VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Two long-standing, locally owned funeral homes with more than a century and a half of combined service to the community are coming together. Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, serving families since 1917, and Lerud Mathias Funeral Home, a trusted presence in the community for over a hundred years, are proud to announce their partnership effective January 1, 2026. The unified organization will operate under the new name Traditions Funeral Service by Nathan, Lerud, and Mathias Funeral Homes.
While names have evolved over the years as generations of owners retired, the commitment to compassionate, community-centered care has remained constant—and that commitment will continue under Traditions Funeral Service.
“Our staffing will remain the same, and we want families to know that none of us are going anywhere,” the partners shared. “For now, both existing locations will remain open as we thoughtfully work toward transitioning to a single, central facility in the future.”
The partnership reflects a shared belief that combining resources and experience will enhance their ability to serve families now and for generations to come. Just as families honor traditions passed down through time, Traditions Funeral Service aims to preserve what has shaped both funeral homes while building new traditions together.
“We value every family we serve as if they were our own,” the partners emphasized. “We have not ‘sold out’ to a corporate firm. Traditions Funeral Service will continue to be locally owned and operated by people who live in—and deeply care about—this community.”
The leadership team brings decades of experience and long-standing ties to the region:
• Jeff became a partner at Oliver’s Chapel in 1991 and became sole owner in 1996. Before joining Oliver’s Chapel, he served families throughout the Bismarck/Mandan and Finley/Cooperstown areas.
• Mike, a Valley City native, worked in the Kulm, Napoleon, and Wishek region before returning home. He became a partner at Lerud-Johnson-Schuldt in 2002, which later transitioned to Lerud-Schuldt.
• Dawn worked with Jeff for many years at Oliver-Nathan before joining Mike at Lerud-Schuldt. She became part of the leadership when the firm became Lerud Mathias in 2017.
“As partners, we look forward to creating new traditions while continuing to honor those that have shaped us,” they said. “Our families, our history, and this community are at the heart of everything we do.”