Meet Our Caring Team

A native of Fergus Falls, Alan was licensed in 1987. He joined the team at Olson in 1996 after serving as a funeral director in Forest Lake. He and his wife, Lorraine, have two daughters. Al's activities include home remodeling and raising his family. He belongs to the Faith Lutheran Church.

Nicki was originally licensed in funeral service in 1999 in Kansas and moved to Fergus Falls to join the team at Olson in 2000. In 2007, she became a licensed funeral director in North Dakota. She and her husband, Christopher, have one son. Nicki enjoys spending time with her family and reading. She is a member of the Grace United Methodist Church.

Robbie attended Moorhead State and the University of Minnesota, Crookston, earning a degree in natural resources, and he obtained a commercial pilot’s license in May 2009. Robbie was employed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a period of time. He completed his degree in mortuary science in May 2014 at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities. He is a licensed funeral director in both Minnesota and North Dakota. Robbie currently is involved with the Fergus Falls chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association and is a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. In his spare time, Robbie enjoys spending time outside with his dog, working in the yard, spending time at the lake, and flying.

Matt grew up in Appleton, Minnesota, and attended Fergus Falls Community and Technical College after high school. He started his professional career in banking and then became an Advance Funeral Planner in 2021. Matt loves working with people and considers it an honor to serve the community. Matt and his wife, Jenny, live in Fergus Falls and have three children. They enjoy spending time together and attending many activities within the community. They are members of Zion Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. Matt is also a member of the Fergus Falls Football Booster Club, Fergus Falls Youth Baseball Board, Town and Country Saddle Club, and Buse-Orwell 4-H.

In February of 2017, Colette joined Joseph Vertin and Sons Funeral Home as the Aftercare Coordinator.  Colette was drawn to this position partially because of her experience as a Funeral Director’s wife and seeing the need for loved ones to receive support after the funeral is over.  She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Sociology from Northern State University in Aberdeen, SD. 

Colette married Jason Barton on September 14, 1991.  They were blessed to be the parents of Cindy, Colson, Connor, Jason Paul and Serenity, as well as the grandparents of Lavinia and Shane.  Jason passed away on November 6, 2017, and Colette has continued to raise their family at their home near Wyndmere, ND.

Colette is very committed to her community.  She is a charter member of the Headwaters Lions Club, an active member of the Wyndmere United Methodist Church, and a coordinator for Community Vacation Bible School in Wyndmere.  She supports her children’s activities by volunteering for several school-related committees. Colette is the Spiritual Caregiver at CHI Health at Home and Hospice and also serves on the Board of Directors for the Richland Wilkin Community Foundation.  In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and looking at all the great ideas on Pinterest.