Maria Gonko
Mendota Heights
Summary
Compassionate licensed funeral director dedicated to delivering exceptional, professional service to families during their most challenging times. Expertise in coordinating seamless funeral services and offerings, simplifying the burial process for grieving families. Licensed embalmer with a background in cosmetology, autopsy, and donor embalming, committed to providing meticulous post-mortem care that ensures a dignified and peaceful final viewing for loved ones. Passionate about supporting families with empathy and respect, fostering an environment of comfort and understanding.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Licensed Funeral Director
Kessler & Maguire / Johnson Peterson/ Funeraria La Paz
05.2025 - Current
- Performed embalming and long-term preservation of remains for up to three months, and assisted with dressing, casketing, and cosmetic preparation in accordance with cultural rituals, including Hmong traditions.
- Directed funerals and viewings and managed international repatriation—especially to Latin America—overseeing documentation, logistics, and coordination for the Hispanic community through Funeraria La Paz.
- Coordinated at-need funeral arrangements derived from a wide range of complex and varying pre-need policies.
Licensed Funeral Director
Summit Funeral & Cremation
12.2024 - 05.2025
- Handled all aspects of funeral services—from removal to burial—for decedents from Ramsey County Medical Examiner, including embalming primarily autopsied bodies; providing compassionate support to families experiencing tragic loss of their loved one.
- Coordinated final disposition for families requesting green burial, ensuring environmentally responsible and respectful services.
Intern Funeral Director
Cremation Society of MN
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Conducted 2–3 arrangements daily, in person or by phone, arranging services ranging from simple cremations to uniquely detailed memorial services.
- Handled complex service details for Hindu, Buddhist families; traditional funerals followed by witnessed cremations.
- CANA certified to operate and perform all aspects of the cremation process.
- Served as Hospice Ambassador for all of Cremation Society of MN, building relationships with hospice staff and educating them on post-mortem processes and patient care options.
Director Assistant / Mortuary Science student
Kozlak Radulovich
04.2022 - 12.2023
- Gained embalming experience under morticians with decades of experience
- Supported funerals for a wide range of faiths, including Eastern Orthodox, Traditional Catholic, Lutheran, and secular Celebrations of Life.
- Provided resources and care for parents losing a child
- Designed unique, personalized vignettes to celebrate and showcase the life of the deceased.
Education
Advanced Standing Diploma - Mortuary Science
Des Moines Area Community College
Des Moines10.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Biomedical Science
Saint Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MNSkills
- Skilled in cosmetic restoration
- Knowledge of diverse burial practices
- Autopsy Body Handling
- Compassionate family guidance
- Oversee supply procurement
- Experienced removal specialist
- Legal adherence
- Emotional support for grieving individuals
- End-of-life care operations
- Cremation process expertise
- Floral design expertise
- Guidance in casket selection
Certification
Holds current licensure in Minnesota and Wisconsin
CANA certification
Careers before funeral service
CPC certified medical coder (Children's MN Oncology and MNGI digestive Health), substitute teacher K-12 at and long term substitute teacher in middle school science (Nova Classical Academy), wedding planner, bridal makeup artist, Mary Kay Consultant, Interventional Cardiovascular Tech (Abbott Northwestern Hospital)
Timeline
Licensed Funeral Director
Kessler & Maguire / Johnson Peterson/ Funeraria La Paz
05.2025 - Current
Licensed Funeral Director
Summit Funeral & Cremation
12.2024 - 05.2025
Intern Funeral Director
Cremation Society of MN
01.2024 - 12.2024
Director Assistant / Mortuary Science student
Kozlak Radulovich
04.2022 - 12.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Biomedical Science
Saint Cloud State University
Advanced Standing Diploma - Mortuary Science
Des Moines Area Community College