Luke joined the HMG staff in the fall of 2015 and was appointed the Grounds Superintendent on July 1, 2016. He has proven to be a gifted leader who continues the cemetery’s tradition of compassionate, friendly service to all who enter our Gardens.
In April, 2024 Luke took on a new role as the Cemetery Director at HMG and looks forward to serving families, supporting the staff and to continue the legacy and vision that sets Highland Memory Gardens apart from others.
In this new transition Luke has passed his Grounds Superintendent responsibilities to his younger brother Jonathan who is passionate about fulfilling the requirements of maintenance and care of HMG that were established by Luke and by his predecessor (Jerry Sheeks).
When away from HMG, Luke enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons. They love to camp, hunt for antiques and watch old movies.
Tosha Edmundson joined Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in July of 2018, bringing years of professional office experience from a variety of industries. Since Tosha began at HMG, she has held four different positions in the office and loves serving HMG families as our Family Services Representative.
Tosha was born and raised in northwest Iowa and moved to the Des Moines area after high school. Tosha started her college career studying graphic design at DMACC in Ankeny and later earned two Bachelor’s degrees, one in marketing and the other in management, from Iowa State University.
Tosha spends her time away from the office with her family and enjoys home remodeling projects when her busy schedule allows. Tosha is a member of Saylorville Church, where she serves the Lord through hosting weekly women’s bible studies.
A woman with a bright smile and a bubbly personality is who you will find when you meet Tina, our lead Administrative Assistant, who joined HMG in February, 2020.
Prior to joining the HMG team, Tina most recently worked with special needs children in the SE Polk School District. Having lived most of her life in the Des Moines area, Tina and her husband are the parents of five children and are active at Capital City Church. When not working, Tina enjoys spending time with her family and her grand babies.
Tammie joined the HMG staff in April of 2022 after working at the Painters, Tapers and Glaziers Union in Des Moines for fifteen years. Tammie and her husband have lived in the Saylorville area for the past 24 years. They have one daughter, three grandchildren, and two dogs. In her spare time, Tammie enjoys going for walks, fishing, gardening and spending time with family and friends.
Caroline Buckroyd joined Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in August 2022. She grew up in Des Moines and graduated from Dowling Catholic high school. Caroline and her husband then moved to Ankeny and raised two sons. She also now has two daughters-in-law and 4 grandchildren. Caroline worked in the life insurance industry for 40 years.
When not working, Caroline loves spending time with her family. She also enjoys photography, painting, traveling and hiking.
Sarah began her career as a part time employee to assist with different jobs around the office and, while the original intent was to be temporary, the opportunity arose for her to step in as the new bookkeeper for the cemetery.
She began this new role in July of 2024 and has proven herself to be a major asset to Highland Memory Gardens with her organizational skills and the ability to learn quickly. When not at work, she enjoys all types of craft making, doll making and antique hunting with her husband Luke, and their three sons.
Highland Memory Gardens welcomed Jonathan to our full-time staff in May of 2016.
In April of 2024 Jonathan took on the title of Grounds Superintendent to take over for his brother, Luke, who became the Cemetery Director the same week. Jonathan brings many skills to the table as he was previously the landscape specialist for all of the beautiful flowers in each of the gardens here at the cemetery. He also proves to be an effective leader and dedicated worker to continue the upkeep of the grounds. He is always eager to help and assist with any family needs during the various events that take place at the cemetery.
When not working Jonathan enjoys kayaking and camping.
In November of 2011, HMG welcomed Adam to our full-time staff. Adam started as a seasonal employee in 2007 and continued working with us while pursuing his degree in Computer Science at DMACC and then Grandview University. His degree emphasis was Software Development and Computer Information Systems with a minor in Spanish.
While family members and friends wanted Adam to pursue his programming talents, he finds the work here very rewarding and maintains that he is much happier working outside with his hands than in a cubicle.
Adam takes part in a variety of activities during his spare time such as sampling new flavors of loose-leaf tea, staying up-to-date on all the latest tech news and gadgets, and computer programming. As an Eagle Scout, he also enjoys camping and observing wildlife in their natural habitat.
After working in the automobile collision repair business for many years, Gary joined the HMG staff in April 2020 as a part of the grounds crew. He enjoys working with the friendly people at HMG and being outside on the beautiful grounds.
Gary was born and raised in Des Moines. He is a graduate of North High School, Grand View College and Iowa State University.
When not working, Gary enjoys camping, bicycling, motorcycling, and tending to his yard and gardens.