Military Burial of WWII Veteran
Gerst Funeral Homes Honored to Assist in Military Burial of WWII Veteran at Fort Custer National Cemetery Gerst Funeral Homes had the profound honor of assisting the family of Staff Sgt. Edward K. Pyle, a distinguished World War II veteran, with his military burial at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Staff Sgt. Pyle, who was killed […]
5 Tips to Write a Eulogy
Giving a speech in front of people can be intimidating, even without the additional pressure of honoring a loved one. At Gerst, we know how hard it can be to write a eulogy. Eulogies serve as a great opportunity to reflect and honor the deceased. It can be a powerful way for you and others […]
How to Support a Grieving Coworker
Supporting an employee or co-worker while they grieve can be difficult. This can be difficult because of questions like: “What is an appropriate discussion for the workplace?” And “What can I do to help them?” At Gerst, we understand that grief cannot just be turned off but follows us into every space we enter; that’s […]
3 Ways to Care for Your Mental Health Through Grief
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, here at Gerst, we want to equip you with encouragement and ways to take extra care of your mental health through periods of grief. Movement During the grieving process, you might be feeling a lot of emotions build up; stimulating your body can help you get your mind […]
The Power of Storytelling During Times Of Grief
We understand that the journey of grief takes a village. At Gerst, we want to meet you wherever you are and provide you with resources and support. We have found storytelling to be a great way to take strives toward your personal healing. Here are a few ways sharing your story can benefit you. Creates […]
The Four Best Books On Loss and Grief
At Gerst, we are committed to providing families with resources that they might need to both plan a funeral and also cope with their grief. Our Recommended Reading List focuses on assisting our community through all types of grief and helps each individual better understand loss and who they are as they grow alongside grief. […]
Three Reasons Why Having The “Lifetime” Talk Is Important
Have you ever heard or witnessed a family member arguing about their loved one’s final wishes? Or perhaps they wished they had clarification on the best way to create a memorial their family member would have wanted? This situation is common and preventable! Preplanning services and resources exist to help families openly discuss each other’s […]
Four Virtual Memorial Options to Honor Your Loved One
As technology has evolved over the years and more of the world has gone digital, funeral care providers have expanded their offerings. There are now many virtual memorial options, from live streaming services to continued community grief support through social media and monthly eNewsletters. Technology allows funerals to more authentically capture the spirit of those […]
Five Ways to Honor Loved Ones During the Holiday Season
For anyone navigating grief during the holidays, the constant Black Friday commercials, holiday music in stores and on the radio, and decorations galore can be challenging. If your loss is recent, it’s entirely understandable to instinctively withdraw from social gatherings and family events as a natural coping response. This response is a normal and valid […]
Five Ways to Support Loved Ones In Hospice
Did you know that hospice care didn’t receive official recognition until 1978? President Carter designated November as National Hospice & Palliative Care Month to honor caregivers offering end-of-life services. This acknowledgment has led to a growing number of individuals seeking hospice care for comfort and compassionate support during their final days. Today, millions of Americans […]
