Barbara J. Plecas, Preneed Counselor

Email: Barbara@sunsetfuneralchapel.com

Office: 515-285-4600

Fax: 515-285-8358

Barbara J. Plecas was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, graduated from Valley High School, attended Drake University and Stephens College with a degree in Business Administration.  She was involved in her family owned Furniture and Interior Design businesses, as well as being actively employed for many years in the medical field.   In 1993 she became a licensed Pre-Arrangement funeral counselor with Merle Hay and Sunset, doing Pre-planning of services, cemetery and marker decisions as well as meeting with families to assist with final arrangements at the time of need, as a family service counselor.  Her family presently reside in West Des Moines and Mesa, Az. and all enjoy photography and traveling, but  most of all being together. 

Jamie Lohr, Preneed Counselor

Email: Jamie@merlehayfuneralhome.com

Office Phone: 515-278-4633

Fax: 515-276-5697

Jamie has been with Merle Hay and Sunset Funeral Chapels, since 2008, assisting clients with their funeral and cemetery preplanning needs.  Jamie is formerly of Ackley, IA, attended UNI for two years, and completed her Bachelor’s degree, in Psychology, at Grand View University, in 2009.  Jamie previously worked, in Customer Service, at Homesteader’s Life (funeral insurance) for five years, before working as a pre-need sales counselor, at the funeral home.  She is licensed, in that state of Iowa, in Pre-need Sales and currently assists families in pre-planning at Merle Hay Funeral Home, Sunset Funeral Chapel, Cremation Society of Iowa, and Brooks-Tonini Funeral Care.  Jamie, her husband, Jacob, and their daughter, Dayinara, currently reside in Des Moines.  Her family loves to spend time outdoors, camping, & fishing.

Jason Helkenn, Preneed Counselor
Email: jason@brooksfuneralcare.com
Office Phone: 515-277-8700
Fax: 515-277-9700

Jason Helkenn joined Brooks Funeral Care as a state licensed Pre-Planning Advisor in January 2010. With 13 years of experience in consultative sales, Jason enjoys helping people carefully plan and assist in making final arrangements. Jason was born and raised in Des Moines, IA were he attended Lincoln High School and then graduated from the University of Iowa. After living in Chicago for 6 years Jason moved back to the Des Moines area to be closer to family and currently resides in Johnston, IA with his wife, Susan.