Sarah Pielhop
Owner, Funeral Director, & Preplanning Agent
Sarah started her career as an Apprentice Funeral Director at Pfeffer Funeral Home in her hometown of Manitowoc and worked there in the Summers from 2003-2005. She went on to work as an Apprentice while attending Mortuary School in Milwaukee at Altstadt-Tyborski-Ermece-McLeod Funeral Homes (now part of Heritage Funeral Homes) from 2005-2006. Once she was licensed as a Funeral Director, she was hired by Harder Funeral Home in Brookfield where she worked from 2006-2007. In 2007, Sarah decided the "big city" wasn't for her, and she moved back to her home county of Manitowoc County. She was rehired by Pfeffer Funeral Home, and also worked at the two other locations that the Pfeffer family owned at the time; Klein and Stangel Funeral Home in Two Rivers and Christianson Deja Funeral Home in Valders. Sarah actually lived above Christianson and Deja Funeral Home for a year before purchasing a home in Two Rivers. She worked with this group for 3 years from 2007-2010. Then in 2010, Sarah's college roommate, Monica (Schuster) Hanson and Monica's Mom, Dorene Schuster mentioned to Fuzzy that Sarah might be interested in a career move. Sarah interviewed with Fuzzy and Kathy Wieting and started working for the Wieting's in Brillion and Reedsville in August of 2010. Sarah worked with Fuzzy for 10 years before his retirement. That is when Sarah and her husband Jason Pielhop purchased Wieting Funeral Home, Inc of Brillion and Reedsville on September 25, 2020.
Sarah has been a licensed funeral director with the state of Wisconsin for 18 years. She has also completed and is licensed with the state of Wisconsin as a Life Insurance Agent for Preplanning Funeral Burial Contracts. Sarah has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, class of 2005, as well as a degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College in Mortuary Science, class of 2006. While in Mortuary School, Sarah received the Ed Heidenrich Restorative Art Scholarship Award for her class year.
She serves on multiple boards and is a member of multiple groups in our area: the Brillion Optimist Club, the newly reinstated 501c3 grow FOUNDATION, Inc., the Brillion Area Family of Funds (BAFF), was an alderperson with the City of Brillion from 2019-2022, is a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and the Funeral Service and Cremation Alliance of Wisconsin, is a member of the Manitowoc County Chamber and is a past member of the Manitowoc County Chamber SAIL Young Professionals where she received one of their Future 15 Professionals awards in 2009, is a member of the Brillion Chamber of Commerce where she was selected as Young Professional of the Year 2018, and assisted to help bring Habitat for Humanity's Rock the Block to Brillion in May of 2019.
Sarah's parents Richard and Cheri Seifert still live in Manitowoc, and that is where she met her now husband Jason in July of 2008. He worked and still does work for the City of Manitowoc as a Fire Fighter and paramedic. The couple married on December 31st, 2011 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo in Manitowoc. They have two daughters, Julia and Nora.
Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband and their girls, vacationing, traveling "Up North" to her parents cabin, reading, and volunteering.
Sarah Pielhop
Owner, Funeral Director, & Preplanning Agent
Sarah started her career as an Apprentice Funeral Director at Pfeffer Funeral Home in her hometown of Manitowoc and worked there in the Summers from 2003-2005. She went on to work as an Apprentice while attending Mortuary School in Milwaukee at Altstadt-Tyborski-Ermece-McLeod Funeral Homes (now part of Heritage Funeral Homes) from 2005-2006. Once she was licensed as a Funeral Director, she was hired by Harder Funeral Home in Brookfield where she worked from 2006-2007. In 2007, Sarah decided the "big city" wasn't for her, and she moved back to her home county of Manitowoc County. She was rehired by Pfeffer Funeral Home, and also worked at the two other locations that the Pfeffer family owned at the time; Klein and Stangel Funeral Home in Two Rivers and Christianson Deja Funeral Home in Valders. Sarah actually lived above Christianson and Deja Funeral Home for a year before purchasing a home in Two Rivers. She worked with this group for 3 years from 2007-2010. Then in 2010, Sarah's college roommate, Monica (Schuster) Hanson and Monica's Mom, Dorene Schuster mentioned to Fuzzy that Sarah might be interested in a career move. Sarah interviewed with Fuzzy and Kathy Wieting and started working for the Wieting's in Brillion and Reedsville in August of 2010. Sarah worked with Fuzzy for 10 years before his retirement. That is when Sarah and her husband Jason Pielhop purchased Wieting Funeral Home, Inc of Brillion and Reedsville on September 25, 2020.
Sarah has been a licensed funeral director with the state of Wisconsin for 18 years. She has also completed and is licensed with the state of Wisconsin as a Life Insurance Agent for Preplanning Funeral Burial Contracts. Sarah has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, class of 2005, as well as a degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College in Mortuary Science, class of 2006. While in Mortuary School, Sarah received the Ed Heidenrich Restorative Art Scholarship Award for her class year.
She serves on multiple boards and is a member of multiple groups in our area: the Brillion Optimist Club, the newly reinstated 501c3 grow FOUNDATION, Inc., the Brillion Area Family of Funds (BAFF), was an alderperson with the City of Brillion from 2019-2022, is a member of Holy Family Catholic Church, is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and the Funeral Service and Cremation Alliance of Wisconsin, is a member of the Manitowoc County Chamber and is a past member of the Manitowoc County Chamber SAIL Young Professionals where she received one of their Future 15 Professionals awards in 2009, is a member of the Brillion Chamber of Commerce where she was selected as Young Professional of the Year 2018, and assisted to help bring Habitat for Humanity's Rock the Block to Brillion in May of 2019.
Sarah's parents Richard and Cheri Seifert still live in Manitowoc, and that is where she met her now husband Jason in July of 2008. He worked and still does work for the City of Manitowoc as a Fire Fighter and paramedic. The couple married on December 31st, 2011 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo in Manitowoc. They have two daughters, Julia and Nora.
Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband and their girls, vacationing, traveling "Up North" to her parents cabin, reading, and volunteering.
Jason Pielhop
Owner & Funeral Director Apprentice
Jason was born and raised in Eau Claire, graduating from Eau Claire North High in 1994. He began his career in the fire service as a Fire Explorer in Altoona starting in 1992. After High School, he became an Intern Fire Fighter with Maple Bluff Fire and EMS. This is where he had his first opportunity to help people as an EMT-Basic.
He has an Associates Degree from Madison Area Technical College and after graduating from MATC continued his medical training, becoming a WI Licensed EMT-Paramedic. He also received his certificate as a Funeral Apprentice in Spring of 2021.
Jason moved to the area accepting a Fire Fighter/Paramedic position with the City of Manitowoc in 1997. He was named Firefighter of the Year by his peers in 2011 for his work on History in the Manitowoc Fire Department. He is a member of the International Association of Firefighters Local 368 and the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin. He has also had the pleasure to “return to his roots” when he volunteered at the Brillion Fire Department for 5 years.
You will find Jason helping Sarah with services and working around the properties with landscaping and building projects.
He enjoys spending time with his family & friends, fishing for musky, camping, hunting and helping his neighbors. He was humbled to be a leading member of the recent Rock the Block in Brillion and is a member of the Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity “Senior Crew.”
Jason and Sarah are members of Holy Family Catholic Church and are blessed to be tasked as tri-couple chairpersons of the Education Center Project.
He hopes to continue a legacy of helping the families in Brillion, Reedsville and surrounding communities for many years to come.
Jason Pielhop
Owner & Funeral Director Apprentice
Jason was born and raised in Eau Claire, graduating from Eau Claire North High in 1994. He began his career in the fire service as a Fire Explorer in Altoona starting in 1992. After High School, he became an Intern Fire Fighter with Maple Bluff Fire and EMS. This is where he had his first opportunity to help people as an EMT-Basic.
He has an Associates Degree from Madison Area Technical College and after graduating from MATC continued his medical training, becoming a WI Licensed EMT-Paramedic. He also received his certificate as a Funeral Apprentice in Spring of 2021.
Jason moved to the area accepting a Fire Fighter/Paramedic position with the City of Manitowoc in 1997. He was named Firefighter of the Year by his peers in 2011 for his work on History in the Manitowoc Fire Department. He is a member of the International Association of Firefighters Local 368 and the Professional Firefighters of Wisconsin. He has also had the pleasure to “return to his roots” when he volunteered at the Brillion Fire Department for 5 years.
You will find Jason helping Sarah with services and working around the properties with landscaping and building projects.
He enjoys spending time with his family & friends, fishing for musky, camping, hunting and helping his neighbors. He was humbled to be a leading member of the recent Rock the Block in Brillion and is a member of the Fox Cities Habitat for Humanity “Senior Crew.”
Jason and Sarah are members of Holy Family Catholic Church and are blessed to be tasked as tri-couple chairpersons of the Education Center Project.
He hopes to continue a legacy of helping the families in Brillion, Reedsville and surrounding communities for many years to come.
Katie Gorsuch
Funeral Director
Katie was born in West Bend and raised in Manitowoc. She is the daughter of Jerry and Sally Rettinger. Katie graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School and received her general Associate's Degree from UW-Manitowoc. She then went on to Mortuary School at MATC in West Allis.
Katie has been a licensed funeral director with the state of Wisconsin since 2012.
Katie met her husband Blair when he retired from the military in November of 2017. They were married on April 4, 2020 at Katie's grandma's house in Manitowoc. In August of 2021, they moved from the city of Manitowoc to the country near Whitelaw with their three dogs: Finley, Mila and Addy. They hope to start a small hobby farm and enjoy spending time outside.
In her spare time she enjoys boating with her husband and family, gardening (a really new hobby!), and experimenting with new recipes.
Katie Gorsuch
Funeral Director
Katie was born in West Bend and raised in Manitowoc. She is the daughter of Jerry and Sally Rettinger. Katie graduated from Manitowoc Lincoln High School and received her general Associate's Degree from UW-Manitowoc. She then went on to Mortuary School at MATC in West Allis.
Katie has been a licensed funeral director with the state of Wisconsin since 2012.
Katie met her husband Blair when he retired from the military in November of 2017. They were married on April 4, 2020 at Katie's grandma's house in Manitowoc. In August of 2021, they moved from the city of Manitowoc to the country near Whitelaw with their three dogs: Finley, Mila and Addy. They hope to start a small hobby farm and enjoy spending time outside.
In her spare time she enjoys boating with her husband and family, gardening (a really new hobby!), and experimenting with new recipes.
Judy Cohen
Office Manager
Judy joined Wieting Funeral Home, Inc. in May of 2019. She brought with her over 20 years of experience in funeral service. We are very blessed she chose to continue with Pielhop Wieting Funeral Homes.
Judy has been married to her husband Jerry for many years. They have two children, Adam (Clara) and Amy (Tyler) Skarvan, as well as five beautiful grandchildren, Hazel, Lewis and Eli Cohen and Tenley and Briggs Skarvan.
They are members of Holy Family Catholic Church in Brillion.
Judy is a wonderful person inside and out, and we are very thankful she is on our staff.
Judy Cohen
Office Manager
Judy joined Wieting Funeral Home, Inc. in May of 2019. She brought with her over 20 years of experience in funeral service. We are very blessed she chose to continue with Pielhop Wieting Funeral Homes.
Judy has been married to her husband Jerry for many years. They have two children, Adam (Clara) and Amy (Tyler) Skarvan, as well as five beautiful grandchildren, Hazel, Lewis and Eli Cohen and Tenley and Briggs Skarvan.
They are members of Holy Family Catholic Church in Brillion.
Judy is a wonderful person inside and out, and we are very thankful she is on our staff.
Peter "Pete" Sponholtz
Funeral Director Apprentice
Peter, "Pete" Sponholtz grew up in the small town of Tisch Mills and graduated from Mishicot High School.
He furthered his education at Fox Valley Tech in Appleton, majoring in Fire Protection. Pete interned with the Grand Chute and Oshkosh Fire Departments before accepting a position with the West Milwaukee Fire Department. After three years there, he moved to the Green Bay Fire Department, spending the next 27 years serving the City of Green Bay.
Upon retirement from the fire service, Pete earned his Funeral Director Appreciate license and has been in the funeral service for the past ten years.
In his spare time, he enjoys playing several musical instruments. He helps out local community bands, area symphonies, and any polka bands who would happen to call.
Peter "Pete" Sponholtz
Funeral Director Apprentice
Peter, "Pete" Sponholtz grew up in the small town of Tisch Mills and graduated from Mishicot High School.
He furthered his education at Fox Valley Tech in Appleton, majoring in Fire Protection. Pete interned with the Grand Chute and Oshkosh Fire Departments before accepting a position with the West Milwaukee Fire Department. After three years there, he moved to the Green Bay Fire Department, spending the next 27 years serving the City of Green Bay.
Upon retirement from the fire service, Pete earned his Funeral Director Appreciate license and has been in the funeral service for the past ten years.
In his spare time, he enjoys playing several musical instruments. He helps out local community bands, area symphonies, and any polka bands who would happen to call.
Abigail "Abbi" Kuether
Funeral Director
Abigail “Abbi” Kuether was born and raised in Kiel, graduating from Kiel High School. Abbi and her husband Bryan were married in 2007. They have built their life together in the Kiel area, moving out into Manitowoc County in 2021. They have two children together that are active in sports and activities. When they aren't supporting their kids at events, they can be found doing activities outside together as a family, remodeling their old farmhouse, landscaping, having campfires, gardening, hiking, sports, or just relaxing.
Abbi went on to further her education at Milwaukee Area Technical College, graduating with a degree in Mortuary Science in 2009. She actually started working with Sarah in 2008 over in Manitowoc for her funeral director apprenticeship at Pfeffer Funeral Home when Sarah worked there. Abbi passed her boards and became a licensed Funeral Director, and she worked in Manitowoc until 2014 when an opportunity for her to return to her hometown became available.
Abbi worked as a licensed Funeral Director in Kiel until early 2024. She then took a step back from the full-time Funeral Director hours to have more availability to be there for her family while their children are still young. But she couldn’t stay away completely. Abbi believes being a funeral director is a rewarding and helpful profession. She joined Pielhop Funeral Homes in Summer of 2024 and works part-time on some nights and weekends.
Abbi enjoys listening to the stories being told by the families she serves. These families have taught her so much about life and have influenced her in more ways than they will ever know.
Abigail "Abbi" Kuether
Funeral Director
Abigail “Abbi” Kuether was born and raised in Kiel, graduating from Kiel High School. Abbi and her husband Bryan were married in 2007. They have built their life together in the Kiel area, moving out into Manitowoc County in 2021. They have two children together that are active in sports and activities. When they aren't supporting their kids at events, they can be found doing activities outside together as a family, remodeling their old farmhouse, landscaping, having campfires, gardening, hiking, sports, or just relaxing.
Abbi went on to further her education at Milwaukee Area Technical College, graduating with a degree in Mortuary Science in 2009. She actually started working with Sarah in 2008 over in Manitowoc for her funeral director apprenticeship at Pfeffer Funeral Home when Sarah worked there. Abbi passed her boards and became a licensed Funeral Director, and she worked in Manitowoc until 2014 when an opportunity for her to return to her hometown became available.
Abbi worked as a licensed Funeral Director in Kiel until early 2024. She then took a step back from the full-time Funeral Director hours to have more availability to be there for her family while their children are still young. But she couldn’t stay away completely. Abbi believes being a funeral director is a rewarding and helpful profession. She joined Pielhop Funeral Homes in Summer of 2024 and works part-time on some nights and weekends.
Abbi enjoys listening to the stories being told by the families she serves. These families have taught her so much about life and have influenced her in more ways than they will ever know.
Richard "Dick" Seifert
Funeral Assistant
Richard "Dick" Seifert is a retired social worker. He has worked a number of places over the years, most recently Kewaunee County.
Dick is an Air Force Vietnam War Veteran. He enjoys the dartball league in the Winter and Trap Shooting League in the Summer months. He also works on vehicles and does some woodworking now that he is retired.
He helps us during funerals and visitations. We are very thankful he is willing to be here for the families we serve.
Dick and his wife, Cheri reside close by, and are also Sarah's parents, so you may see them quite a bit around the city.
Richard "Dick" Seifert
Funeral Assistant
Richard "Dick" Seifert is a retired social worker. He has worked a number of places over the years, most recently Kewaunee County.
Dick is an Air Force Vietnam War Veteran. He enjoys the dartball league in the Winter and Trap Shooting League in the Summer months. He also works on vehicles and does some woodworking now that he is retired.
He helps us during funerals and visitations. We are very thankful he is willing to be here for the families we serve.
Dick and his wife, Cheri reside close by, and are also Sarah's parents, so you may see them quite a bit around the city.
Andrew Maertz
Funeral Assistant
Andrew, a lifelong resident of Reedsville, is deeply committed to his community. He resides on what remains of his grandparents’ family farm with his wife, Stephanie, and their daughter Cecilia. They work together to raise chickens and alpacas for their enjoyment.
Andrew has served on the Reedsville Public School Board since 2008, as well as the board of control for The Cooperative Educational Service Agency #7, Wisconsin Association of School Boards, Wisconsin School Music Association, and serves as a director of numerous other regional and statewide associations. Andrew is an ASE Master Technician. He works for the City of Brillion in the Department of Public Works part time, and part time for us.
His main passion in life is helping people, with the goal of making his community and state a better place.
Andrew currently works full-time for the City of Brillion Department of Public Works.
Andrew Maertz
Funeral Assistant
Andrew, a lifelong resident of Reedsville, is deeply committed to his community. He resides on what remains of his grandparents’ family farm with his wife, Stephanie, and their daughter Cecilia. They work together to raise chickens and alpacas for their enjoyment.
Andrew has served on the Reedsville Public School Board since 2008, as well as the board of control for The Cooperative Educational Service Agency #7, Wisconsin Association of School Boards, Wisconsin School Music Association, and serves as a director of numerous other regional and statewide associations. Andrew is an ASE Master Technician. He works for the City of Brillion in the Department of Public Works part time, and part time for us.
His main passion in life is helping people, with the goal of making his community and state a better place.
Andrew currently works full-time for the City of Brillion Department of Public Works.
Jerome Popp
Funeral Assistant
Jerome retired from the Brillion Iron Works 2019 but has been helping us out even before retirement. He also owns and operates Popp Lawn Service here in Brillion.
"Popp" as everyone calls him, can fix anything, is always willing to help, and is a very kind person.
He and his wife Carol live here in Brillion, as do their adult children, Lacie (John) Schuh, Jonah (Jesse), and Hayley (Ryan) Brandes, and their grandchildren. They are members of Holy Family Catholic Church.
We are very thankful for him and all he does for us and the families we serve.
Jerome Popp
Funeral Assistant
Jerome retired from the Brillion Iron Works 2019 but has been helping us out even before retirement. He also owns and operates Popp Lawn Service here in Brillion.
"Popp" as everyone calls him, can fix anything, is always willing to help, and is a very kind person.
He and his wife Carol live here in Brillion, as do their adult children, Lacie (John) Schuh, Jonah (Jesse), and Hayley (Ryan) Brandes, and their grandchildren. They are members of Holy Family Catholic Church.
We are very thankful for him and all he does for us and the families we serve.
Brad Busse
Funeral Assistant
We wanted to take a moment to introduce you to another one of our Funeral Assistants who helps only on weekend funeral days.
Brad Busse has been married to his wife Becky since 2000. They have two children. Their son, Jade graduated from Reedsville High School, and their daughter, Paige is attending St. John - St. James, Reedsville.
He is employed full time by the City of Manitowoc Department of Public Works and has been helping our funeral home for funerals only since September of 2020.
Brad cares very much for his community and has served as member of the Reedsville First Responders for 15 years, as a member of the Reedsville Fire Department for 27 years also serving as Fire Chief for 12 years, he and his family are members and are very active at St. John-St. James Lutheran Church, Reedsville, and he can be seen around Reedsville with family, friends, and lending a helping hand when he can.
He and Becky enjoy staying busy by attending the many athletic events that our children are involved in. They also love to camp and enjoy quality time as a family and going hunting when he can.
Brad Busse
Funeral Assistant
We wanted to take a moment to introduce you to another one of our Funeral Assistants who helps only on weekend funeral days.
Brad Busse has been married to his wife Becky since 2000. They have two children. Their son, Jade graduated from Reedsville High School, and their daughter, Paige is attending St. John - St. James, Reedsville.
He is employed full time by the City of Manitowoc Department of Public Works and has been helping our funeral home for funerals only since September of 2020.
Brad cares very much for his community and has served as member of the Reedsville First Responders for 15 years, as a member of the Reedsville Fire Department for 27 years also serving as Fire Chief for 12 years, he and his family are members and are very active at St. John-St. James Lutheran Church, Reedsville, and he can be seen around Reedsville with family, friends, and lending a helping hand when he can.
He and Becky enjoy staying busy by attending the many athletic events that our children are involved in. They also love to camp and enjoy quality time as a family and going hunting when he can.
Merlin "Fuzzy" & Kathleen Wieting, Jr.
Funeral Director, Retired
Fuzzy and Kathy Wieting retired at the end of February in this year.
Merlin “Fuzzy” Wieting, Jr. has been a licensed funeral director since 1978, serving our community for over 40 years! Kathy has been by his side, serving a more behind the scenes purpose at the funeral home. And now they will be together in retirement as well.
Fuzzy and Kathy, have three children and a daughter-in-law: Karissa, Matthew, and Joshua (Kayla) Wieting. They also have four beautiful grandchildren: Ava, Riley, Sophia, and Elijah.
You may still see Fuzzy and Kathy helping some at the funeral home from time to time, and they hope to go on may adventures visiting their grandchildren and spending retirement together. Fuzzy with be continuing his singing as a soloist with The Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus, so don’t worry, you will still get to hear him sing!
We wish them the best in their new adventure!
Merlin "Fuzzy" & Kathleen Wieting, Jr.
Funeral Director, Retired
Fuzzy and Kathy Wieting retired at the end of February in this year.
Merlin “Fuzzy” Wieting, Jr. has been a licensed funeral director since 1978, serving our community for over 40 years! Kathy has been by his side, serving a more behind the scenes purpose at the funeral home. And now they will be together in retirement as well.
Fuzzy and Kathy, have three children and a daughter-in-law: Karissa, Matthew, and Joshua (Kayla) Wieting. They also have four beautiful grandchildren: Ava, Riley, Sophia, and Elijah.
You may still see Fuzzy and Kathy helping some at the funeral home from time to time, and they hope to go on may adventures visiting their grandchildren and spending retirement together. Fuzzy with be continuing his singing as a soloist with The Appleton MacDowell Male Chorus, so don’t worry, you will still get to hear him sing!
We wish them the best in their new adventure!
Merlin & Evelyn "Evie" Wieting
Funeral Director, In Memory
Evie, as everyone around here knew her as, was the start of Wieting Funeral Homes, Inc. with her husband Merlin.
Evie was a teacher before she married Merlin. She met Merlin when he came to her classroom as Santa. The rest was history.
Evie was the bookkeeper, answered the phones for both the funeral home and the ambulance service, helped run the furniture store, and had four children with Merlin.
She retired, but you always found her near the funeral home.
Evie passed away and joined her husband Merlin for a Christmas dance in Heaven on December 20, 2014. Evie loved to be with her family and friends, going out for a drive, rummaging, and celebrations.
Merlin & Evelyn "Evie" Wieting
Funeral Director, In Memory
Evie, as everyone around here knew her as, was the start of Wieting Funeral Homes, Inc. with her husband Merlin.
Evie was a teacher before she married Merlin. She met Merlin when he came to her classroom as Santa. The rest was history.
Evie was the bookkeeper, answered the phones for both the funeral home and the ambulance service, helped run the furniture store, and had four children with Merlin.
She retired, but you always found her near the funeral home.
Evie passed away and joined her husband Merlin for a Christmas dance in Heaven on December 20, 2014. Evie loved to be with her family and friends, going out for a drive, rummaging, and celebrations.
