Staff Directory

People that make a difference.

Our team of professionals have been carefully selected and trained to make your experience as meaningful and positive as possible. For every position, we look for people who will put the needs and desires of the families we serve first every time. The following special individuals are people that make a difference.

 Walker Family Funeral Homes Owners

Gary Walker Second Generation Owner, CEO, & Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer

Gary A. Walker Chapel: Walker Funeral Home City: Sylvania/Toledo Position: Second Generation Owner, CEO & Licensed Funeral Director Background: Graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science 1965, attended University of Toledo. Length of Employment: 1965 (41 years) Member 1st Congregational Church, Zenobia Shrine. Charter member Mariners Unit, Toldeo Ft. Industry Lodge#144 F & AM, Toldeo Rotary, Toledo Elks #53 BPOE. Grandfather of 6, wife of 40 years Marilyn.

Keith Walker Third Generation Owner, President, & Licensed Funeral Director

Keith Walker Chapel: All Locations City: Sylvania, Maumee, Oak Harbor, Genoa, Port Clinton Position: Third Generation Owner, President, & Licensed Funeral Director  Background: In addition to planning, administrative issues and day to day oversight, Keith works as a funeral director at all of the Walker Family Funeral Home chapels. Keith is active in the funeral profession, currently serving as the Immediate past president of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association. Keith also values community organizations and serves as the President of the Sylvania Rotary, and Member of the Board of Directors of the Sylvania Area Chamber of Commerce.  The strong belief in the importance and value of well-arranged, personal funerals and memorial services serves as Keith's passion. He believes that Walker Family Funeral Homes employs the very best team of professionals to help the grieving and serve the communities. Keith is married to Katherine "Katy" (Lange). They and their four young sons reside on Catawba Island and in Sylvania Township.

 Walker Family Funeral Homes Staff

Terry Andryc Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer	Terrance L. Andryc Chapel: Walker Funeral Home and Maison-Dardenne Funeral Home City: Sylvania & Maumee Position: Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer Background: A licensed funeral director/embalmer since 1980, Terry began his career with Maison-Dardenne-Walker Home in Maumee.  In 2003 he moved to the Sylvania location and currently splits his time between both locations.  Terry is a 1975 graduate of Rossford High School and a 1979 graduate of Bowling Green State University with a bachelors degree in interpersonal and public communication.  He is a 1980 summa cum laude graduate of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.  Terry is a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Maumee.  He is past chairman and secretary of the church's cemetery board.  He is also a charter member of St. Joseph Council #11370 of the Knights of Columbus and past trustee and treasurer of the Northwest Ohio Funeral Directors Association.  Terry also is very involved in many Maumee Chamber of Commerce meetings and events.  Terry currently is on the board of directors for the National Tractor Pulling Championships in Bowling Green, Ohio.  He enjoys all forms of motorsports.  He is married to the former Karen Domalski and they have two children: Alan and Valerie.
Adam Byers Port Clinton Chapel Manager & Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer	Adam T. Byers Chapel: Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home City: Port Clinton Position: Port Clinton Chapel Manager & Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer Background: Education: Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and Sport Management (Bluffton College) 2002. Associate of Applied Science (Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science) 2004. Length of Employment: Since January of 2005 Adam and Lisa are members of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Port Clinton Rotary Club, Colonial Club, Port Clinton Elks Lodge # 1718, Member of the Friends of Port Clinton Parks, OakHarbor Golf Club. Enjoys woodworking, jetskiing and other watersports, and spending time with his wife Lisa. Lisa, a Graduate of Bluffton College with a degree in Communications and is the Director of the Oak House in Port Clinton, Ohio.
Maggie Carrisalez Administrative Assistant	Margaret Carrisalez Chapel: Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home City: Port Clinton Position: Administrative Assistant Background: Maggie works as an Administrative Assistant for the Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home at the Port Clinton Chapel, joining them in 2002. Maggie was born and raised in Sandusky, OH and graduated from Sandusky High School. Prior to working for the funeral home she worked as a secretary for the Prudential Insurance Co. in Sandusky, OH for 31 1/2 years, retiring in 2000. She married Edward "Eddie" Carrisalez, who retired from Delphi in Sandusky, OH after 32 years. They have one daughter and son-in-law and two beautiful grandchildren. Maggie is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Sandusky, OH. She is a Longaberger Basket collector, loves to do scrapbooking, stamping and crafts of all kinds. The greatest joy is spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, Kennadi & Kaleb.
Shawn Diller Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer	Shawn Diller Chapel: Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home City: Maumee Position: Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer Background: Shawn Diller, funeral director and embalmer, is truly a great asset to Walker Funeral Homes. Shawn's compassion and care for people are made to order for funeral service. Working with families at the time of death often leads into long time friendships for Shawn.   In addition to Shawn's talent as a funeral director, he is also a highly skilled embalmer and cosmetologist. He is a graduate of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He is active in Leadership Maumee and serves on the Focus Group for the Maumee Senior Center. Shawn lives in South Toledo and has three children.
Tracy Gaines Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer	Tracy Gaines Chapel: Robinson-Walker Funeral Homes City: Oak Harbor & Genoa Position: Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer Background: Tracy was born and raised in Graytown, OH, the son of Jeff and Debbie Gaines. He graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 2001. Tracy then earned his Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Owens Community College in 2004 and just recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mortuary Science. He also was a class representative and earned the Ohio Embalmers Association Award for Embalming.   He has been working with the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home in Oak Harbor and Genoa in March of 2005, served his funeral director apprenticeship, and earned his funeral director/embalmer licenses in 2006. Tracy is a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oak Harbor, the Oak Harbor Golf League, and the Marsh Club in Oak Harbor.
Mitch Hoyles Genoa Chapel Manager & Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer	Mitchell E. Hoyles Chapel: Robison-Walker Funeral Home City: Genoa Position: Genoa Chapel Manager & Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer Background: Mitch was born and raised in Attica, Ohio, a small town in Seneca County. He graduated from Seneca East High School, attended Bowling Green State University and graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He also is an Ohio licensed insurance agent. Mitch married the former Denise M. (Weyandt), a Genoa native and manager of financial reporting for a local trucking company; they have two children Tyler and Mackenzie. He is a licensed funeral director/embalmer and chapel manager of the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home in Genoa, where he has been for over 20 years. Mitch is a member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, a past president and board member of the Northwest Ohio Funeral Directors Association, a member of the Genoa Area Board of Education, a past president and board member of both the Genoa Area Kiwanis Club and the Genoa Area Chamber of Commerce. Mitch is a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Genoa where he is a Eucharist Minister, Lector, and member of the Maintenance Committee. Mitch is a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th Degree. He loves to spend time with his family, work in his yard, tinker with his 1964 Corvair and ride his Harley-Davidson.
Dave Latta Sylvania Chapel Manager & Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer	Dave Latta Chapel: Walker Funeral Home City: Sylvania Position: Sylvania Chapel Manager & Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer Background: Dave Latta, funeral director and embalmer, is a highly valued member of the Walker team. His skills in working with families to create meaningful services are tremendous. He is also one of the most talented professionals in the areas of embalming, cosmetics and restorative art in the area. In addition to his work as a funeral director and embalmer, Dave coordinates OSHA and personal safety compliance at Walker Funeral Home and is the manager of Walker Funeral Homes' Monument and Marker Division. Funeral service fulfills Dave's desire to help and minister to people while making a difference in their lives. Dave is a member of D-Mort, the National Emergency Response Team and serves as a responder on the Ohio Response Team. He is also a member of the National Board of Directors, the Funeral Directors Association and the Funeral Directors Association of Northwest Ohio. He is an officer of the Trilby/West Toledo Rotary Club and an active member of the St. Pius X Parish. Dave received his Bachelor of Mortuary Science Degree form the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Dave and his wife, Sarah, live in West Toledo with their two children.
Teresa Lewis Administrative Assistant	Teresa Lewis Chapel: Robinson-Walker Funeral Homes  City: Genoa & Oak Harbor Position: Administrative Assistant Background: Teresa works as Administrative Assistant for Robinson-Walker Funeral Home at the Genoa and Oak Harbor chapels, joining them in 1996. Teresa was born and raised in Oak Harbor and graduated with an associate degree in secretarial from the University of Toledo. She married John, a native Genoan, who retired from GTE after 30 years and is now the "phone man" at Davis Bessie Nuclear Plant. They have two daughters, Mary and Sara, and recently acquired a son-in-law Clint (married to Sara)! Prior to working for the funeral home, she worked as a secretary at Owens Technical College and St. John's United Church of Christ in Genoa.   She is a member of St. John's UCC and has been active in the choir and music program for almost 30 years. She volunteers with Genoa Schools elementary students in a reading mentorship program. Teresa plays her baritone horn whenever she has a chance and also enjoys reading murder mysteries.
Karen Peake Administrative Assistant	Karen Peake Funeral Home: Walker Funeral Home Branch: Sylvania Position: Administrative Assistant Background: Karen works as Administrative Assistant for Walker Funeral Home in Sylvania, joining them in 1999. She has found that working in the funeral industry, is a great way to minister to people's needs. Karen is a lifelong resident of West Toledo and an active member of the Vineyard Fellowship Community Church. She has 4 sisters and 3 brothers around the country, so traveling for visits are highlights of the year. In 1979, Karen married Steve Peake and they have a lovely family, Daniel and his wife, Britnye and Sarah and her husband, Mark, & their two children, Scarlett and Nolan, which Grandma Karen adores.
Jim Raczkowski Maumee Chapel Manager Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer	James P. Raczkowski Chapel: Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home City: Maumee Position: Maumee Chapel Manager, Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer Background: Graduate of Central Catholic High School, Bachelor of Science Degree Bowling Green State University, Associates of Applied Mortuary Science Cincinnati College Mortuary Science, Licensed Ohio Funeral Director and Embalmer, over 13 years of experience in funeral industry. Jim has been with Walker Funeral Home since November 2005. Parishioner Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Trustee Northwest Ohio Funeral Directors Assoc., Member of Leadership Maumee, Member Maumee Uptown Business Assoc., Educational Speaker for Mercy College & Lourdes College regarding death and dying issues. Jim enjoys golf, Notre Dame Football, Dance with Echoes of Poland Folk Song and Dance Ensemble, and spending time with family and friends, wife Amy.
Jim Ridener General Manager, Oak Harbor Chapel Manager, & Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer	James D. Ridener Chapel: Robinson-Walker Funeral Homes and Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home City: Oak Harbor, Genoa, & Port Clinton Position: General Manager, Oak Harbor Chapel Manager & Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer Background: Jim Ridener is a native of Franklin, OH. He graduated from Miami University in Oxford, OH in 1993 with a bachelor's degree in political science. In 1994 he graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, serving his apprenticeship at our Oak Harbor funeral home and has worked here ever since. Jim serves as the General Manager, the Oak Harbor chapel manager, and is a licensed funeral director/embalmer. Jim is very active in the Ottawa County community as a member and Past President of the Oak Harbor Rotary Club, member and past board of directors of the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce, member of the Port Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce, member of the Oak Harbor Village Tax Board of Review, member of the Port Clinton Elks Lodge, member of the Port Clinton Yacht Club, member of the Oak Harbor Masonic Lodge #495 F&AM, Ottawa County Shrine Club, Scottish Rite, member of the Marsh Club in Oak Harbor, member of the Colonial Club in Port Clinton, and member of the Oak Harbor Golf Club, and a graduate/alumni of Leadership Ottawa County. Personally, Jim is married to Sara (Hineline) a 7th generation native of Oak Harbor, who works as a speech therapist locally. They are proud parents of their sons, Ryan, and triplets: Jacob, Isaac, and Carson. The Ridener's are members of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oak Harbor. Jim enjoys spending time with his family and sports of all sorts, especially golfing and bow hunting. Jim is proud to be a part of the Ottawa County community and all that is has to offer.
Jennifer Waldron Family Services & Pre-Arrangement Advisor	Jennifer Waldron Chapel: Robinson-Walker Funeral Homes and Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home City: Oak Harbor, Genoa, & Port Clinton Position: Family Services & Pre-Arrangement Advisor Background: Jennifer is the Family Services/Funeral Pre-arrangement Advisor for the Ottawa County Walker Family Funeral Home chapels (Oak Harbor, Genoa, Port Clinton). Jennifer has been with the funeral home since 1998 and has lots of experince in helping area families make their funeral pre-arrangements. In addition to preplanning, Jennifer coordinates the Ottawa County Silver and Gold Club for Walker Funeral Homes. Jennifer was born and raised in Genoa and now resides in Oak Harbor with her husband Corey and their daughter Hannah, Ava their German shepard and Jack their Jack Russell. They are members of Trinity United Church of Christ in Elliston, Ohio. Jennifer is active in the Oak Harbor Chamber and the Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce where she has served as an Ambassador for the past three years. She will soon accept the position of President of the Port Clinton Chamber Ambassadors. In addition she is a member of the Marblehead Peninsula Lions Club. Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family and friends and her dogs.
Bryan Wagner Family Services  & Pre-Arrangement Advisor   b	Bryan Wagner Chapel: Walker Funeral Home & Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home City: Sylvania & Maumee Position: Family Services & Pre-Arrangement Advisor Background: Bryan was born & raised in Sandusky, OH. He is a graduate of Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and a licensed funeral director. Bryan takes care of all pre-arranged and pre-funded services at Walker in Sylvania and Maumee.  He is a member of the Rotary Club of Maumee and St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church.  He has two sons and lives in South Toledo.