Max Nelson

Of Blessed Memory, 1937-2019

A graduate of Indiana College of Mortuary Science, Max was an Indianapolis funeral director since 1958.  He began working for Aaron-Ruben Funeral Home as a student apprentice in 1955 and in 1964, purchased the funeral home from one of the founders.  Since then, he guided its growth and relocation to its current location at 11411 N. Michigan Road.

Max was a veteran of the United States Army and had been associated with many organizations throughout his personal career.  Max served as a board member of the Children's Bureau, Vice-President of the Indiana Interreligious Commission on Human Equality, President of Jewish Community Relations Council and Democrat Ward Chairman of Washington Township in Indianapolis.

He attributed any success he had had to his wife, Donna Cohen Nelson and his family.  In addition to his daughter Jennifer, President of ARN, he was the proud father of Miles Nelson and Laurie Nelson Wurster and was a loving grandfather of 7 grandchildren.

Jennifer Nelson Williams

President

Jennifer is a 1989 graduate of the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She earned her Mortuary Science degree in 1991 from Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta, GA and returned to Indianapolis to work with her father, Max Nelson of blessed memory, at Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Funeral & Cremation Services. Jennifer was named president of ARN in 2000.  

She volunteers for many local charities, including: Brooke’s Place, Gleaners Food Bank and United Way of Central Indiana’s ReadUP program, Bureau of Jewish Auxiliary, Carmel Clay Schools an Hooverwood Guild. In 2014, Jennifer participated in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Man and Woman of the Year Campaign, which raises funds and community awareness for blood cancers.  She proudly raised over 70K for the important cause.   

Jennifer has served for over three decades as a member of the Board of Directors of Hooverwood Nursing Home, and was appointed to the Carmel Clay School Board in 2021. Paying tribute to her family's long legacy of serving the Jewish community of Indianapolis and their dedication to the Hooverwood Living specifically, Jennifer graciously named the new hospice of Hooverwood, the Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Hospice at Hooverwood Living in 2021  

She is the proud mother of Ari and Lindsay, and partner to Joshua Kirsh.  Jennifer enjoys running,  has placed in several races, and is an avid golfer and pickleball player.

In 2016 Jennifer and Rabbi Sandy Sasso co-founded Women4Change Indiana and Ready to Run Indiana, which educates, empowers and inspires Hoosier women to become more politically active and engaged.

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Emily Schwindler

Director of Operations and Engagement

Emily graduated with honors from I.U.P.U.I. in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English.  She had previously worked at A.R.N. and rejoined the staff in December 2010 as Office Manager.  In the interim, Emily taught English as a foreign language in South Korea and English as a second language in Indianapolis. In 2023, she earned a Master's Certificate in Thanatology to be able to better support ARN's clients.

She is a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church and Catholic Business Exchange.  She is a former member of CityMoms, Zionsville Women In Network, and Zionsville Presbyterian Church MOPS.  Emily previously volunteered at St. Christopher School, and yearly walks/raises funds for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Emily is most proud of her strong family: husband, Greg; son, Victor; daughter, Lenora.  In her free time, she can usually be found enjoying Central Indiana at Newfields, Indianapolis Motor Speedway or at one of Indiana's many State Parks.

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Greg Anema

Property Manager

Greg joined the A.R.N. staff in 1982.  Now the Property Manager, he uses his 34 years of experience and knowledge to direct daily operations.  Though originally from Utah, he has since made Indiana his home.

He is an active member of the Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation and Etz Chaim Sephardic Congregation; and a faithful volunteer at multiple food pantries in the Indianapolis area.

Greg is also a proud father and grandfather.  He has three sons: Jason (Laura), Aaron (wife, Kristi who brought four children to the marriage) and Kevin (wife, Kim and children, Gage and Delaney).

Rachelle E. Devine

Funeral Director

Rachelle graduated from Ivy Tech Community College Mortuary Science Program in 2020.  She joins the A.R.N. family with 5 years of experience in the funeral industry. 

Rachelle’s husband, Randy, was active duty in the United States Army for 22 years.  The family travelled the world as he was stationed in many different places over his career.  In 2012, Randy retired and the family settled back in Indiana.  Rachelle was then able to pursue an interest in funeral service that began at a young age.

She enjoys hiking with the family’s three dogs and hosting many gatherings for family and friends.  Rachelle is the mother to five wonderful children, Conner, Chayse, Kenleigh, Kai and Roxanna.  She appreciates her supportive family and cherishes their time together – especially summers at the lake.

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David Dwyer

Funeral Director - Advance Planning Specialist

David joins the A.R.N. Staff with over 15 years experience in funeral service.  He is a graduate of Indiana State University and a licensed life insurance agent with the state of Indiana.  Most of David’s time in funeral service has been invested in becoming an advance planning professional.  He is a three time Leaders Conference qualifier with Homesteaders Life Company, a premier preened insurance company.  

David is married to Melinda and has three children, Dawson, Davis, and Delaney.  He loves to spend time with his family and is active with the Boy Scouts of America.

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Chayse Devine

Crematory Manager

Chayse joined the ARN staff in 2021 with 5 years of experience in funeral services. She is currently pursuing a funeral director license and has become certified by the Cremation Association of North America in crematory operations.  

Being born a Hoosier and raised around the world as an Army brat, she loves to travel and explore different cultures.

She can usually be found on a nature trail somewhere with her husband, Steven, son, Milo and dog, Ozzy or at a concert enjoying live music.