History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.A Helping Hand...when you need it most.

Our History

Our History

Richardson Funeral Home, family owned and operated, has served Cedar Falls and the surrounding Cedar Valley with sensitivity and a caring hand since 1862.  We offer a wide range of personalized services at our historic downtown Cedar Falls location.  From simple cremations to the most detailed services, our caring staff is here to help you honor a unique life.

As a fourth generation funeral service provider, Don Richardson has been helping families in their most difficult time of need since 1972.  As a youth, his family's commitment to the service of others instilled in him the desire to continue providing that same level of compassion. 

In 1993, Mike Sulentic joined the staff as a licensed funeral director with the same dedication to preserving this tradition.  A caring support staff is also here to help you through these difficult times.

Our Valued Staff

  • Don  Richardson

    Don Richardson Funeral Director

  • Michael  Sulentic

    Michael Sulentic Funeral Director

  • Paul H. Van Gorp

    Paul H. Van Gorp Funeral Director

    Paul and his wife Kyla moved to Cedar Falls in 2011 when he joined Richardson's. He is a 2006 graduate of UNI with a degree in management and a 2008 graduate of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Together, Paul and Kyla have four daughters: Elsie, Greta, Julia and Lindy. Kyla (UNI '09 accounting) works in finance for Cedar Falls Utilities. Paul is a member of the Cedar Falls Lions Club, and Trinity Bible Church.

  • Emily Danker

    Emily Danker Office Manager

    Raised in rural Cedar Falls, Emily graduated from Janesville High School in 2013, then earned her bachelor’s degree in 2016 from Wartburg College. She worked in various customer service roles before joining the Richardson team in 2022. She and her husband, Josh, reside in Waterloo with their three “fur babies.”