about us

Jesse was born and raised in Faribault, and graduated from the University of Minnesota’s Program of Mortuary Science. Jesse began his career in funeral service in Faribault and their sister chapels in Waseca and Janesville. He and his wife, Katie, later moved to Hastings where he worked at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home until purchasing the business from Steve Smidt in the fall of 2016. Since then, he also acquired the Wise Family Funeral & Cremation Service from Michael and Mary Wise, and have merged the two business and renamed it to Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings. He’s proud to carry the history of both funeral homes forward as they provide excellent care to the Hastings and surrounding communities. Jesse is married to Katie (Monahan) Starkson, and they have two children, Declan and Charlotte "Charli". In his free time, Jesse enjoys spending time with his family Up North, flying, and spending time outdoors. He also enjoys being active with the Regina Medical Center’s Advisory Board, Program of Mortuary Science Advisory Board, Hastings Public Safety Advisory Board, as well as other various community focus groups. Jesse and his family are members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Vermillion.

Aaron purchased Twin Cities Trade Service, LLC in October 2010 and later sold it to Jesse Starkson in 2024. He has been a funeral director since 2009 and is currently a licensed funeral director in both Minnesota and Wisconsin. Aaron grew up in Webster, Wisconsin, attended the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire and graduated from the University of Minnesota Department of Mortuary Science in 2009. Aaron met Caitlin while both attending Mortuary Science classes and got married in October 2012. When not working, Aaron enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with his wife and three daughters.

Katie was born and raised in Waseca, Minnesota, the oldest of 3 children. She graduated from Waseca high School and Concordia University-St. Paul. Katie married Jesse Starkson in 2013 and they have two children, Declan and Charlotte, who reside in Hastings. She enjoys a good latte, traveling, attending community events, helping friends & family with design projects and planning events, taking drives in the Model A, and trying new restaurants. As a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Vermillion, Katie and Jesse volunteer their time and talents at church and St. John's school. Katie is also active in the Hastings community serving on the board of directors at TLC of Hastings.

Caitlin has been a funeral director since 2009, joining the staff of Twin Cities Trade Service in 2015. She grew up in Glencoe, Minnesota, attended the College of Saint Benedict and graduated from the University of Minnesota Department of Mortuary Science in 2009. Caitlin spends most of her time at home with her three daughters, but in her spare time, she enjoys getting together with friends and finding inspiration for new projects on Pinterest.

Adam has been a funeral director since 2002, joining the staff of Twin Cities Trade Service in 2010. He attended the University of North Dakota and graduated from the University of Minnesota Department of Mortuary Science in 2002. Adam grew up in Munich, North Dakota and has lived in the Twin Cities since 2000. In his spare time, Adam enjoys traveling, playing and watching sports, fishing, hiking, and in general, just being outside and active. He is also an avid board game enthusiast.

Rochelle has been a funeral director since 2011, also joining the staff of Twin Cities Trade Service in 2011. She is honored to be able to serve the funeral homes that use our services and their families. She attended the University of Minnesota and graduated in 2010 from the Department of Mortuary Science. In her spare time, Rochelle enjoys hiking, biking, yoga, antiquing, playing violin, and spending time with her family and friends.

Kelly has been a funeral director since 2000, joining the staff of Twin Cities Trade Service in January of 2020. She was born and raised in Hibbing, Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota Department of Mortuary Science in 2000. For the past 20 years, Kelly worked full time at a funeral home in the Twin Cities while also helping out TCTS part-time. In her spare time, Kelly enjoys traveling, being outdoors, spending time with family and friends and going for walks with her two dogs, Halo and Vada.

Andy has been a funeral director since 2005, joining the staff of Twin Cities Trade Service in October of 2020. He attended Anoka Ramsey Community College and graduated from the University of Minnesota Department of Mortuary Science in 2005. For the past 15 years, Andy worked in a whole body donation program. In his spare time, Andy enjoys running long distance, reading, playing guitar, and spending time with his wife and three sons.