Bismarck Funeral Home and Crematory History
When Mike Nathe opened Bismarck Funeral Home and Crematory in March of 1996, it was in direct response to the glut of corporate-owned funeral homes in Bismarck. Since that time, Bismarck Funeral Home and Crematory has the distinction of being the longest continuously locally-owned funeral home in Bismarck today.
On April 3, 2020 Doug and Danae Rode with Shawn and Alison Harrington became partners with Mike Nathe in Bismarck funeral Home and Crematory! Doug Rode is a native of Jud, ND and has worked at Bismarck Funeral Home since August 2008. Alison Harrington grew up in Pettibone, ND and Shawn is a native of Wing, ND. Shawn has worked at Bismarck Funeral Home and Crematory since July 2005.
Bismarck Funeral Home and Crematory is a full-service funeral home. We offer and conduct full traditional casket services as well as cremation services. We have our own crematory right in our building to ensure the accuracy and quality of the cremation services we provide.
Families often mark relevant changes in their lives with elaborate ceremonies, such as graduation, weddings, baptisms, etc. A funeral service is a time to reflect on the past while looking towards the future, and to celebrate our loved one’s lives and reflect upon their accomplishments.
Because we are a locally-owned funeral home, we are a part of the community, and we understand that quality of service and costs are very important. That’s why we will provide you with any information and price lists that you request. We pride ourselves on this honest and straightforward approach.
Doug Rode, a native of Jud, ND has been a licensed funeral director since July 2005. Doug graduated from Kulm High School in 2001. He attended Valley City State University form 2001-2003. In May of 2004 Doug graduated from Kansas City Kansas Community College with an Applied Science Associates Degree in Mortuary Science.
Doug joined the staff at Bismarck Funeral Home in August of 2008. On April 3, 2020, Doug, and his wife Danae (who is currently a supervisor at Great Plains Rehabilitation Services) joined Mike Nathe and Shawn and Alison Harrington as partners of Bismarck Funeral Home & Crematory.
During his spare time, Doug stays busy going to his children’s school functions. He also enjoys hunting and fishing.
Doug’s family includes his wife: Danae; daughters: Nevaeh and Jerika and son: Jaxson.
Shawn Harrington is a Licensed Funeral Director, certified crematory operator, and co-owner who has been a vital part of Bismarck Funeral Home since July 2005. A native of Wing, North Dakota, Shawn graduated from Wing High School in 2002.
He attended Bismarck State College before moving to Gresham, Oregon, where he graduated from Mt. Hood Community College in 2005 with an Associates of Applied Science Degree in Funeral Service. He returned to Bismarck to complete his apprenticeship and has been licensed since July 2006. He holds a specialized certification from the Cremation Association of North America (CANA).
Dedicated to providing sensitive, caring assistance and creating highly personalized celebrations that truly honor a loved one's unique life. Partnering with his wife, Alison, fulfills a lifelong dream of working side by side to support local families.
Outside of work, Shawn stays active with golf, softball, fitness, and supporting his three children's activities.
Alison Harrington, supporting families through life’s most difficult moments has always been a personal calling. Raised on the Marquardt family farm near Pettibone, ND, she learned the values of hard work and community early on. She eventually built a career as a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
Her path shifted permanently after the death of her father. Experiencing this profound loss firsthand made Alison realize how deeply families need gentle, patient-centered guidance when saying goodbye to a loved one. Driven by a desire to help others, she returned to school and earned her Mortuary Science degree from Des Moines Area Community College.
Today, Alison brings her natural empathy to her role as a Licensed Funeral Director and co-owner at Bismarck Funeral Home & Crematory. This role fulfills a lifelong dream of working side-by-side with her husband, Shawn. Alison’s focus is guiding families through the stress of grief and designing comforting, highly personalized tributes that celebrate each unique life.
Outside of work, Alison remains deeply passionate about health and wellness, maintaining an active lifestyle and helping others achieve their wellness goals. She loves traveling and anything outdoors, especially relaxing and making memories with friends and family at Lake Sakakawea. Above all, she cherishes making memories with her family and keeping up with her three busy children.
Erica Bertman – Licensed Funeral Director
Erica was born and raised in Washington state and has called Bismarck-Mandan home since 2011. With a bachelor’s degree in Anthropology life then eventually led her to funeral service. Being in the funeral industry since 2015, she attended mortuary school and became fully licensed in 2018. She is also a certified crematory operator through the Cremation Association of North America.
With a deep commitment to serving families during life's most difficult moments, Erica brings a personal approach shaped by both life experience and education. She believes in truly getting to know the families she serves, remembering names, building connections, and walking alongside people through grief and loss. By creating open, honest conversations, she strives to take some of the taboo out of discussing death and help families feel supported every step.
When not serving families, Erica enjoys spending time with loved ones, exploring the outdoors, traveling, hiking, and consuming art and food.
