About Us
Celebrating life since 1896
As a proud member of the Dupo community since 1896, we're honored to help families celebrate their loved ones. We pledge to ensure that every funeral and memorial service is deeply personal, fostering healing and remembrance.
Our promise
Today, tomorrow, and forever, our commitment to you stays the same.
Dignity
Every life is unique, and we promise to honor and respect each journey, crafting ceremonies that reflect each individual.
Guidance
Navigating grief can be overwhelming; we stand by you, providing direction and solace every step of the way.
Legacy
Beyond a service, we're committed to helping families create lasting tributes that transcend generations.
Our story
As one of the oldest and most recognizable landmarks in the area, Leesman Funeral Homes is a stately ode to Dupo history. Established in 1896 by Clarence S. Dashner, our funeral home has evolved greatly over the years to accommodate the evolving needs of our community. Yet our commitment to service remains the same. Even as we modernize our services and facilities, we stay true to our belief that honoring and celebrating life is deeply sacred and personal.
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A place of healing
We welcome you to explore the Leesman Funeral Homes facilities, and invite you to discover a comforting and peaceful place to honor your loved one.
Our incredible staff
Helping families create lasting legacies is more than a job — it's our calling. We are here to support you in any way we can and will offer you the full attention, knowledge, and compassion you need.
Bruce E. Leesman
Owner/President
Bruce grew up in Atlanta, Ill., and graduated from Olympia High School in 1993. He enrolled in Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Ill., in September of 1994 and graduated in September of 1995.
Bruce joined the staff at Dashner-Strauss Funeral Homes in 1995 as an apprentice funeral director and embalmer. After completing his apprenticeship, Bruce was hired full time and served in that capacity until 2001 when he was promoted to manager of the funeral homes. Bruce purchased the business from Kermit and Suzanne Mueller in 2004.
Bruce is a member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, the Egyptian Funeral Directors Association, Columbia Masonic Lodge # 474 A. F & A.M. were he served as Worshipful Master in 2011, former trustee for the Dupo Fire Protection District serving from 2007-2012 and was inducted into the Dupo Walk of Honor in 2012 as an outstanding community leader.
Greg A. Leesman
Owner/Vice President
Greg grew up in Atlanta, IL., and graduated from Olympia High School in 1997. He received an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, IL. in 2000.
Greg joined Dashner-Strauss Funeral Homes to work along with his brother, Bruce in 2001. Greg is a member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association and Egyptian Funeral Directors Association.
He married his wife, Kelli in 2007, they reside in Columbia, IL. above the funeral home. Kelli grew up in Chester, IL., and graduated from Chester High School in 1991.
Kelli works part-time for the funeral home and also tends to our 3 goldendoodles, Lexi, Ruby and Harper.
Their son Nick joined the United States Army in June of 2020. He is stationed at Ft. Benning, GA.
When they aren't working they enjoy spending time with their family and friends. They also enjoy spending as much time as they can at the Lake of the Ozarks. Both, Greg & Kelli are huge St. Louis Cardinals and Fighting Illini fans.
Jim Jarvis
Pre-Need Professional/After Care Specialist
Jim is a lifelong resident of the Dupo/East Carondelet area and a 1984 graduate of Dupo High School. He attended William Jewell College on a football scholarship. After working for over 25 years in the regular business sector, he joined the Funeral/Cemetery industry in 2014.
Jim is a licensed insurance agent and also has his cemetery license through the State of Illinois. He has also been a nationally certified High School coach since 1991 through ACEP. He continues to be a volunteer for the Community Outreach Program at Touchette Regional Hospital.
When he isn't working he enjoys traveling and spending time with his family including watching their Hockey, Cheerleading and Soccer events.
Ryan D. Zinke
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Ryan is a 1994 graduate of Vincennes University in Indiana, and began his career in his hometown of Robinson, IL., where he served his apprenticeship.
After obtaining his Illinois Funeral Director and Embalmers license Ryan moved to Greeley, CO., in 1996 to further learn and grow in the funeral profession. In October of 1998, an opportunity arose to relocate back to Illinois and continue his career in Collinsville where this has since been home.
Ryan is married to Amanda Zinke, they have two children: Colleen Zinke and Chase Zinke. In their free time Ryan and Amanda enjoy time with family and friends, traveling and going on side-by-side rides.
Cara Strotheide
Pre-need Specialist/Funeral Director/Embalmer
Cara grew up in Breese, Illinois, and was a 2008 graduate of Mater Dei Catholic High
School. Following high school, she attended Kaskaskia College and obtained her
Emergency Medical Technician Certificate and became a licensed EMT-Basic within the
State of Illinois. Since 2012 she has been a volunteer EMT-Basic with Sugar Creek
Ambulance Service in Trenton, Illinois and in 2022 joined the Northwest Fire Protection District in Belleville, IL.
She graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Wheeling, IL, in January of 2021. Shortly after, she joined the Leesman Funeral Home family as an apprentice. In 2022, she obtained her insurance license in the State of Illinois to help further serve families in need.
Cara resides in Swansea, IL with her family. She loves to travel and spend her downtime with family and friends.
Steve Zimmermann
Funeral Director
Steve has been in funeral service since 1972. He is licensed in the State of Illinois as a funeral director and embalmer. He is married to Christie, they have two daughters and a grandson. Steve is a member and past president of the Optimist Club of Belleville, and has been a lifelong member of St. Peter's Cathedral Catholic Church. He enjoys gardening and traveling.
Chad A. Skidmore
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Born and raised in Crawford County, Chad has always considered Illinois home.
A 1998 graduate of Robinson High School he completed his Mortuary Science degree at Vincennes University before moving to Virginia where he served his apprenticeship. After getting licensed and working in Virginia for several years he came back home to Illinois and is enjoying being back around family and old friends. Chad is looking forward to being able to help serve the families in the is area in their time of need.
Away from work Chad can be found enjoying the company of his dog or tending to his aquarium. He also enjoys spending time with his family or watching his favorite sports teams.
Mark Nolte
Funeral Assistant
Mark is a lifelong resident of the Dupo area. He graduated from Dupo High School and later attended SIU Edwardsville. He is a veteran of the US Army then returning to his family grocery business in Dupo. Mark is also retired from First National Bank of Millstadt and since has joined Leesman Funeral Home in 2018.
Danny Haskenhoff
Funeral Assistant
Danny grew up in Dupo and was a graduate of Dupo High School in 1973. He was a member of the East St. Louis Fire Department from 1978-2020. He worked through the ranks and retired as the Assistant Chief after 33 years of service. Danny worked in the St. Clair County Coroner's Office from 1978-2020, serving his last 12 years as the Chief Deputy Death Investigator. He attended and taught at University of Champaign Fire College, as well as attended Texas A&M Fire College. Danny joined the Leesman staff in 2020.
In his free time, he enjoys a cocktail at the pool and boating in Florida, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Blake Johnson
Funeral Assistant
Blake is a resident of Dupo and a 2000 graduate of Dupo High School. He currently serves as a trustee of Sugarloaf Township and a board member for Helping Strays of Monroe County.
When not working he enjoys spending time with family and friends and following/watching sports, especially St Louis Cardinals and North Carolina Tarheels.
Duane Gisher
Funeral Assistant
Duane is a lifelong resident of Cahokia, IL. He graduated from Cahokia High School in 1980. He worked for the St. Louis Blues from 1984 -1991. He was a construction manager from 1991 - 1999. After working in the construction field he went to work for Special -T- Tracks as an equipment operator installing, maintaining and removing dirt for Monster Jam, Polaris Industries and Professional Bull Riders visiting every state except Alaska. In 2010 he traveled to South Africa to build tracks for Polaris International Dealer Meeting.
He is an avid St. Louis Blues and St. Louis Cardinals fan.
Charlie Consolino
Funeral Assistant
Charlie is a lifelong resident of St. Louis and resides in South County with his wife Jeanine and their Morkie, Barney. He retired from Crane Merchandising Systems after 33 years in 2018. Since joining Leesman Funeral Homes in 2019, he says he has found a niche in retirement of being able to help serve others in their time of need. Both Charlie and Jeanine are members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Columbia, IL and enjoy traveling along with visiting family.
Gary L. Edwards
September 8, 1957 - January 12, 2019
Gary was a member of the First Congregational Church in Dupo, joining in 1982. He held the positions of President, Trustee and he held the position of Treasurer for 14 years. Gary also belonged to the DuKare Food Pantry since its inception in 1987 where he held the positions of President, Clerk and Treasurer. Gary worked in the Funeral Service Industry since 1993.
Gary grew up in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and moved to Dupo, Illinois in 1970. He graduated from Dupo High School in 1975.
Gary passed away suddenly on January 12, 2019. He impacted everyone's lives more than he ever knew with his upbeat personality and willingness to always help. Gary's dedication to his church, DuKare, his family, co-workers and colleagues in the Funeral Profession and he will never be forgotten.
To honor and celebrate the life of our co-worker, teammate and friend, Gary's bio will continue to remain on our website.
We exist to serve the unique needs of every family
Seamless Arrangements
We'll help you with everything you need with a simple step-by-step process for all of your funeral, cremation and cemetery plans.
Unique Funerals and Tributes
Every individual is unique. Which is why we offer fully customizable memorial services designed just for your family.
Around the Clock Support
We're here to answer any questions and help in any way we can – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Hear from
the families
we've served
“They do a great job here. Long time Columbia funeral home. Very nice inside and out.”
Author:— Greg M rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“They were very respectful to me and my family, and very patient.”
Author:— Norma Good rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Excellent service and compassionate. Took care of every question and need.”
Author:— Nick Kassing rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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Honoring excellence
We’re honored to be recognized for our dedication to excellence and genuine care. Explore the esteemed associations we're a part of, and the awards that celebrate our commitment to the communities we serve.
Leesman Funeral Homes is honored as one of the Best Places to Work in 2023.
We're hiring
Beyond the opportunity to truly make a difference, Leesman Funeral Homes offers competitive pay, a healthy work-life balance, and many opportunities for growth.