Catholic Funeral Rites and Traditions
When a loved one passes on, there is a natural desire to honor their life and legacy. This can come in many forms, but especially for those who hold their faith closely, honoring their deeply held Catholic beliefs can be a beautiful gesture. The Catholic Church has many beautiful and meaningful rites, ceremonies, and traditions […]
9 Essential Items You Need to Plan a Funeral
When a loved one passes, we understand the hardships that come at family members from all angles. At Gerst Funeral Home, we have been supporting families in the Grand Rapids area since 1885. Our utmost goal is to walk with families through each and every step of the funeral planning process. We aim to help […]
3 Ways to Honor Your Loved Ones
Celebrating the life of a loved one can come in many forms. Many people choose to have their loved ones cremated so they are able to keep them near and dear forever. Cremation planning helps you find a way to beautifully and uniquely honor your loved one’s and is an amazing way to pay homage […]
Top 5 Tips For Working Through Grief
Losing a loved one or going through a period of grief can be a difficult time for many. Life is always hard after a tough loss, but there are many resources and programs available that can lift your spirits and set you back on the path to happiness and remembrance. There is a resource for […]
5 Ways To Brighten Someone’s Day
When you care about someone, it’s natural to want to help them feel their best. Your friends, family, coworkers, and other connections make up your supportive social network. There are many ways to make anyone’s life seem a little bit nicer. One simple act can turn around a bad day, or make a special event […]
The History Behind Memorial Day
Parades, picnics, 3-day weekends, grave flowers, official ‘national remembrance’ of our dead, the National Parade in Washington, DC —all mark the national holiday we know as Memorial Day; honoring our lost loved ones, particularly those who passed while protecting our freedoms in battle. We all know these facts—but there’s more you won’t read in history […]
What Is a Designated Funeral Representative?
Death and dying is something we have little control over. While the passing of a loved one can bring greif, many individuals find comfort in knowing their final wishes will be carried out by a person they trust most. Typically family members are responsible to carry out an individual’s wishes, but there are circumstances where […]
How to Plan a Virtual Funeral
Saying goodbye to a loved one is difficult. COVID-19 and the restrictions imposed due to the virus have complicated this process. When you are faced with the many decisions and responsibilities surrounding funeral planning, it can be overwhelming. Technology is playing a role in ensuring that everyone can gather to honor loved ones, albeit virtually. […]
Tell Your Loved Ones How Much They Mean To You
Tell Your Loved Ones How Much They Mean To You Life has few guarantees, and we never know how much time we will have with the people who are most special to us. Make the most of your time and tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. There’s no need to wait […]
Funeral Planning During COVID-19: What You Need To Consider
Now that COVID-19 has gripped the nation and limited travels around the globe, it’s not always easy to know what to do to keep yourselves and your loved ones safe. In many areas of the country, public gatherings have been banned or discouraged, while practicing social distancing and staying home as much as possible seem […]
