We're honored to serve our community
The caring and experienced professionals at California Funeral Alternatives are here to support you through this difficult time. We offer a range of personalized services to suit your family’s wishes and requirements. You can count on us to help you plan a personal, lasting tribute to your loved one. And we’ll carefully guide you through the many decisions that must be made during this challenging time.
You are welcome to call us at any time of the day, any day of the week, for immediate assistance. Or, visit our funeral home in person at your convenience. We also provide a wealth of information here on our web site so you can learn more from the privacy of your own home.
We are proud members of the
Escondido and Poway Chamber of Commerce
San Diego County Funeral Director's Association
Rancho Bernardo Business Association
California Funeral Director's Association
Cremation Association of North American
Established 1997
By Richard FDR 317 & Marcia Jungas FDR 1646
Our Mission is to provide families with the best possible service at prices affordable by all.
Our Team
Our employees are like family
In this difficult time, let our family help yours. Learn more about who we are and what we do in the bios below. 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.
Richard H. Jungas
Owner / Funeral Director FDR 317
Richard attended the University of Minnesota & received his degree in Mortuary Science. After serving in the US military he began his career in Minnesota & California as an owner/operator of small businesses as well as managed large groups of funeral homes. He has shown his leadership skills in many civil & private organizations; such as past President of the following:
(2010) California Funeral Director's Assoc., San Diego County Funeral Director's Assoc., Rotary Club, Sertoma Club and Escondido Kiwanis Club. He is also a deacon and active member of his church.
Marcia J. Jungas
Owner / Funeral Director FDR 1646
Marcia attended the University of Minnesota and has been active in teaching and counseling. She has been a funeral director since 1998.
Marna Jungas Farwell
Executive Manager / Funeral Counselor
Marna went to school in Sacramento CA and obtained a teaching certificate in Montessori Education. There she mastered the skills needed to be patient, gentle and caring, not only to her students but also to the families she served. Since she grew up in the funeral industry, she welcomed the opportunity to take the skills she mastered over 25 years in education and use them in a new path. Marna joined us in the fall of 2014 and is now Executive Manager and Funeral Counselor of California Funeral Alternatives.
Ivana Trecroce
Receptionist / Death Certificate Registration
Ivana grew up in North County San Diego, graduating from Pacific College of Medical and Dental Assistants. She has worked in funeral service since 2000 as an administrative assistant and joined our staff to complete all legal and medical documents required by the state and county offices. She has been part of our staff since August, 2015.
Tara Van Stelle
Funeral Director FDR 4295
Tara joined California Funeral Alternatives in 2018. She obtained her Funeral Directors license in November 2018. She has been working in the funeral industry for 5 years. She studied Sociology in College and attended Mesa College and CSUSM.
MaryEllen Danforth
Funeral Counselor / Office Manager, Poway
MaryEllen grew up in St. Louis MO and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Fontbonne University. She has worked in funeral service since 2011 in administration as well as serving as a Funeral Counselor. She especially enjoys providing support and guidance to families during a time of great need. She is familiar with all aspects of funeral service and became the Manager of our Poway location in June 2017.
Matthew Jungas
Funeral Assistant
Matt has worked in the service area for many years. He has his degree from Palomar College and has been part of our staff since 2008. Matt is our right-hand man, from preparing for services to organizing and updating our computers and documents.
Susan Bennett
Pre-need Counselor
Susan has worked in finances throughout her career and is now working with our families that are making important decisions regarding their financial goals that will relieve other family members from making difficult decisions at the time of death.
Mariana Hernandez
Funeral Assistant
Mariana joined our team in August of 2019. She is attending Cal State San Marcos and majoring in Psychology.
In addition to speaking Spanish and understanding the cultural traditions in the Hispanic community, Mariana brings a diverse background in communication and sales to our office.
Savannah Turhan
Funeral Counselor
Savannah joined our team in February of 2019. She attends school at Cypress College and is set to graduate with her degree in Mortuary Science in May of 2020.
She's passionate about the Funeral Industry and helped to start a Mortuary Science Club at her school.
Her background as a first responder (EMT) has helped give her valuable insight into helping families through difficult times with poise and patience.
Thomas Farwell
Funeral Assistant
Thomas is the grandson of Marcia and Richard Jungas. He has grown up in the business and has been working with his family since June of 2019.
Thomas is attending Palomar College and is enrolled in the EMT program and planning to attend the Fire Academy in the near future.