Our Staff
We are Compassionate Experts Dedicated to Preserving Legacies
With a blend of expertise and empathy, we ensure that each tribute we create honors the memory of your loved ones with the utmost care and respect. Discover the dedicated people who make Gifford Monument a trusted partner in memorializing your cherished memories.
Nick and Alissa Kurz
Visionaries Guiding Gifford Monument with Heart
Meet Nick and Alissa Kurz, the dynamic duo behind Gifford Monument, where passion for crafting meaningful memorials meets unwavering leadership. As owners and leaders, their united vision has shaped Gifford Monument into a symbol of compassion, excellence, and artistry.
Nick’s keen eye for design and his mastery in the art of monument creation drive the heart of Gifford Monument. With a background rooted in craftsmanship, he infuses each piece with an artistic touch that pays homage to lives lived, weaving stories into stone that stand as enduring legacies.
Alissa’s expertise in management and customer relations complements Nick’s creative prowess. Her warm presence and attentive care guide families through the process of memorial selection, ensuring that every detail reflects the unique essence of the individual being remembered.
Together, Nick and Alissa Kurz have transformed Gifford Monument into more than a business – it’s a sanctuary where legacies are honored, stories are told, and memories are etched into stone. Their shared commitment to excellence and their genuine compassion make them the heart and soul of a company dedicated to commemorating lives with utmost dignity and care.
Jude Kurz
Honoring Legacies Through Careful Craftsmanship
With a deep reverence for history and an unwavering commitment to preserving the memories of those who have passed, Jude Kurz stands as a dedicated cemetery engraver and restoration specialist. For years, he has skillfully engraved final dates onto headstones, etching the concluding chapters of lives onto stone with both precision and respect. Beyond his engraving artistry, Jude is a guardian of monuments, meticulously repainting and releveling these enduring testaments to time.
Guided by a passion for heritage conservation, Jude’s work extends beyond the surface – he breathes new life into weathered headstones, gracefully restoring their original splendor. His adept hands and keen eye for detail have earned him a reputation for impeccable craftsmanship, ensuring that each headstone tells a story that’s both lasting and dignified.
In a field where empathy and craftsmanship intertwine, Jude Kurz stands as a caretaker of memories, ensuring that the legacy of those who’ve come before us remains etched into the landscape for generations to come.
Iris Kurz
Balancing Academia and Artistry with Grace
Meet Iris Kurz, a remarkable individual who has embraced the dual journey of being a full-time student at the University of Wyoming in Laramie and a part-time custom monument art creator. With a spirit that thrives on creativity and a determination to excel, Iris seamlessly blends her academic pursuits with her artistic passion.
As a dedicated full-time student, Iris’s commitment to education shines brightly. She embraces the challenges of her academic endeavors, demonstrating her thirst for knowledge and her capacity to balance the demands of coursework and personal growth.
In her role as a part-time custom monument art creator, Iris breathes life into stone with her artistic touch. Every piece she crafts carries a piece of her soul, reflecting the stories and memories that families wish to commemorate. Her ability to infuse her art with meaning and depth showcases her innate empathy and creative flair.
Navigating the realms of academia and artistry is no small feat, yet Iris Kurz does so with grace. Her drive to excel academically and her passion for artistic expression reflect a harmonious blend of dedication and creativity that defines her journey. Through her pursuits, Iris leaves an indelible mark on both the academic and artistic landscapes she touches.
Jayden Hanninen
Orchestrating Excellence in Operations
Meet Jayden Hanninen, a seasoned operations manager known for his adept ability to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and elevate organizational performance. With a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset, Jayden has consistently led teams to operational success while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Drawing from years of experience across diverse industries, Jayden’s leadership style is characterized by his hands-on approach and his commitment to optimizing workflows. His knack for identifying bottlenecks and implementing solutions has resulted in quantifiable improvements, making him an invaluable asset to any project or team he oversees.
Beyond his technical prowess, Jayden’s leadership shines through his exceptional communication skills and his capacity to inspire teams towards a shared vision of excellence. He is a driving force behind successful projects, ensuring that objectives are met on time and with a level of quality that exceeds expectations.
In the dynamic landscape of operations management, Jayden Hanninen stands out as a skilled orchestrator, transforming challenges into opportunities and delivering results that propel organizations forward.
Ruth Desario
Connecting Compassionately, Guiding Thoughtfully
Introducing Ruth Desario, a dedicated professional in the realm of headstone sales who combines empathy with a deep understanding of the emotions tied to memorial choices. With a warm heart and a wealth of knowledge, Ruth serves as a guiding presence for families navigating the process of honoring their loved ones.
Ruth’s approach is marked by her ability to connect on a personal level, offering a listening ear to the stories and memories that families wish to encapsulate in stone. Her compassionate nature creates a space where families feel understood, supported, and empowered to make choices that truly resonate.
Beyond her emotional intelligence, Ruth’s expertise in headstone options and customization possibilities enables her to provide informed guidance. She ensures that each family’s vision is translated into a memorial that embodies their wishes and reflects the unique essence of the individual being remembered.
With Ruth Desario at the helm, headstone sales become a journey of understanding, compassion, and thoughtful guidance. Her commitment to honoring legacies shines through as she helps families find solace in crafting memorials that beautifully encapsulate the lives of their loved ones.
Gail Hassley
Bridging Artistry and Compassion in Memorialization
Meet Gail Hassley, a remarkable lead memorial artist and headstone sales specialist who brings a harmonious blend of creativity and empathy to the intricate process of memorialization. With a deft hand and a heart attuned to the emotions of grieving families, Gail weaves artistry and compassion into each memorial she creates.
As a masterful artist, Gail transforms cold stone into canvases that tell stories. Her intricate designs capture the essence of lives lived, honoring the unique traits and passions that defined individuals. Through meticulous craftsmanship, she transforms headstones into lasting works of art that celebrate legacies.
Gail’s role extends beyond the artistic realm – she also stands as a steadfast guide for families navigating the memorialization journey. Her empathetic approach creates a safe space for families to share their stories, ensuring that each memorial is a deeply personal representation of the one being remembered.
With Gail Hassley as their guide, families find solace in the midst of loss. Her artistry and compassionate presence merge to create memorials that stand as heartfelt tributes, bridging the gap between the tangible and the intangible, and immortalizing the spirit of those who have passed.
Steve Cooper
30 Years of Mastery in Monument Craftsmanship
Meet Steve Cooper, a seasoned professional with an impressive three decades of experience in all facets of monument production and installation. With a career defined by expertise, Steve has honed his skills to perfection, becoming a true maestro in the art of crafting and installing monuments.
Throughout his journey, Steve has dedicated himself to every nuance of monument production. His hands have shaped stone into poignant stories, transforming raw materials into enduring legacies. His keen eye for detail and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on countless memorials.
Having witnessed the evolution of monument design and installation, Steve’s depth of knowledge is unparalleled. He navigates the challenges of this specialized field with ease, offering insights that only decades of experience can provide. His expertise extends to the entire process, from selecting the perfect stone to the meticulous installation, ensuring that each monument stands as a testament to his craftsmanship.
With Steve Cooper at the helm, monument production and installation become more than just a profession – they are a symphony of skill, dedication, and mastery. His legacy is etched not only in stone but in the memories of those who have entrusted him to commemorate their loved ones.
Dee Akers
Orchestrating Excellence in Headstone Production and Inventory Management
Introducing Dee Akers, a dynamic professional renowned for her dual expertise as a headstone production manager and inventory manager. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for organization, Dee seamlessly navigates the complexities of both roles, ensuring that each aspect of the memorial process is orchestrated with precision.
As a headstone production manager, Dee’s leadership shines through her ability to coordinate teams and resources to create monuments that honor legacies. Her hands-on approach ensures that each piece is crafted with care and attention to detail, reflecting the stories and memories they represent.
In her role as an inventory manager, Dee’s meticulous nature shines as she adeptly tracks materials and supplies. Her foresight ensures that the production process remains uninterrupted, contributing to the seamless flow of operations and timely project completion.
With years of experience under her belt, Dee Akers is a trusted figure in the industry, known for her dedication to excellence and her commitment to customer satisfaction. Her dual role as a headstone production manager and inventory manager underscores her versatility and expertise, making her an indispensable asset in creating meaningful memorials.
Donnie Akers
Crafting Legacies, Nurturing Precision
Meet Donnie Akers, a skilled headstone fabricator and a steadfast guardian of workshop and equipment maintenance. With a passion for turning raw materials into lasting tributes, Donnie’s craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail shine through in every monument he creates.
As a headstone fabricator, Donnie’s hands bring stone to life, chiseling and shaping it into meaningful memorials that pay homage to lives lived. His expertise lies not only in his technical prowess but also in his ability to infuse each piece with the unique stories and qualities of the individuals they honor.
Donnie’s role extends beyond the artistic domain to the vital realm of workshop and equipment maintenance. With a keen sense of responsibility, he ensures that the tools of his trade remain in optimal condition, fostering an environment where precision and quality are upheld.
With his combined talents, Donnie Akers stands as a pillar in the world of memorial craftsmanship. His dedication to perfecting his craft and maintaining the tools that bring it to life showcases his commitment to honoring legacies and preserving the integrity of the process for generations to come.
Mitchell Kurz
Sculpting Memories Into Stone
Meet Mitchell Kurz, a visionary headstone designer and artist who transforms grief into artistry through his unique creations. With an innate ability to capture the essence of individuals’ lives, Mitchell crafts headstones that transcend mere markers – they become powerful reflections of the stories they represent.
Combining his artistic talents with a compassionate heart, Mitchell collaborates closely with families, listening to their stories and understanding their loved ones’ legacies. His designs not only commemorate lives lived but also celebrate the passions, joys, and personalities that made each individual unique.
Every stroke of Mitchell’s chisel and every choice of material speaks to his dedication to producing works of art that honor the departed. Through his hands, stone becomes a canvas, and memories are transformed into enduring monuments that stand as testaments to the beauty of life’s journey.
In the hands of Mitchell Kurz, headstones cease to be mere markers – they evolve into pieces of art that tell stories of love, resilience, and the lasting impact of those who have walked before us.
Jacob Laster
Crafting Lasting Tributes Through Skilled Installation
Introducing Jacob Laster, a dedicated headstone installer whose skill and precision bring the final chapter of remembrance to life. With a deep respect for the emotional significance of his work, Jacob approaches each installation as a sacred duty, ensuring that every monument stands as a fitting tribute to those who have passed.
Jacob’s expertise in installation extends beyond technical proficiency – it is rooted in empathy and understanding. He recognizes that the monuments he installs represent more than just stone; they embody memories, stories, and the legacies of individuals. With this awareness, he handles each piece with care and reverence.
Through years of experience, Jacob has honed his ability to navigate various landscapes and challenges that installation may entail. Whether it’s a grand memorial or a modest marker, his attention to detail and commitment to achieving flawless placement remain unwavering.
In the hands of Jacob Laster, headstone installation transforms into an art form that bridges the physical and the emotional. His dedication to his craft ensures that the memories of loved ones are upheld with the utmost respect and dignity, leaving a lasting impression on families and the landscape of remembrance.
Jason Flick
Guiding Precision and Perseverance in Headstone Installation
Meet Jason Flick, a seasoned professional who stands as the lead headstone installer and staging expert. With an unmatched commitment to precision and a drive for excellence, Jason orchestrates the final chapter of remembrance with a level of dedication that goes beyond the surface.
As the lead headstone installer, Jason’s experience and expertise shine through in every placement. With a meticulous eye and a steady hand, he ensures that each monument finds its rightful place, embodying the stories and legacies of those being remembered.
Beyond his technical proficiency, Jason is a staging virtuoso. He meticulously plans and organizes installations, ensuring that every aspect is flawlessly executed. His keen understanding of the physical and logistical challenges inherent to the job sets the stage for seamless installations.
With years of experience under his belt, Jason Flick is not just an installer – he’s a steward of memories. His commitment to precision, his tenacity in overcoming challenges, and his unwavering respect for the emotions tied to his work make him an invaluable asset, shaping the landscape of remembrance with grace and expertise.
Jenn Preston
Illuminating Legacies Through Design
Introducing Jenn Preston, a visionary headstone sketch artist and CAD designer who brings a unique blend of creativity and precision to the world of memorial design. With a delicate touch of empathy and a mastery of digital artistry, Jenn crafts headstone designs that encapsulate the essence of individuals’ lives in intricate detail.
Guided by a passion for capturing the stories that define us, Jenn collaborates closely with grieving families, delicately weaving their memories and emotions into her sketches. Through her keen understanding of form and composition, she translates these narratives into meticulously detailed CAD designs that harmonize the aesthetic with the profound.
Jenn’s designs are more than mere visuals – they become bridges between the tangible and the intangible, evoking cherished memories and honoring legacies. Her ability to merge technology with heartfelt creativity yields headstones that resonate with the lives they represent, serving as lasting tributes that celebrate the beauty of every unique journey.
In the hands of Jenn Preston, headstone sketches and CAD designs become gateways to remembrance, ensuring that the stories of loved ones endure through artistry that is as enduring as the memories themselves.