About Us

Our Story

Viking Funeral Services has been offering services to the community for over 100 years. Established in 1901 by Art W. Thompson. His business was called Alberta Furniture and Undertaking. He operated the business till 1916. For a short time, L.W. Hughes operated a funeral business after Thompson left Viking. In 1916, Jim C. Hennesey took over Alberta Furniture and Undertaking, completing his embalming course in 1922 and changing his business name to Hennesey Funeral Parlor. After Hennesey`s death, the funeral service in Viking changed hands again. His daughter Eileen and her husband, Art Ronaghan took over Hennesey Funeral Parlor. The funeral home now operates as Ronaghan Funeral Home.

Besides the funeral operation, Ronaghan ran the ambulance service for Viking. In 1977, Ronaghan sold his business to Earl Kjelland and his wife RoseMae. Earl began his apprenticeship in Vermilion under the guidance of George Crooker. Earl completed his apprenticeship in Viking under Art Ronaghan and received his license in Edmonton in 1978. Earl, with the help of his family, designed and built a new facility and in 1988 moved to their new location at the north end of Main Street. In 1989, RoseMae decided to take her embalmer`s apprenticeship and in 1992 received her license with the highest academic standing. Earl and RoseMae have belonged to the Alberta Funeral Service Association since they purchased their business in 1977. The Kjellands are proud of their chosen profession and continue to strive to meet the needs of those they serve. With the passing of Earl, Rose Mae continues to serve the community and surrounding areas alongside her family.