career in the funeral industry and never looked back. Nick and his wife Kris reside in Novelty, where they enjoy working on their new home, spending time together, and spending time with their families. Nick can be contacted at [email protected].

  • Carrie Hurd

    Carrie Hurd, Office Operations Manager

    Carrie Hurd is the office operations manager at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Carrie joined the Brunner team in 2010 and is responsible for the scheduling and coordination for over 450 funerals and events that take place at the firm each year, which includes staffing, vehicle use, transfers of loved ones, and body care.Carrie most recently served as a Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce board member, and is a 2017 Leadership Lake County graduate. She also spent many years as a member of the Western Reserve Junior Service League. Carrie enjoys being an active part of the community and volunteering her time to nonprofit organizations in Lake County. She also loves to travel, support the area’s many amazing restaurants and spend time with her family and friends.

  • Chuck Suhar

    Chuck Suhar, Prearrangement Services

    Chuck Suhar is a Prearrangement Specialist with Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Chuck joined the Brunner team in 2018 after over 20 years in the banking and finance industry. His role includes meeting with families to guide them through all aspects of the prearrangement process.Chuck enjoys helping families during the prearrangement process. He experienced planning his father’s funeral with Brunner’s just a day after his passing, so he understands how important planning ahead can be during a time of grief. Chuck resides in Mentor with his wife Erika and their 3 boys. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing basketball and all of the Cleveland sports teams.Chuck Suhar can be reached at [email protected].

  • Jarrod Page

    Jarrod Page, Maintenance & Grounds Manager

    Jarrod Page is the Maintenance & Grounds Manager at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center. He is responsible for the upkeep and landscaping of the outdoor areas and facilities. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Kent State University and previously worked as General Manager of prestigious golf courses including Fowler’s Mill Golf Course, Kent State University Golf Course, Little Mountain Country Club and Stonewater Golf Club. Jarrod values the opportunity to work for a family-owned small business. He appreciates the company’s goal to make every family we serve feel like they’re a part of the Brunner Sanden Deitrick family and finds this purpose very rewarding. Jarrod enjoys playing golf and spending time with his wife, Meghan and son, Walker.

  • Shawn Barbo

    Shawn Barbo, Service Representative

    Shawn Barbo has been a Service Representative at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center since 2003. Her role includes the preparation and set-up for visitations, processions, on and offsite funeral services and graveside services. Shawn and her husband, along with two dogs, reside in Mentor and they have two adult children. Shawn has been active in music ministry for many years.She feels kindness, compassion, and support to persons grieving a loss is a profound honor and privilege.

  • Dina  Warren

    Dina Warren, Housekeeping

    Dina Warren began work at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center as a Housekeeper in 2020. Housekeeping was always something that she enjoyed. She believes that cleanliness is next to godliness! What motivates Dina most about her role are her co-workers, hours and bonuses! Dina enjoys playing team sports and dining at local restaurants.

  • Kathleen Shaughnessy

    Kathleen Shaughnessy, Service Representative

    Kathleen Shaughnessy is a Service Representative at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Her role includes the preparation and set-up for visitations, processions, on and offsite funeral services and graveside services. Kathleen is a graduate of Lake Catholic High School and attended Lakeland Community College. She is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Lake County and enjoys entertaining and spending time with family and friends. Her hobbies include travel, cooking, boating and most outdoor activities.

  • Joe Marino

    Joe Marino, Service Representative

    Joe Marino is a Service Representative at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Joe has been with our team since 2013 and helps in all areas of the funeral home including visitations, funerals, and processions.

  • Cindy  Sorgen

    Cindy Sorgen, Service Representative

    Cindy Sorgen is a Service Representative at Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center. Cindy has been with our team since 2014 and helps in all areas of the funeral home. Her main focus is our recpetion center where she helps serve food and drinks to our guests, however, she also helps out during visitations and funerals.

Brunner Sanden Dietrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center History Video

Our History

1st Generation...

Brunner Funeral Home in Mentor, Ohio, was established in 1949 by Raymond V. and Helen L. Brunner. The original home was built in 1845 and has attained distinction as a local landmark.

2nd Generation...

In 1992, Ray & Helen sold the funeral business to James (Jim) E. Sanden, Martha Brunner Deitrick, Nancy Brunner Sanden and Charles M. Brunner. 

3rd Generation...

In 2012, after 47 years of service, Jim Sanden retired his shares to his sons, Jason and Adam Sanden. In 2016, Martha Brunner Deitrick retired and her shares are now owned by her son, Brian Deitrick.

Today, we are the funeral service professionals of choice for Lake County residents. Our responsiveness, attention to detail and ability to create a special experience on any budget is why Brunners are considered the finest funeral service professionals in our community. First class service is the hallmark of our business.