Our staff is comprised of dedicated and licensed professionals with the experience to answer all your questions regarding our services. Please feel free to contact any of our staff members at any time.
Manager/Funeral Director - Mortician
Jessie Billquist is a Montana native, being born and raised in Anaconda, MT. After graduating from Montana Tech with a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and the University of Montana with a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy, she began her professional career as a Pediatric Physical Therapist. She enjoyed working with and caring for children in this field for over 20 years.
In 2011, Jessie joined the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Coroner’s Office as a Deputy Coroner and in 2018, she was appointed as the Coroner of Anaconda-Deer Lodge County. Through her work with the Coroner’s Office, Jessie saw firsthand the impact that caring and empathetic funeral directors had on the families they assisted. Because of this, she developed a passion for serving families in the same manner and returned to school to pursue her goal of becoming a funeral director/mortician. She earned her Mortuary Science Degree in 2021 from Arapahoe Community College and began her career at our sister facility, Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services. Shortly thereafter, Jessie transitioned to Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Service, in her hometown of Anaconda, where she is the manager and funeral director/mortician.
As a funeral director, Jessie is privileged to be able to serve families the community where she was born and raised, along with the surrounding area, by providing them with compassion and understanding during their time of need. It is her honor to assist families in planning personalized and meaningful funerals and services, and to care for their loved ones.
Owner/Funeral Director - Mortician
Brianne has worked in a funeral home since 2014. Getting her start at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Helena, Montana. She achieved her dream when she graduated from American Academy McAllister Institute with her Mortuary Science Degree in 2016 and became a fully licensed Mortician in Montana in 2017.
God’s greatest blessing to Brianne and her husband, Nick, has been moving to Butte, Montana, to serve families at Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services, Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services and through other civic involvements. Outside of the funeral home, Brianne is a member of Butte Sunrise Kiwanis Club, a PEO Sister – Chapter AL, and participates in local community events across Butte, Anaconda, and Deer Lodge whenever she is available. In her spare time, spending time with family and friends and practicing yoga are her passions.
Together, Brianne and her husband have found what a special community Butte and the surrounding areas of Anaconda and Deer Lodge are and are pleased to plant their roots in Butte. Since a child, Brianne has followed one belief: “Be the Change You Wish to See in the World” – Mahatma Gandhi. Her contribution to this belief is the work she does as a mortician.
Certified Care Assistant/Funeral Director - Mortician Intern
Katlyn was born in Glendive, MT, and raised in
Butte, MT. She graduated from Montana Tech in Butte with a B.S. in Business
& Information Technology, Accounting Option. Katlyn started working
with Axelson Funeral Home and Cremation Services in January of 2022. As a
natural born caregiver, she wanted to take on more of a role in the funeral and
cremation services.
Growing up Katlyn played volleyball,
basketball, and softball. During the summer she plays slow pitch softball, and,
in the winter, she hunts and snowboards.
Outside of the funeral home Katlyn is involved
in the Mason Moore Foundation which was created to show our love and support of
law enforcement agencies in Montana.
Office Administrator/Certified Care Assistant
As a 5th generation Montanan, born in Butte and
raised in the scenic towns of Three Forks and Columbia Falls, Bill’s understanding
of community runs deep. His dedication to service shines through in his various
roles: Deputy Coroner of Anaconda-Deer Lodge County since 2019, Certified Care Assistant
since 2020, and recent graduate (with highest honors) of Montana Tech’s
Radiologic Technology program.
Bill’s diverse background equips him with a unique blend of
empathy, technical expertise, and organizational skills – all instrumental in
supporting our Funeral Directors and, most importantly, you.
Standing tall at 6’9”, Bill is truly a “gentle giant”. His
friendly demeanor and compassionate nature instantly put families at ease. He listens
without judgement, offering guidance and a steady hand to navigate the proud duty of honoring your loved one.
From assisting with paperwork and coordinating logistics to
offering emotional support and a listening ear, Bill is there for you every
step of the way. He ensures the entire process flows smoothly, allowing you to
focus on what truly matters – remembering and celebrating your loved one’s
life.
Bill’s dedication to supporting families during their most vulnerable
moments extends beyond his current role. He aspires to earn a degree in
Mortuary Science and become a Funeral Director himself, driven by a deep desire
to offer families the same level of care and compassion he brings to his work
every day.
When he’s not guiding families through their grief, Bill
finds solace in the majestic Montana wilderness. An avid golfer in the summer and a downhill
skiing enthusiast in the winter, he shares his love for adventure with his
girlfriend Jenn.
Certified Care Assistant
Certified Care Assistant
Certified Care Assistant
Certified Care Assistant
Assistant
As an electrician by trade, Doug was introduced to the funeral industry when he married his wife Jessie. Since then, he has been an integral part of the Longfellow Finnegan Riddle team. He assists with funerals and services, completes refurbishments and renovations, and general maintenance.
Doug was born and raised in Anaconda. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and cheering on the Miami Dolphins and Montana Grizzlies.
Assistant
Jake is the son of Doug and Jessie (Billquist) Sather. Much like his dad, he was introduced to the funeral industry when his dad married Jessie. His primary roles at the funeral home include vehicle maintenance and assisting with renovations and refurbishments at the funeral home and Philipsburg chapel.
Jake works outside the funeral home as a landscaper. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends.