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@brooksfuneralcare.com

Office Phone: 515-282-7311

Fax: 515-277-9700

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.

Melissa Mohr, Funeral Director/Family Service Supervisor

Email: melissa@merlehayfuneralhome.com

Office Phone: 515-278-4633

Fax: 515-276-5697

Melissa Mohr grew up in the beautiful community of Eagle Grove, where she graduated high school with the class of 2000.  After completing her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration at Hamilton College in Cedar Falls, Melissa decided to explore her long time interest in funeral service.  She began working as an assistant for Gunderson Funeral Home in Fort Dodge, where she experienced first hand the impact a caring funeral professional has during a most difficult time.  Driven by her compassion and desire to assist grieving families, she enrolled in the Mortuary Science Program at Des Moines Area Community College. Upon earning her degree in 2006, Melissa’s funeral director career began that year working with the Iles Family of Funeral Homes. In 2010, she joined the staff of Merle Hay Funeral Home.  Melissa assists families in all aspects of funeral care, both in pre-need and at the time of loss, and is knowledgeable in cemetery options.

Outside of funeral service Melissa enjoys spending time with her family (including her dogs; Sonny and Eddie), playing skip-bo, interior decorating and cooking.  She is an active member of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association and PETA.