Bob Bergthold
President
Bob Bergthold has been a part of the music scene in the Central Valley of California for many years. As a vocalist with hundreds of local as well as national commercial jingles to his credit, he has been a part of the entertainment as well as advertising industry in the Central Valley of California for over three decades. From California to the United Kingdom he has performed with many very talented musicians and singers. His voice has been heard on countless recordings including the 1999 & 2000 Promise Keepers worship CD's as well as other worship projects for both the Maranatha & Word recording labels. Bob was a member and former musical director at Fresno’s Northwest Church for many years and continues to serve as a soloist & worship leader working alongside many of the gifted praise and worship directors serving valley churches today.
With over 20 years experience in Funeral Service in the Fresno /Clovis area, he is also Co-Owner and President of Farewell Funeral Service, as well as a Co-Owner at Farewell-Clovis Arrangement Center opened in 2010, the only fully licensed Funeral Establishment with on ON-SITE Crematory located within the Clovis Cemetery District.
Bob would like all of the families he has served throughout the valley to know that all of the Pre-Need plans placed under his care over the past 20 years may be transferred to either Farewell facility and will be honored by our firm.
Bob is married to his wife Christine, they have two children and three grandchildren and make their home in Fresno.
Bob Bergthold
President
Bob Bergthold has been a part of the music scene in the Central Valley of California for many years. As a vocalist with hundreds of local as well as national commercial jingles to his credit, he has been a part of the entertainment as well as advertising industry in the Central Valley of California for over three decades. From California to the United Kingdom he has performed with many very talented musicians and singers. His voice has been heard on countless recordings including the 1999 & 2000 Promise Keepers worship CD's as well as other worship projects for both the Maranatha & Word recording labels. Bob was a member and former musical director at Fresno’s Northwest Church for many years and continues to serve as a soloist & worship leader working alongside many of the gifted praise and worship directors serving valley churches today.
With over 20 years experience in Funeral Service in the Fresno /Clovis area, he is also Co-Owner and President of Farewell Funeral Service, as well as a Co-Owner at Farewell-Clovis Arrangement Center opened in 2010, the only fully licensed Funeral Establishment with on ON-SITE Crematory located within the Clovis Cemetery District.
Bob would like all of the families he has served throughout the valley to know that all of the Pre-Need plans placed under his care over the past 20 years may be transferred to either Farewell facility and will be honored by our firm.
Bob is married to his wife Christine, they have two children and three grandchildren and make their home in Fresno.
E. Anthony Cisneros
Vice President
Anthony was born in Hanford, CA and was raised here in the Central Valley. He grew up around the funeral home where his mother worked in the small Central Valley community of Riverdale, CA and on his fathers ranches in Easton and Laton. His family also spent many years living in Selma, CA
Anthony graduated from Heartland Academy in Hannibal, MO in 1996 and San Francisco College of Mortuary Science (now American River Community College) in 1999. He served as Student Body President and was a recipient of the Dr. L.W. Hosford Leadership Award. Upon completion of his apprenticeship he accepted a staff position as a Funeral Director and Embalmer at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home in Fresno.
In 2006 Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair was sold to SCI, also known as Dignity Memorial, a large Texas-based funeral corporation that owns several funeral homes in Fresno & Clovis. Desiring to work at a locally owned funeral home Anthony joined Farewell Funeral Service in 2007 and became a partner in 2009. He manages the Farewell-Clovis location.
In addition to his work in the funeral home he has also worked as a Trade Embalmer for several funeral homes in the Central Valley. In 2001 Vicki and George Page of Page Funeral Chapel in Selma, Ca gave him his first job as a Trade Embalmer.
"Having grown up in the Central Valley, I consider it a high honor to be able to serve the communities that I have grown up in and around, being trusted to care for another persons loved one is an enormous responsibility - service is everything."
Anthony is a past Board Member of the Central Valley Funeral Directors Association and has served as Vice President. He is married to Heather Martin-Cisneros and they have three children; Analise, Lincoln and Theodore.
In addition to being licensed by the State of California as a Funeral Director, Embalmer and Life Insurance Agent.
E. Anthony Cisneros
Vice President
Anthony was born in Hanford, CA and was raised here in the Central Valley. He grew up around the funeral home where his mother worked in the small Central Valley community of Riverdale, CA and on his fathers ranches in Easton and Laton. His family also spent many years living in Selma, CA
Anthony graduated from Heartland Academy in Hannibal, MO in 1996 and San Francisco College of Mortuary Science (now American River Community College) in 1999. He served as Student Body President and was a recipient of the Dr. L.W. Hosford Leadership Award. Upon completion of his apprenticeship he accepted a staff position as a Funeral Director and Embalmer at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home in Fresno.
In 2006 Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair was sold to SCI, also known as Dignity Memorial, a large Texas-based funeral corporation that owns several funeral homes in Fresno & Clovis. Desiring to work at a locally owned funeral home Anthony joined Farewell Funeral Service in 2007 and became a partner in 2009. He manages the Farewell-Clovis location.
In addition to his work in the funeral home he has also worked as a Trade Embalmer for several funeral homes in the Central Valley. In 2001 Vicki and George Page of Page Funeral Chapel in Selma, Ca gave him his first job as a Trade Embalmer.
"Having grown up in the Central Valley, I consider it a high honor to be able to serve the communities that I have grown up in and around, being trusted to care for another persons loved one is an enormous responsibility - service is everything."
Anthony is a past Board Member of the Central Valley Funeral Directors Association and has served as Vice President. He is married to Heather Martin-Cisneros and they have three children; Analise, Lincoln and Theodore.
In addition to being licensed by the State of California as a Funeral Director, Embalmer and Life Insurance Agent.
David Adame
Palm Bluffs Manager
David has been in the Funeral Industry since 2007. He started as a part time funeral attendant working for several funeral homes within the Dignity Memorial Network in the Fresno and Clovis area while working full time in Real Estate Lending of which he spent most of his tenure with GMAC Mortgage.
Discovering a newfound passion in serving people, David decided to transition into a new career. In 2008, David joined Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home as a Funeral Arranger. While studying for a Bachelor of Science in Business Management at the University of Phoenix, he became a Licensed Funeral Director. Gaining several years of experience arranging and directing funerals, David later became a Pre-Need Counselor. After several years of working for a corporate owned funeral home, David decided he wanted to make the transition to a family owned establishment and he joined the Farewell family in 2021.
David spends time out in the community networking with several business organizations, which include sponsoring events through Asera Care, Central Valley Alzheimer’s Association, Auspice Home Care Solutions, Valley Caregiver Resource Center, the Veterans News Network, and The Aging Network Central Valley. David has met many people and made many friends who love to give back to the community.
While not at work, David’s pride and joy is raising and spending time with his two boys Ryan and Preston.
David Adame
Palm Bluffs Manager
David has been in the Funeral Industry since 2007. He started as a part time funeral attendant working for several funeral homes within the Dignity Memorial Network in the Fresno and Clovis area while working full time in Real Estate Lending of which he spent most of his tenure with GMAC Mortgage.
Discovering a newfound passion in serving people, David decided to transition into a new career. In 2008, David joined Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home as a Funeral Arranger. While studying for a Bachelor of Science in Business Management at the University of Phoenix, he became a Licensed Funeral Director. Gaining several years of experience arranging and directing funerals, David later became a Pre-Need Counselor. After several years of working for a corporate owned funeral home, David decided he wanted to make the transition to a family owned establishment and he joined the Farewell family in 2021.
David spends time out in the community networking with several business organizations, which include sponsoring events through Asera Care, Central Valley Alzheimer’s Association, Auspice Home Care Solutions, Valley Caregiver Resource Center, the Veterans News Network, and The Aging Network Central Valley. David has met many people and made many friends who love to give back to the community.
While not at work, David’s pride and joy is raising and spending time with his two boys Ryan and Preston.
Servando Tovar
Farewell - Page Manager
Servando is a Licensed Funeral Director and Licensed Embalmer. He's been serving families in the Central Valley since the late 1980's. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and is a graduate of Cypress College School of Mortuary Science in Southern California and holds a degree in Mortuary Science.
Servando's professionalism and compassion have been experienced by countless families in the Central Valley for almost four decades.
After more than more than 20 years working for corporately-owned Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home in Fresno, Servando decided to transition back into working for a locally-owned, family-operated funeral home and joined the Farewell family in February of 2023.
He and his wife Veronica make their home in Fresno. He is the proud father of three successful children; Samantha Tovar-Harris and her husband Kurt, Christopher Tovar and Jacqueline Tovar and grandfather to a very special little lady, Mackenzie Harris.
Servando Tovar
Farewell - Page Manager
Servando is a Licensed Funeral Director and Licensed Embalmer. He's been serving families in the Central Valley since the late 1980's. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and is a graduate of Cypress College School of Mortuary Science in Southern California and holds a degree in Mortuary Science.
Servando's professionalism and compassion have been experienced by countless families in the Central Valley for almost four decades.
After more than more than 20 years working for corporately-owned Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home in Fresno, Servando decided to transition back into working for a locally-owned, family-operated funeral home and joined the Farewell family in February of 2023.
He and his wife Veronica make their home in Fresno. He is the proud father of three successful children; Samantha Tovar-Harris and her husband Kurt, Christopher Tovar and Jacqueline Tovar and grandfather to a very special little lady, Mackenzie Harris.
Michael R. Sonksen
President Emeritus, Retired
Michael R. Sonksen was born in Fresno, CA on February 12, 1945 and is a lifelong resident of Fresno. Mike attended Fresno schools until the 4th grade at which time his family moved to Sanger, he attended Sanger schools and graduated from Sanger High in 1962.
Mike has over forty-five years of experience in assisting people with personal, financial and emotional problems that life can create. He also has over forty years of experience in the funeral profession. In addition to being a Licensed Funeral Director he is also a Licensed Embalmer and is licensed as a Life and Disability Agent, he also holds a National Embalmers License.
Mikes career in the funeral profession began in 1965, while in college he was hired as a night person at Lisle Funeral Home where he served his Apprenticeship to become an Embalmer. In addition to his apprenticeship he also became a Funeral Director and eventually the night manager. In 1970 Mike graduated from California College of Mortuary Science with an A.S Degree in Mortuary Science.
In 1971 he took a brief hiatus from the funeral profession and accepted a position as a Manager Trainee at Guarantee Savings & Loan in Fresno, CA. In a short time he was promoted to Vice President/Manger and was responsible for five branches located in rural Fresno and Madera Counties.
After much success with the Guarantee Savings & Loan Mike decided to return to Funeral Directing and in 1975 became the President/Owner of Wallin & Sonksen Funeral Directors (now known as Palm La Paz Funeral Home) in downtown Fresno. The business saw tremendous growth over the next fifteen years and in 1990 the business was sold to the Buchheim family who in turn sold it to Stewart Enterprises, now known as Dignity Memorial - a large national funeral chain. Even though it is no longer family owned Mike has many fond memories of his time there.
In 1990 Mike became the Vice President/Marketing Director for Advanced Administrative Concepts, Inc., and advanced computer training school.
In 1993 he joined Wallin Funeral Homes as the Pre-Planning Funeral Director and Corporate Advertising Director. While there he developed a very successful pre-need program, Mike used his experience as a funeral director and former owner to assist families with their pre-planning needs and desires.
In 1999 the owner of Farewell Funeral Service, former Fresno Mayor Daniel Whitehurst offered Mike the position of manager. Mike supervised day to day operations of the business as well as corporate development and funeral planning for pre-need and at-need families. In 2007 Dan Whitehurst sold the business to Mike and his business partner, local businessman, Bob Bergthold.
Mike is a very progressive funeral director who sees the value in offering affordable, professional service to Fresno and the Central Valley, he takes great pride in knowing that Farewell Funeral Service is one of the last family owned funeral homes still operating in the Fresno area.
Mike has been a member of many associations in the Fresno area; Central California Rehabilitation Association, Fig Garden Rotary Club (past president/member), Association of Retarded Citizens (past president/board member), Fresno Trade Club (past president/board member), National Association of Local Unit Presidents-USA/ARC (past vice-president), Woodward Lake Association Architectural Committee (past president/board member), Central Valley Funeral Directors Association (past president).
Mike has been married to Shelley for 35 years. Shelley Sonksen is the retired Administrator for Hematology-Oncology Group of Fresno, a position she held for thirty years. Together they have four children, two daughters; Hiedi and Heather as well as two sons; Brian and Michael and twelve grandchildren.
Kelsey Rossette - Care Center Manager
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Kelsey is a first-generation Funeral Director and Embalmer dedicated to guiding families through some of life’s most difficult moments with compassion and sincerity. A graduate of the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, NY, she earned her degree in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science in 2024.
A Madera, California native, Kelsey has been working with family and locally-owned businesses since she was sixteen, gaining experience in everything from construction administration to legal services. Her experience in these diverse roles has shaped her people-first approach and deepened her commitment to serving others with authenticity and integrity.
Kelsey has been married to her husband, Carmelo, since 2018. In 2019, they started a wedding photography business, combining their creative talents and shared love for storytelling. When she’s not working, Kelsey enjoys traveling, relaxing in her backyard, and discovering new food spots with Carmelo by her side. Above all, Kelsey strives to be a steady presence for the families she serves - not just as a professional, but as a real person and a true friend in their time of need.
Kelsey Rossette - Care Center Manager
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Kelsey is a first-generation Funeral Director and Embalmer dedicated to guiding families through some of life’s most difficult moments with compassion and sincerity. A graduate of the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in New York, NY, she earned her degree in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science in 2024.
A Madera, California native, Kelsey has been working with family and locally-owned businesses since she was sixteen, gaining experience in everything from construction administration to legal services. Her experience in these diverse roles has shaped her people-first approach and deepened her commitment to serving others with authenticity and integrity.
Kelsey has been married to her husband, Carmelo, since 2018. In 2019, they started a wedding photography business, combining their creative talents and shared love for storytelling. When she’s not working, Kelsey enjoys traveling, relaxing in her backyard, and discovering new food spots with Carmelo by her side. Above all, Kelsey strives to be a steady presence for the families she serves - not just as a professional, but as a real person and a true friend in their time of need.
Gail Giovannoni
Staff
Irene Sandoval
Staff
Irene Has been with Page Funeral Chapel for over 21 years. She is a vital part of our family and is beloved by our staff and the entire community. She fluently speaks, reads, and documents in both Spanish and English.
Irene graduated from Selma High School and attended Reedley College. Later Started a family here in Selma and attends St. Joseph's Catholic Church.
Heather Martin-Cisneros
Staff
Jay Nazaroff
Crematory Operator
Bryan Price
Funeral Assistant
Larry Lauchner
Funeral Assistant
Sam Blankenship
Funeral Assistant
Greg Belan
Funeral Assistant
Kirby Benke
Funeral Assistant
Marty Acree
Funeral Assistant
Mike Bandy
Funeral Assistant
David Lackey
Funeral Assistant
