Our Staff

Joseph F. Smith

Funeral Associate

Joseph F. Smith, graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in 1969 with a BA in science and then from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in 1970 as a funeral director. After graduation, he worked for Parrott and Wood Funeral Home in Waterloo, IA until he began his career at Kjentvet and Son Funeral Home in 1978. Joe has served families in western Wisconsin, particularly the Mondovi, Eleva, Strum and Gilmanton areas for over 30 years. He and his wife Pat, have owned and operated Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home since January, 1993.

Patricia A. Smith

Patricia A. Smith, attended the University of Northern Iowa for three years, graduated from Chippewa Valley Technical College in Computer Science and later became a licensed insurance broker. Pat is a certified funeral consultant and insurance agent working with families to pre-arrange and pre-finance funerals at Kjentvet – Smith Funeral Home.

Richard Goodrich

Funeral Director

A lifelong resident of Durand, Richard is the fifth generation to serve families in the area. Richard graduated from the University of Minnesota Mortuary Science Program in 1985. He and his wife, Laurie have five children; Kayla, Ashley, Joshua, Jessica, Jennifer; six grandsons, Nathan, Camden, Hudson, Jenson, Jaxon, and Ezra; and two granddaughters, Lauretta and Abby. Richard enjoys fishing, camping and spending time with his family.

AnnMarie E. Goodrich

Funeral Associate / Pre-need Consultant

Ann has been assisting at the funeral home for many years, joining the firm full time in 2008. She is a Wisconsin licensed pre-need Consultant. Ann was born in Eau Claire, WI and moved to Durand in 1982. She and her husband, Jeff have four children; Ryan, Amy, Jenna and Corey and two granddaughters, Laila and Quinn and two grandsons, Kaleb and Leroy.  Ann enjoys spending time with family and friends.  She has acquired her apprentice funeral director's license in 2019.

Daniel Duffenbach

Funeral Director

A life long resident of the Eau Claire-Chippewa Falls area, Daniel is a licensed funeral director who has been serving families for the past 35 years. Daniel is involved with several community organizations. Daniel is a Charter Member of the Chippewa County Grief Guidance Team, established in 1999. During his spare time Daniel enjoys hunting, fishing, and is a long distance runner. Daniel is married to Karolynne and they have four children and three grandchildren.

Tom Benning

Funeral Assistant

Tom is a lifelong resident of Eleva and a member of Eleva Lutheran Church, Vice President of the Eleva Historical Society, sextant of the Eleva Cemetery over 30 years and past President of the Eleva Broiler Fest for 15 consecutive years.  He is an avid classic luxury car collector.  Other interests include listening/playing organ music and singing at many events including funeral services.  He started as an associate with the Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home in the 1980's and most recently earned his apprenticeship funeral director's license.

Dave Everson

Funeral Assistant

Dave grew up in Eleva/Mondovi area.  He is married to Lonnie 60+ years and has four children.  Together they had a dairy farm in Cleghorn, then later owned/operated Gambles Hardware Store in Eleva.  Dave retired from Countryside Co-op in management.  He has currently been with the funeral home for 10 years.