Our Caring Staff

Born and raised in Woodbury, MN, Becca grew up figure skating on nearly every ice rink in Minnesota. She graduated from Century College with two degrees and a creative writing certificate, and is planning to attend Metro State University to pursue a degree in Psychology. She still lives in her childhood home with her four cats and two dogs.

Other than work, she enjoys spending time cuddling with her pets, having bonfires with family, and curling up with a good book. She spends most of her free time crafting jewelry and painting art for her small business. 

An animal lover and pet owner, Becca has experienced the feelings and struggles of losing a beloved pet. She is honored to help other families through the emotional time of saying goodbye.

Katie was born and raised in Waseca, Minnesota, as the oldest of three children. She graduated from Waseca High School and went on to earn her degree from Concordia University-St. Paul.

Katie married Jesse Starkson in 2013, and together they have two children, Declan and Charlotte, who reside in rural Cannon Falls.

Katie enjoys savoring a good latte, traveling, attending community events, helping friends and family with design projects, and planning special events. She also loves taking drives in their Model A car and exploring new restaurants.

As a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Vermillion, Katie and Jesse actively volunteer their time and talents at both the church and St. John’s School. Katie is also deeply involved in the Hastings community, and served on the board of directors at TLC of Hastings for seven years.

Katie’s dedication to her family, community, and faith make her an invaluable part of the Starkson Family team.

Jesse was born and raised in Faribault, MN, and graduated from the University of Minnesota’s Program of Mortuary Science. He began his career in funeral service in Faribault and worked at their sister chapels in Waseca and Janesville. Later, Jesse and his wife, Katie, 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, Jesse acquired the Wise Family Funeral & Cremation Service from Michael and Mary Wise, merging the two businesses and renaming it Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings. In January 2025, Jesse and Katie acquired Henry W. Anderson Mortuary in Apple Valley, continuing the Anderson Family’s tradition of compassionate care and providing excellent service to the Southeast Metro and beyond.

Jesse is married to Katie (Monahan) Starkson, and they have two children, Declan and Charlotte "Charli." In his free time, Jesse enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, hunting, and fishing. He is also actively involved with St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and School and participates in various community-focused groups.

Jesse is dedicated to upholding the legacy of care and service at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel while continuing to provide compassionate support to families in their time of need.