My father passed in July. When the funeral home directors came to collect his remains, I informed…read morethem that I - as next of kin - should be consulted regarding the arrangements, as opposed to my stepsister. The following day my husband and I went to the funeral home to finalize arrangements for my father's services. The director assigned to us, Andrew Emerson, told us that my stepsister had the authority, through legal documents, to make all the decisions regarding my father's services. After having been asked to produce those papers, he consulted with his supervisor and returned with a Durable Power of Attorney appointing my stepsister as my father's agent. He told us that his supervisor reviewed the document, and the document did NOT apply to the funeral arrangements. (The document includes "However, the POA ceases at the moment of the death of the principal.") All through the discussion regarding the arrangements, Mr. Emerson kept referring to my stepsister. I told him very clearly that what my stepsister had proposed had no bearing on the matter, and further, that my stepsister's family should make arrangements for a separate memorial service, because the funeral was to be a quiet remembrance for my father's biological family and friends. Mr. Emerson offered to contact my stepsister regarding my wishes, and I accepted. The following day I spoke with Mr. Emerson. He told me he had contacted my stepsister and that she understood the arrangements were out of her hands, and that my stepsister said her family would be attending the funeral. I informed Mr. Emerson that attendance was unacceptable, and that I would inform my stepsister personally so that the information would be accurately conveyed. I left a very clear message on my stepsister's voicemail that the funeral was for my father's biological family and friends, and suggested that my stepsister's family conduct a separate memorial service. In that way, she could have total control over the arrangements at her services, and there would not be any drama at my father's funeral. I know my stepsister received the information, because her niece commented on the matter to my son via Facebook. When the pastor I selected as officiate came to visit, he told me he had visited with my stepsister regarding the services. Why my stepsister was informed of my choice of officiate is beyond my understanding. Throughout our conversation, it became clear that my stepsister had given him information regarding the relationship between her and me that was irrelevant to the situation. In the end, the eulogy revolved around my stepsister's family, and the pastor stumbled awkwardly over the information I provided to give comfort to my aunts and uncles. This would not have happened had the funeral home not provided information to my stepsister. When my family and I arrived at the funeral home the day of the services, I found the chapel full of items brought by my stepsister. I informed Mr. Emerson that most of those items were to be removed. At that point, Mr. Emerson informed me that my stepsister's family would be attending the services. Another employee of the funeral home inserted herself into the conversation and told me I could not pick and choose who could attend the funeral, because I didn't specify that the services were to be private. At no point during the planning stage did anyone at the funeral home advise me of the possibility of making the services private! Next, Mr. Emerson told me three persons would be delivering tributes to my father. This was the first time I had been informed of this decision. At the end of the services, I had planned to announce that friends and family were welcome to attend a dinner in my father's honor at a local restaurant. Because of all the last minute surprises, I was at a loss for how to make the announcement, and there was confusion on the part of the pastor and Mr. Emerson as to who was to make the announcement. As a result, there were twelve people attending an affair arranged for 40 people. Due to the circumstances, it was necessary for me to pay as though all 40 were in attendance. (The restaurant did give me a slight discount due to the lack of attendees.) The appreciation cards provided for mailing after the services referenced only "friends" - nothing about family. I was not consulted on the selection of sentiments in the card. I believe funeral home put my stepsister's wishes above mine because the president of the company used to be a neighbor of my stepsister, and his daughter, who also works at the company, was a playmate of my stepsister when she was young.

From the owner: Locally Owned & Operated Since 1882 The philosophy of the…read moreFarley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care is to provide a full range of services. We allow you to determine the services you need and, thus, the eventual cost. We will supply you with information, support and caring concern, thereby earning your trust in the process.

I give your business the highest regard and praise for providing the ability to see my family from…read moreafar . I was not able to attend the fine homegoing services of my Aunt Ollie Gene Freeman in Battle Creek on 3/25/2020. Another prior event posed a huge dilemma for my physical attendance. I had heard that zoom and such were being offered due to the plandemic but coming from Baldwin Michigan I am familiar from past how slow to 'no' services are and produce are to flow to those more remote places. I call and was overjoyed that your good business were on top of the modern "communications game" in affording the service which I easily tapped into to be a part of Aunt Ollie's great send off. I can not thank you enough for providing and being a part of my and every family's special memories and moments. The professionalism of the staff in customer service is def a Michiganer demeaner and wonderful compared to places here in the Bronx New York. It felt like a real Home preparation for a Homegoing ceremony. My Family thank you all for being present, My Neice Julia---you know you the gateway for the ancestors to flow, thanks for helping to try and get me there! One Love. It would have been representative and warming if all the family, from Aunties' Italian cousins spoke. Peace and Love. Pecola Lee Cousar El, Bronx New York

From the owner: Family Owned and Operated 100 Years - "Where Service is Always with Personal Concern and…read moreAttention." Advanced Funeral Planning, Dignified Service Within the Means of All Individuals, Fred Bachman, Scott Baxter, James Davison II, Richard R. Bachman (1921-1995)

Luncheon wasn't very good after service so I hope they find another reputable caterer.read more

The Henry's Funeral Home family went above and beyond arranging my father's funeral and Internment…read more They were patient and kind. There was no awkwardness and Joey Stasa made us comfortable from the start. Denny Steivart, Joseph Stasa and the rest of the staff took care of everything and made this process as easy as possible for us. I would recommend Henry's to everyone in the Battle Creek area and beyond.

I don't think that it's a mistake that many of us find cemeteries as whole dark and gloomy. Tree…read moreheavy cemeteries that seem to be in perpetual shadow seem so depressing. Often the care they receive are minimal, with narrow two track dirt paths and stonework that is in disrepair and grass that has been inexpertly maintained. Which is probably why I find visiting the Fort Custer National Cemetery to pay respect to the departed heroes I have met in my life a celebration of what is good and decent about this country. The national cemetery is an amazing place that honors our deceased Vets. It is exceedingly well maintained, it is open to the sky, and it's a place that we drive to at least twice a year to remember those who have left this plane of existence and to leave stones on their graves to let others know their loved ones have not been forgotten. (And I do wish that our vets were as carefully cared for before they passed, but I suppose that's another review.)

I am always moved to tears when I visit Fort Custer National Cemetery not just for my family…read moremembers who are resting here but for all those families and soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. My parents survived Nazi occupation and immigrated to the U.S. in 1951. The one day my mother never forgot was the day the Americans liberated The Netherlands from Nazi occupation. Thank you to all who have given all!

Dale was wonderful, they took care of all my needs. I would call them for your arrangements for a…read moreloved one

I recently lost my mother and turned to Girrbach Funeral Home to make the final arrangements. Dale…read morewas very kind and sincere in his mannerism to convey his condolences. He took the lead and was very helpful in the initial stages of the process. In our first face to face meeting, Dale was very straightforward and was very open about everything. The way everything was presented made it very easy to make decisions. The viewing and funeral service ran smoothly. The family had only great things to say about how my mother was presented and how well everything ran. I love my mom and I will miss her, but this was a great way to tell her goodbye. I cannot express my appreciation enough to Dale and the Girrbach Funeral Home. https://www.girrbachfuneralhome.net/obituary/catherine-mead