Our Staff

Jeff Lillemoen, Owner/Licensed Funeral Director
Email: jeff@carlsonlillemoen.com

Born in Cambridge, MN and raised in Isanti.  Jeff graduated from Cambridge High School in 1983 and from the University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Program in 1992.  His first job was at the Olson Funeral home in Fergus Falls, MN.  In November of 1992, he went back 'home' to work for Terry Labatte.  At this time, the funeral home was named Carlson-Labatte Funeral Home.   In April of 2004 Jeff and his wife Kelly purchased the funeral home from Cynthia Labatte and changed the name to Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Since taking over in 2004, Jeff added a crematory, which he owns and operates with other partners.  He is a Licensed Insurance Producer as well as a Licensed Funeral Director in the state of Minnesota.  
He and wife Kelly have two sons; Grant and Gavin. In his spare time he enjoys playing his guitars and is also plays the drums for the Praise Band of his church; Joy Lutheran of Cambridge.

Kelly Lillemoen, Owner
Email: kelly@carlsonlillemoen.com

Cambridge is Kelly's hometown, very few families walk into her path that she is not familiar with. She is very grateful to be serving families in her own community. Kelly hasn't always worked beside her husband, Jeff. After college, she worked at Silver Lake Clinic in NE Minneapolis for 17 years, leaving a management position.   Kelly is an Executive Board Member of the Isanti County Historical Society,Vice President of the Blue Jacket All School Reunion Committee, volunteers at the Cambridge Medical Center and is a member of Joy Lutheran Church in Cambridge.

Joanne Dargay, Office Administrator 
Email: joanne@carlsonlillemoen.com

Joanne was born and raised in the Twin Cities.  She graduated from the Minnesota State University Mankato with a bachelor's degree in Administrative Management.  She has family in the Cambridge area.  In 2005, her and her husband, Jim, decided to purchase property west of Cambridge.  After years of working on the property, they finally built a home in 2011.  She has a passion for animals, both wild and domestic.  Joanne began working at Carlson-Lillemoen in June of 2017, and has been a great addition to the team. 

Curt Olson, Funeral Assistant

Curt was raised in Cambridge and graduated from Cambridge High School in 1958.  He was a member of the Cambridge Volunteer Fire Department and also worked as a photographer with Carlson Photography of Cambridge.  Since his retirement, he has worked at the funeral home assisting in many ways.  His professional photography skills are a bonus for families when taking photos. He and his wife Lois are both active members of North Isanti Baptist Church of Cambridge.  Curt enjoys visiting the North Shore and spending time with his family. 

Mike Oslund, Funeral Assistant

Mike is a hometown boy.  Born and raised in Cambridge, Minnesota.  Since retiring from the U.S. Postal Service, he has been helping at the funeral home assisting at services.  Mike enjoys fishing, hunting and reading.   

Bonnie Illies, Funeral Assistant

Bonnie was born and raised in a small farming community near Sauk Centre, Minnesota.  Bonnie moved to Cambridge because of the familiar 'at-home' feel to her.  She is a graduate from the University of Minnesota.  Prior to her own consulting business, she worked as an executive assistant in Minneapolis.   She now looks forward to assisting the funeral directors and families at Carlson-Lillemoen.  Bonnie enjoys dancing, watching movies and reading. 

In Memory of Terry Labatte 1944 - 2001
Licensed Funeral Director/Owner 1974 - 2001

Terry came to Cambridge in 1969 to work for Gordon and Stanley Carlson as a Licensed Funeral Director.  In 1974, he and his with Cynthia, purchased the funeral home and ran the business up until his health failed him in 2001. It was Terry who inspired Jeff Lillemoen in the direction of Mortuary Science.  Terry was active in his community and was a member of the Cambridge Lutheran Church.  

In Memory of Gordon Carlson  1916 - 2010
Licensed Funeral Director/Owner 1952 - 1974

Gordon Carlson earned a degree in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota in 1939.  He began working for Alvin Berglund in 1941 and purchased it in 1952.   In 1954, his younger brother, Stanley Carlson, joined him and operated the Carlson Funeral Home along with an ambulance service for several years.  In 1974, they sold the funeral home to Terry Labatte. Gordon retired from the day to day operations, but continued to assist in several areas of funeral service. 

Gordon continued to work up until April of 2004, until his health no longer allowed him.  He worked several services with Jeff Lillemoen throughout the years, but only one service under the name of Carlson-Lillemoen Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Gordon was extremely proud to see Jeff's name on the funeral home.  
He was one of the original Board Members for Cambridge Memorial Hospital and was a long time active member of North Isanti Baptist Church in Cambridge.  

In Memory of Stanley Carlson  1923 - 1999
Licensed Funeral Director/Owner 1954-1974                    

Stanley Carlson, joined his brother, Gordon in 1954.  Both men worked together as a team operating the funeral home. Stan continued to help out at the funeral home with Terry Labatte for many years after his retirement.  He and his wife, Donna, raised their 4 children in the living quarters above the funeral home.  Many folks have stories about visiting/staying at the funeral home.  Even today, we still hear great memories of visit's with the Carlson's.  Stan was an active member at the First Baptist Church in Cambridge and also on the Board at Grandview Christian Home, which is now called Grace Pointe Crossing - Presybterian Homes.   After retiring, Stan kept busy selling memorials for the Braham Monument Company.  Stanley passed away in January of 1999.  

In Memory of Alvin Berglund Sr. 1892 - 1986
Licensed Funeral Director/Owner 1923 - 1952

Alvin Berglund Sr. was born in Cambridge, graduated from Cambridge High School and later attended the University of Minnesota College of Mortuary Service.  Alvin was a charter member of the Cambridge American Legion Post #290, was mayor of Cambridge for several years, was the coroner for 30 years and was an active Zurah Shriner.