Our Team

K. Daniel DeVries, a lifetime Davenport native, joined the firm October 1, 1987. Dan attended St. Ambrose University and completed his Mortuary Science degree at Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Chicago. Dan became a partner in the firm in January 1993, and sole owner in January 2016. Dan has four children: Samuel, Patrick, Jonathan, and Isabel, and three dogs: Stella, Ted and Bernie.  

In his role as President-Emeritus, Dan is still involved in the firm in a variety of ways and is a constant presence at the funeral home and in the lives of the families he has come to love after over 30 years of service to the community.

He is a member of St. John Vianney Parish, Bettendorf. 

Nick Haut, a Davenport native,  is a 2003 graduate of Assumption High School.  He attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science graduating in September of 2006, and joined our staff shortly after.  Nick is married to Alise (Reyhons) and they have three children: Brennan, Caroline, and Charlotte.  

As Owner Operator of Halligan's, Nick is in charge of the daily operations of the firm and serves on numerous boards and civic organizations. He works closely with Austin, Dave, and Joe to ensure Halligan's continues it's great legacy of service to our families, set by Dan DeVries, Bob McCabe and the leaders that came before him.

Nick and his family are members of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Davenport.

Austin Wright, a Moline native, is a 1999 graduate of Moline High School. Following high school, he went on to serve in the United States Navy, deploying in 2005-2006 in service to the nation in Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

In addition to his business and military experience, Austin spent six years in seminary formation, studying to be a Roman Catholic Priest. 

He holds a Masters Degree in Philosophy from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake, most recently completing a program of study at Pontificia Università della Santa Croce in Rome; as well undergraduate studies in Political Science at Northern Illinois University, and Philosophy at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. 

Austin's military awards and decorations include, Fleet Marine Forces Warfare Device, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Award (Gold Star in lieu of four awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, National Service Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with 'M' Device), Rifle Marksmanship Medal and Pistol Marksmanship Medal.

As President, Austin works directly with Nick Haut and the staff in laying the foundation for the excellent family-centered service that Halligan's is known for. 

He is a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rock Island as well as St. Edward the Confessor in Phoenix. 

David Ven Huizen was born in Moline and graduated from Erie High School before going on to Worsham College of Mortuary Science. He fine-tuned his skills by attending the Fountain National Academy of Professional Embalming Skills. David began his career as a funeral director in 1988 at Wheelan Funeral Home, where he has been serving Quad City area families at their time of need. In 2018, he became Owner & President of Wheelan-Pressly. David also serves as Deputy Coroner for Rock Island County.

David and his wife, Lisa (Hodgson) Ven Huizen, have two daughters, Victoria and Skylar, two grandsons, Logan and Lukas and a granddaughter, Lydia. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus Allouez Council 658.

David is proud of his calling and lives by the Golden Rule of funeral service, treating people the way he would want to be treated in a most difficult time.

Dave continues to serve as President of Wheelan's, but as an owner of our firm, works closely with Austin, Nick and the entire staff.

He and his wife are members of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rock Island.

Joe Perez, a Rock Island native, has been around funeral and cremation services since he was 12. 

He began working at Wheelan Funeral Home at 16, when he mowed the property, washed vehicles, and assisted with visitation and flower deliveries. He studied business prior to going to Worsham College of Mortuary Science, where he graduated in 2007. Joe was working at a funeral home in Rockford, Illinois, before receiving an offer from Steve Pressly to come home and rejoin his dedicated and talented staff as a Funeral Director in 2009.  Joe is licensed in both, Illinois and Iowa and his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, golfing, playing softball and a variety of other community activities.

While Joe continues to serve as Vice President of Wheelan's, but as an owner of our firm he works closely with Austin, Nick and the entire staff.

Mike Chupka, a native of Davenport, is a dedicated funeral professional known throughout the community for his steady presense during families' most difficult times.

Prior to starting at Halligan's, he was a successful entrepreneur with years of business and management experience. 

He is married to Marybeth Chupka and together they have 3 married children and 7 grandchildren. 

When not working, Mike values the simple things in life such as spending time with his family, playing and watching sports, and his weekly raquetball games at the Y.

In his role as Assistant Manager, Mike is responsible for the interior and exterior of the funeral home as well as a variety of other areas and serves as an ambassador for the firm in the community.

Tony Malchodi, a Davenport native, is a 1988 graduate of West High School.  He attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Wheeling, Illinois, graduating in 1996.  He has been serving familes in the Quad Cities ever since.  Tony joined our team in July of 1999.  He and his wife Christina reside in LeClaire and together they have six children: Nicholas, Zachary, Hunter, Robyn, Jessica, and Megan, and eight grandchildren.

Mariah Morse, a native of the Quad City area, currently residing in Andover, Illinois.  She graduated from the Mortuary Science Program at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg, Illinois in 2006.  She has been serving families in the Quad City area ever since.  Mariah joined our team in November of 2019. She and her husband Josh have three children, James, Caden, and Samantha.

Christine Lyon, a native of Bettendorf, returned to the Quad Cities following graduation from the Dallas Institute of Funeral Service in June 2024. Having successfully completed her internship at Halligan's she is honored to continue her professional journey with the firm. 

She is a member of Coram Deo Bible Church in Davenport. 

Lacey Loitz, a native of the Quad Cities, joined Halligan team in 2025 after graduating from Carl Sandberg College's School of Mortuary Science. 

She resides in Geneseo with the love of her life, her husband, Jared and their two children. 

In her free time, she enjoys boating, wakeboarding, and running (in the warmer months).

Kelly Howerton was born and raised in Idaho and has been dedicated to guiding individuals and families through life’s most important decisions with compassion and clarity.

A funeral director since the late 1990s, Kelly feels called to support families during their most difficult moments. Her experience has fueled a strong passion for preplanning, helping ease the emotional and financial burden on loved ones.

With a background in healthcare marketing, public relations, and leadership, Kelly specializes in advanced funeral planning, Medicare and Medicaid education, and aftercare support. She is committed to making complex topics approachable, ensuring families feel informed and confident every step of the way.

As Director of Family Services, Kelly handles our prearrangement and aftercare programs and is one of our community ambassadors, representing the firm on a variety of projects. Additionally, she is able to assist our families with any need that may arise, including Medicare questions and beyond. 

Outside of work, Kelly enjoys golfing, cooking, gardening, and spending time with her husband and their three teenage children.

Her and her family are members of Immacualte Conception Parish in Monmouth.

Samuel DeVries, a native of Davenport, graduated from Assumption High School in 2022, having been a member of the firm since 2018. 

In his free time he enjoys playing video games, driving, and lifting. 

He is a member of Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Jennifer VandeVoorde, a Davenport native, is a 1987 graduate of Assumption High School. 

She has spent her professional career working in administration and joined the firm in 2023. 

Jennifer has three children; Emily, Austin, and Evan. 

Sam Stachula, a native of Davenport and graduate of Davenport North High School is currently a Junior at Saint Ambrose University, studying Finance and Sales. 

He and his family are members at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Davenport.

Tim Dugan, a Davenport native is a 1966 graduate of Assumption High School. He is a veteran of the United States Army. He married his wife, Geri in 1980. Following retirement from the Rock Rock Island Arsenal, he came to work at Halligan's where he has been on the team since 2000. 

He and his wife are members of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Davenport.

Mike Jacobsen, a Davenport native, and a 1975 graduate of Assumption High School. 

He came to Halligan's following 35 years of service as a police officer on the Davenport Police Department. 

He is married to Carrie, and together they have three daughters and two sons, and they are blessed with six grandchildren. 

Mike and his wife are members of St. Anthony's Parish in Davenport. 

Anthony Haut, a Davenport native, is a 1980 graduate of Assumption High School.  He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Joy and together they have two sons, Nick and Luke. 

Anthony worked for the city of Davenport for 29 years. 

He enjoys spending time with his family and keeping up with their five grandchildren. 

He and his wife are members of St. Anthony's Parish in Davenport. 

Brennan Haut, a Davenport native, is a member of the Assumption High School class of 2029. 

He enjoys sports, especially his obsession with golf where he routinely beats his dad, and is a big fan of plain cheeseburgers. 

He is a member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Davenport.

Cherokee Clifton, a native of the Quad Cities, has been on the Halligan staff since 2025. 

She is married to Justin Clifton and together they have one son, Payten. 

Robert J. McCabe, a third generation member of the funeral home, joined the firm on July 1, 1974. Bob attended St. Thomas College in St. Paul, Minnesota and received a Bachelors Degree in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota. 

He is married to Jan McCabe.

He became a partner in the firm in January 1987 and sold his interest in the firm on December 31, 2015 and retired on December 31, 2017.

He and his wife are members of Sacred Heart Cathedral.