About Us
Mission Statement
Kelco Supply Company is the supplier dedicated to serving funeral professionals. Our core mission is to provide our clients with the same exemplary-level of service and respect that they provide for the deceased and bereaved.
Core Values:
-
Honesty
Our interactions with business partners reflect truthfulness and integrity. We are open and honest in dealing with each other as colleagues.
-
Trust
We serve our business partners with the knowledge that they have an expectation of us; meeting their business needs. They depend on Kelco to deliver. We trust in each other that each is working for the overall success of Kelco.
-
Cooperative
We have set the stage to have a supportive working environment and a collaborative work ethic. We are a team of people who work together for the mutual benefit of all involved.
-
Appreciative
We are tremendously grateful for our customers and staff members. Without them we would cease to exist. We strive to be supportive, encouraging, and responsive in all of our transactions and communications with those that surround us.
-
Respectful
We are courteous and gracious in all interactions with business partners and colleagues alike.
Our Team
Mr. Leo Hodroff
Kelco Supply Company was founded in 1939 by Mr. Leo Hodroff. Originally named the L.H Kellogg Chemical Company. At the time, he was attending the University of Minnesota, completing a degree in Mortuary Science, as well as working in his family's funeral home. With Mr. Hodroff's keen sense of vision, and a $100 bank loan, Kelco began to grow.
In 1971, Amedco, a corporate firm, acquired the company from Mr. Hodroff, and retained ownership until 1986, when they sold to Service Corp International. (SCI) Even though Kelco remained a successful business, it just wasn't part of SCI's overall plan for their future, and in 1990 they offered the sale of the company to Nira Mesker, who was the Controller for more than 15 years, and had been with the company since 1971.
Nira Mesker
Nira was a true entrepreneur who stepped forward to lead Kelco as a privately owned company—an important transition that strengthened the business and set the stage for long-term growth.
With energy and vision, Nira guided a period of significant expansion. During those years, she involved her children in the company and began shaping a thoughtful succession plan. While all three contributed in various ways, her daughter, Alicia Carr, developed a deep interest in the business and the deathcare profession.
Together, they worked side-by-side as Alicia learned every corner of the business—from hands-on operations to customer service and financial leadership—until Nira’s passing in 2003. Nira’s legacy lives on in the standards, values, and heart behind Kelco.
Alicia Carr
Alicia had been preparing for leadership long before the title ever came. In 2001, she stepped into management as her mother, Nira, planned for retirement. When Nira passed away in May of 2003 after a courageous battle with cancer, Alicia chose to move forward with purpose—purchasing Kelco from her family’s estate in 2004 to ensure her mother’s work, values, and vision would endure.
Today, Kelco continues as an independently owned, family-run company—driven by relationships, grounded in integrity, and strengthened by a dedicated team. Alicia remains committed to building a successful business for Kelco’s clients and for the people behind the scenes who serve them every day. The mission has never changed: to lead with service at the center of everything we do.
Our Staff
Our Partners
In alphabetical order left to right.
-
American Society of Embalmers
WebsiteThe American Society of Embalmers promotes excellence in the 21st century practice of mortuary arts and sciences. Currently has over 600 members from 45 states in the U.S. and 18 foreign countries. Membership is comprised of a broad base of professional, academic, student and supplier members.
-
Better Business Bureau
WebsiteKelco Supply Company has been a BBB Accredited Business since 02/06/1976. We currently carry an A+ rating and are very proud to have never had a single complaint filed.
-
Casket & Funeral Supply Association of America
WebsiteFounded in 1913 as the Casket Manufacturers' Association of America, the Casket & Funeral Supply Association of America is proud to represent the interests of member suppliers to licensed funeral homes and licensed funeral directors.
-
Cremation Association of North America
WebsiteFounded in 1913, the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) is an International organization of over 1,500 members, composed of cremationists, funeral directors, funeral home operators and owners, cemeterians, industry suppliers and consultants.
-
International Association of Pet Cemeteries & Crematories (IAOPCC)
WebsiteThe International Association of Pet Cemeteries & Crematories is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the standards, ethics, and professionalism of pet cemeteries and crematories around the world.
-
International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association
WebsiteInternational Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, funeral service, cremation and memorialization profession.
-
The Minnesota Funeral Directors Association
WebsiteConnects people, resources, ideas, solutions and best practices.
A statewide resource dedicated to supporting our member's growth professionally, ethically, and operationally. Our mission is to enhance and support funeral service excellence through our programs, legislative representation and service to Minnesotans. -
National Funeral Directors Association
WebsiteNFDA is the leading and largest association for the funeral service profession.
-
National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association, Inc.
WebsiteA membership association of professional funeral directors and morticians and embalmers, whose members and members-at-large are also members of state associations of funeral directors, morticians and embalmers dedicated to promoting the common professional and business interests of its members.
-
New Jersey State Funeral Director's Association
WebsiteThe NJSFDA assists funeral service professionals by providing them a consistent voice in government and offering guidance regarding federal and state regulations governing the industry. Along with its affiliated entities, it strives to promote mortuary science and works toward elevating the professional character and education of funeral directors.
-
Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science
WebsiteThe Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science has been providing training for students entering funeral service for over seventy-five years.
-
Selected Independent Funeral Homes
WebsiteAn international association of independent and locally owned funeral homes whose members pride themselves on utilizing best practices in serving families and individuals during their times of need.
-
Women's Business Enterprise National Council
WebsiteFounded in 1997, The Women's Business Enterprise National Council is the largest third-party certifier of businesses owned, controlled, and operated by women in the United States.
