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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Five Tips to Help Loved Ones Cope After a Sudden Loss
TW for mentions of suicide in this article. While death is an inevitable part of life, sudden loss is not. Sudden loss due to suicide, accidents, unknown illnesses, miscarriages, or unnatural causes can be extremely painful and difficult to process. It is often accompanied by complex and prolonged periods of grief. Why? Because sudden loss […]
Seven Tips for Writing an Obituary
An obituary is an article that reports on the death of a person along with a beautiful account of their life and personal information such as family, work, and life accomplishments. When a loved one dies, an obituary is likely one of the last items on your mind. Writing an obituary, however, can be a […]
Six Instagram Accounts to Help You During Your Grief Journey
An individual’s experience with grief is often complex and, at times, can feel extremely isolating. As those who were less impacted move back into routine and normalcy, it is common for those grieving to feel helpless and stuck in their emotions. Sometimes, the only way to better understand grief and find a way forward is […]
Seven Benefits of Preplanning Services
A lot goes into planning a funeral, from selecting a florist to finding the right final resting place. Making those arrangements beforehand gives you time to consider all of your options and ensure you’re covering all the necessary details. While facing the unknown can be scary, there is comfort in knowing your family will be […]
Grief is a Universal Experience: What Can We Learn About Grief From Other Cultures?
While people around the world react to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, we’re reminded that grief is truly a universal experience. From Dia de los Muertos in Mexico to South Korean burial beads to the elaborate preplanning of a monarch’s public mourning – funeral customs are just as unique as the cultures they’re from. […]
