Archive for February 2021

Long before it was popular to have women in funeral service, Joldersma & Klein was a pioneer in this area of our profession.  The story of Anna Klein, licensed to practice mortuary science in 1917, is a case in point. Let her tell the story: “When my second daughter was 18 months old, my husband…

This is a question we get asked frequently. The State of Michigan has what we call an “anti combo law”.  This means a funeral home is not allowed to own or operate a cemetery or crematory, nor can a cemetery or crematory operate a funeral home.  This law provides a “check and balance” for two…

Cemetery markers and monuments not only signify the location of a grave, but also honor the person who has passed away. Some people refer to these as headstones. It is a little-known fact that we can help you in the selection of a headstone.   Many cemeteries have regulations around the types of headstones it allows. There…

The assignment of a life insurance policy is often the method used to pay a funeral bill. Some individuals have life insurance that they have purchased years ago. Long-standing policies, that have no outstanding premiums due and that do not have loans taken out against them are ideal for paying a funeral bill.   Some individuals…

On July 17, 1862, Congress enacted legislation that authorized President Lincoln to purchase “cemetery grounds” to be used as national cemeteries “for soldiers who shall have died in the service of the country.” Fourteen cemeteries were established that first year. There are now over 135 national cemeteries. We are fortunate to have a national cemetery…

Lori Vigen is our Administrative Assistant.  Lori has been with us since 2019. She is a Kalamazoo native and is a graduate of Otsego High School and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. While working at McDonald’s in high school she met her husband, Michael Vigen. Michael has been the owner of Michael’s Auto Service on West…

Many people think once a body is cremated, there is nothing more to do. Making a decision about doing something permanent with cremated remains is a very important element in the cremation process. When the cremated remains come back from the crematory, it is up to each family as to what they wish to do…

No one is more deserving than our veterans. We are honored to serve any and all veteran families when these deaths occur.  When the death of a veteran takes place, they are due certain benefits. Military records are required to obtain these benefits. We have come to learn that military records are going to become…