We've learned a lot about caring for families over the years. We realize that we aren't just caring for a loved one, but the entire family.
People come to us during their most difficult times, and we respond with kindness, understanding and expertise. Our goal is to make everyone feel at home as we work with them to create a memorable service in honor of a beautiful life.
Gina Smith
General Manager
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Gina Smith has been a resident of Highlands County for more than 30 years.
Born and raised in the Appalachian Mountains of Maryland and West Virginia, Gina moved to Highlands County in 1989, first taking on the role of customer relations and quality control manager for a local car dealer and then moving on to a career involving management for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Soon after her career with Enterprise she was shaken by the loss of her only surviving parent, her Mother, and soon realized she needed to make the change into a career that she had desired since childhood.
Gina began working at a local funeral home and became knowledgeable about the everyday operations in the funeral home; and then decided to take on a role in the cemetery side of the funeral industry. Gina’s desire to help those who are grieving then led her to take on the role of general manager at Lakeview Memorial Gardens, where she can help build on their legacy of being the premier cemetery provider in Highlands County.
Gina has also been part of the Highlands County culture as a member of the local cities Chambers of Commerce, a Rotarian, and chairperson and volunteer of the Highlands County March of Dimes Habitat for Humanity.
Gina is working toward her associate's degree in the field of Mortuary Science. Gina is the parent of 2 children, Johnathon Smith and Carissa DaSilva; and has 2 grandchildren, Sarah and Charlie.
Larry Thompson
Sales Manager
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Larry has been in the cemetery and funeral industry for 25 years. He began his career in Morgantown, West Virginia, and has worked in several states and managed many cemetery and funeral home locations.
He knew this was the correct path the first time he was able to help guide a family through what is one of the most difficult times in anyone's life.
Larry served in the U.S. Navy, where he was in the military Honor Guard. His service allowed him firsthand experience in honoring our fallen heroes.
He says, "I’ve always felt honored to help people make decisions that will forever preserve their family’s legacy in their community." The part he enjoys most is helping families make these decisions ahead of time and together.
Larry moved to Florida in 2019 to be closer to family. He joined the Lakeview Memorial Gardens team to serve the Highland County Communities.
Samantha Mish
Administrative Specialist
Read BioSamantha Mish was born in Boca Raton, Florida and was raised in Wellington Florida. Samantha graduated from Wellington High in 2015 and moved to Sebring in 2017. Samantha graduated from South Florida College in 2019 with a bachelors degrees in marketing and management. Samantha is an integral part of Lakeview Memorial Gardens as she manages the administrative department.
Todd Tressler
Superintendent
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Todd brings a wealth of experience to Lakeview Memorial Gardens as his background includes 12 years as Director of Facilities and Transportation for St. Thomas School, he owned and operated his own general contracting business in the Seattle area, and also spent several years as a professional land surveyor. Todd has relocated here from the Pacific Northwest and has lived in central Florida for the past three years.
Todd is a veteran of the United States Navy and has a passion for serving other veterans and their families in their time of need. "It's an honor to be in the important role of grounds crew superintendent," says Todd.
Mr. Tressler is a proud father of three grown children and looks forward to grandchildren someday in the future. Todd is also an avid motorcycle enthusiast and is currently a member with the Seattle Cossacks Motorcycle Drill Team.