Our Valued Staff

Jerod got his start in funeral service in his hometown of Beloit, Kansas, a small agricultural town in North Central Kansas, after losing his father to cancer. He realized, while going through the arrangements process for the funeral, how comforting the Funeral Director was. It was then, at the age of 20, he realized he wanted to do for others what the Director did for him. In Beloit, he worked for a small family-owned firm as an Assistant Funeral Director until he relocated to Colorado Springs. Jerod then worked as a Funeral Director and Embalmer for about ten years at the largest funeral home in the city. While he enjoyed working with so many families, he soon realized the personal touch seemed to get lost because of the high volume of business. He left funeral service and worked as a police officer for many years, but always missed working in a funeral home.

He and Chris sought out a small firm, in a small town; because he wanted to get back to truly helping families remember their loved ones. Jerod has a true passion for helping people during the most difficult times possible. In December 2019, Jerod and Chris purchased Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home and are incredibly thankful for the outpouring of support received from the community.

Jerod attained his Bachelor of Science degree at Fort Hays State University in Kansas and his Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Colorado; as well as his Mortuary Science degree from the American Academy McCallister Institute in NYC, and is a NYS Licensed Funeral Direcor.

He is a communicant of Holy Name Church in Au Sable Forks and provides video services of Mass at Holy Name so that all parishioners can celebrate, even if they are unable to physically attend.

Chris was born and raised in Colorado Springs and is an accountant by trade. He is also a very skilled baker. Chris has always been in the service industry and believes in putting others before himself. Chris's artistic and creative eye makes him excel at creating custom folders, prayer cards, and Memorial DVDs for the families we serve.

Chris obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Colorado, majoring in Communication and Marketing; he also attended Graduate School with a focus on accounting.

He ensures no detail is missed in the services we provide and goes above and beyond to make sure the families we serve receive the best care possible. One thing Chris especially enjoys is producing custom made Memorial DVDs for families. He is also the video editing expert of the firm, and edits and titles Mass services, and funeral and memorial services that were recorded.

Chris is responsible for all the administrative tasks of the funeral home. Feel free to contact him any time for any special requests you may have regarding customization and personalization.

Chad Deans is a New York State Licensed Funeral Director and possesses the professionalism, ethics, and compassion to serve the public effectively.  He is a 1997 graduate of the State University of New York College of Technology at Canton with a degree in Mortuary Science.  He has worked as a funeral director in the community and has many years of experience serving families during their darkest hours. His tact and professionalism, along with his caring and supportive nature helps to guide families through the overwhelming times during their loss. 

Chad resides in Champlain with his wife Heather and their two children, Kathryn and Aaron.  He likes to study maps, antique tractors, and he enjoys visiting ice cream shops around the region.  

Chad is on the board of directors at St. Mary’s Mission Center in Champlain and works in ministry locally. 

He joined the Heidrick family upon their purchase of Heald Funeral Home in 2023 as the Location Manager and Funeral Director of the Plattsburgh funeral home. You may also find him directing and assisting with services in Au Sable Forks and Elizabethtown.

Mike has worked at our Elizabethtown location for three years.  He assists us in many ways and will be entering mortuary school to work towards licensure as a NYS Funeral Director.  You'll see him assisting at services at all three of our locations, but primarily in Elizabethtown. 

Mike is a native of the Adirondacks and lives in Elizabethtown .  When not working he enjoys spending time with his family and playing the guitar.  He has a strong passion for serving families in their time of need.

Kobe assists us with services, as well as helping us with various projects we have going on.   

 He is a Senior at AVCS and is a member of the wrestling team.  

When he is not attending sporting events or working, he serves as a dedicated member of the Au Sable Forks Fire Department as a firefighter. 

Monique is a North Country resident. She attended SUNY Canton, graduating in 2005 with her A.S. degree in Mortuary Science. 

She has sixteen dedicated years serving families of the North Country as a Funeral Assistant. 

In her spare time she enjoys going to the gym, traveling, photography and spending time with her family.