About Us

Mark A. Beatty is a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School, Southeastern Community College and Carl’s Sandburg College of Mortuary Science. He is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Washington, Iowa Funeral Director Association, National Funeral Directors Association, Cremation Association of North America and the Kalona Rotary. He enjoys family and biking. He resides in Washington with his wife Susan, the former Susan Zwicki. He has three daughters Ashley Graybill (Calvin) of Goshen, IN, Alaina (Riley) Madole of Waukee, IA, and Alijah Beatty of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren Millie and Merlin.

Meg A. Nagel is the daughter of the late Short and Jan (Holden) Peterseim and has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer since 1994. Meg is a member of the Kalona United Methodist Church, the Rotary Club of Kalona, the Area Chamber of Commerce, the Iowa Funeral Directors Association, and the National Funeral Directors Association. She is married to Gregg Nagel and has three children, Sydney Ann and Warren Harold Scarff, and Charlotte Nagel.   Her interests include playing the piano, leading spin classes, and reading.

Not only is Cathie a licensed social worker with over 20 years of experience and training in critical incident stress management, but also the fourth generation in her family to know and share friendship with ours. Though she's with us part-time, her heart for helping families is full-time, and we're grateful for the compasion and care she brings to our community.

Outside of work, Cathlie loves hunting for vintage treasures and has booths in several consignment shops in the Washington and Kalona area. She's the proud mom of four daughters, and a grandmother to seven grandsons - and finally, one granddaughter! With her children spread across different places, she enjoys traveling to visit them. She lives on one of the family farms, surrounded by history, community, and plenty of stories to tell.

Janeth (Holden) Peterseim was involved with funeral service since she and her late, husband Short purchased the Funeral home from R. H. and Barb Peterseim in 1963. She was a member of the Kalona United Methodist Church, Kalona Area Chamber of Commerce, Kalona Historical Society, Order of Eastern Star, and Alpha Study Club. She was a tour guide for the Historical Society and a long-time secretary for KACC. She was the original organizer of the Kalona booth at the State Fair. Following a brief illness and after celebrating her 90th birthday, Jan passed from this life on April 25, 2026.  We are truly grateful for all that Jan and Short did to support this community for so many years. Their legacy of love and compassion will be carried on through the caring staff at the Beatty Peterseim Funeral Home.