I read a this recent article about the Arlington Cemetery located in the City of Arlington within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.  The article had to do with re-opening the cemetery for sales of lots after three decades of not selling any new lots.  It reminded me of a situation that we had when I served on the board of our community cemetery in my hometown.

As it turns out in the Arlington Cemetery situation lots have not been able to be sold because the cemetery was, in 1995, declared an abandoned cemetery and taken over by the City of Arlington.   State law did not allow for sales of lots in abandoned cemeteries.  As it turns out the law was changed in 2023 and the cemetery can again start selling new lots.

However, in the Arlington case, the city needs to know which lots are available for sale and who might have claim to other lots.  To complicate this case, many records of the cemetery have been lost between 1995 and now.

The city has given anybody who lays claim to a lot until August 31 to provide proof or it could be sold to somebody else.  According to Sarah Stubblefield, the Strategic Initiatves Manager of the city, “If the family doesn’t have any documentation, we will make our best effort to identify reasonable eveidnce for claims to plots”.

Reclaiming lots — The situation above is somewhat different that the situation we had while I served on the board of the Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria, Minnesota.  Kinkead Cemetery was founded as a cemetery in Alexandria in 1879.  It is a classic large cemetery with tall trees matured over the last century and a half and large family and individual monuments on the grounds.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

About 75 years ago an adjacent parcel of land was developed that is about the same size as Kinkead Cemetery.  While under the Kinkead Cemetery non-profit ownership it was given the name Sunset Memorial Park and had it’s own rules and regulations.  One of these rules was that only “flat” markers were allowed — no large monuments.  Ease of maintenance was the thought process back then.

Move up to the year 2000 and upright monuments were back in vogue.  So, most families wanted to be in the old Kinkead Cemetery and not the newer, flat-marker only Sunset Memorial Park.  The problem with Kinkead Cemetery was that over the course of 120 years grave space was limited.

In doing a census of the cemetery we found out that what were purchased as lots with 16 grave spaces only had two, three, or four family members actually interred in the plots.  As was common in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s families purchased lots for future graves so a family could be in proximity to one another and they expected children to live in the home community for their entire lives.  As it turns out, many of the children whom these lots were planned for left the community for metropolitan areas and never came back.

Our cemetery census indicated a great number of lots were owned by families for 70-100 years but never used.  The cemetery then went through the legal proceedings to “reclaim” those lots to be sold again.  I remember having to publish our intent, complete with the lot numbers and purchasing owners names, to do so in various newspapers around the county for a various period of time and while we received a few valid claims who wanted to keep the lots, it was not many.

We also did the area a service as some people, when they saw their genealogical relatives names in the paper, now realized that they had the right or claim to lot ownership that they didn’t know of beforehand.

At the end of the day, Kinkead Cemetery reclaimed hundreds of lots that have been, for the last quarter-century or so, available for sale to those in our community who prefer to be buried in that specific cemetery.

I think it just makes sense for older, established cemeteries to take a look at this process to make available inventory that not only would be available to the general public but also available to provide additional income to the cemetery.  If your state has a process for this I think it makes business and community sense.

One of my favorite monuments at Kinkead Cemetery, Alexandria, Minnesota. I had a little fun through the years telling young people that this cemetery was so old that “This guy is buried here!”

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Woodland Cemetery Partners with Doric Products to Add Custom Columbaria

New Units Blend Seamlessly with Historic Landscape

DAYTON, OH – Doric Products, Inc., a trusted leader in funeral, cemetery and memorial products, has completed its first custom columbarium installation at Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum—one of America’s oldest and most historic rural garden cemeteries.

Founded in 1841, Woodland serves as a cultural, botanical, and educational landmark in the heart of Dayton, Ohio. Its Romanesque gateway, chapel, and administrative office are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the 200-acre arboretum features over 3,000 trees.

“We are honored to have been selected by Woodland for this project,” said Derek Maher, Business Development Manager for Doric Products, Inc., who led the initiative. “To contribute to a site of such historic and cultural significance is both a privilege and a responsibility we take seriously.”

The custom-designed columbaria were constructed at Doric’s facility in Corbin, Kentucky, under the supervision of experienced artisans to ensure the highest standards of craftsmanship. The final units reflect both modern functionality and a timeless aesthetic that complements Woodland’s historic setting.

Sean J. O’Regan, President and CEO of Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum, praised the collaboration. “From planning to installation, Doric’s team demonstrated exceptional attention to detail and an understanding of our goals for both historic preservation and contemporary development,” O’Regan said. “They were responsive, flexible, and committed to delivering a product that exceeded our expectations in design and quality.”

Maher, with more than two decades of experience in columbarium design, construction, and cemetery operations, ensured that every aspect of the project aligned with Woodland’s standards.

“Doric’s professionalism and ability to coordinate with our staff, contractors, and landscape architects made them an ideal partner,” O’Regan added. “We look forward to future collaborations and would confidently recommend their services to others in the industry.”

Jim Wiens, President of Doric Products, Inc., noted the broader significance of the installation. “Our columbarium line is designed with today’s families in mind—balancing tradition with the needs of contemporary memorialization,” he said. “Using premium materials and skilled craftsmanship, we aim to create spaces that will be valued for generations.”

For more information, contact Doric Products, Inc. at (888) 553-6742 and ask for Derek Maher.

About Doric:  Doric Products, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of burial vaults, cremation vaults, and memorialization products.  Distributed by highly trained professionals throughout the United States and Canada, Doric remains committed to creating beautiful final resting places for families and their loved ones.

#  #  #Cemetery Photo Caption:  Crafted with superior materials and time-tested craftsmanship, Doric columbaria’s durable construction and elegant design reflect a commitment to quality that aligns with Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum’s long-standing tradition of care, ensuring these columbaria will remain a meaningful and lasting presence for families and future generations alike.

April 4, 2025

Losing a loved one is an emotional and challenging time, and navigating the funeral process can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s your first time making funeral arrangements or you’re unsure about certain aspects of the process, it’s natural to have many questions. Understanding the typical procedures and options available can help ease the burden during this difficult time. Here are some of the most frequently asked funeral questions and their answers to guide you through the process. 1. What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service? A funeral typically involves a ceremony held with the body of the deceased present, either before or during burial or cremation. It often includes a viewing or wake, where family and friends can pay their respects. A memorial service , on the other hand, takes place after the body has been buried or cremated and does not involve the presence of the body. Memorial services may be held in various settings, such as homes, churches, or other venues, and can be personalized to reflect the life of the deceased. 2. What is embalming, and is it required? Embalming is a process that involves preserving the body to delay decomposition, usually for viewing purposes. It is not legally required in most places but may be necessary if the body is to be displayed at a public service or transported over long distances. In cases where there will be no viewing, embalming is typically not needed. However, certain states or countries may have regulations about embalming or the timing of burial. It’s important to check with the funeral home to determine what’s required in your area. 3. How much does a funeral cost? The cost of a funeral can vary greatly depending on factors like location, the type of service, and the funeral home you choose. There are options to help manage funeral expenses, such as cremation (which can be less expensive than burial), choosing a less elaborate service, or purchasing a funeral plan in advance. 4. What is cremation, and how does it differ from burial? Cremation involves the process of reducing the body to ashes. Many people choose cremation for its simplicity, lower cost, and flexibility in how the ashes can be kept, scattered, or interred. Some people opt for a cremation memorial service, where the ashes are present but there is no body. Burial , on the other hand, involves placing the body in a casket and then burying it in a cemetery. This option may include the purchase of a grave plot, headstone, and other related services. The choice between cremation and burial depends on personal, cultural, and religious preferences. 5. What are the steps in planning a funeral? Planning a funeral typically involves the following steps: Notify family and friends : Reach out to close family and friends and inform them of the passing. Choose a funeral home : Select a funeral home to help with arrangements, including embalming (if applicable), obtaining necessary permits, and coordinating transportation. Select the type of service : Decide on whether you want a funeral, memorial, or graveside service. You’ll also need to choose the location and any religious or cultural elements to incorporate. Choose a casket or urn : Select a casket for burial or an urn for cremation. There are many styles and price ranges to choose from. Plan the ceremony : Work with the funeral director to plan the service, including music, readings, eulogies, and floral arrangements. Arrange for transportation : The funeral home will coordinate the transportation of the body to the service and burial or cremation site. 6. Should I pre-plan a funeral? Pre-planning a funeral is a personal choice. Many people choose to pre-plan to relieve their loved ones of the burden of making arrangements during a time of grief. Pre-planning allows you to specify your wishes for the service, casket, burial, and other aspects of the funeral, ensuring your desires are respected. Additionally, pre-paying for a funeral can help protect your family from rising costs in the future. However, it’s important to carefully consider pre-planning options, as funeral costs can vary, and you’ll want to ensure that the plan is flexible and fully understood by the family members who will carry out your wishes. 7. What are the options for scattering ashes? If you choose cremation, there are many options for what to do with the ashes: Scattering : Many people choose to scatter the ashes in a location that had significance to the deceased, such as a favorite park, beach, or nature spot. Keepsake urns : Some families choose to keep a portion of the ashes in a special urn or piece of jewelry. Interment : Ashes can be interred in a family plot or at a cemetery, either in a niche or within a memorial garden. Other creative options : There are many creative options for commemorating the deceased, including turning ashes into diamonds or using them to create a memorial reef. 8. What is a death certificate, and why is it important? A death certificate is an official document issued by a governmental authority that confirms the death of a person. It is essential for handling legal and financial matters, such as settling the deceased’s estate, claiming life insurance, and closing accounts. The funeral home typically assists in obtaining several copies of the death certificate. 9. Can I personalize a funeral service? Absolutely! Many families choose to personalize the funeral service to reflect the deceased’s personality, passions, or hobbies. You can incorporate meaningful music, photos, special readings, or even display personal items that were important to the deceased. The funeral director can help guide you through creative options for personalization. 10. What should I do if I can’t attend the funeral? If you’re unable to attend the funeral in person, consider sending flowers, a sympathy card, or making a charitable donation in the deceased’s honor. If the family holds a memorial service, they may also offer the option to participate virtually, such as through a livestream. It’s always thoughtful to express your condolences in any way possible. Funeral planning can be complex, but understanding the answers to these frequently asked questions can help make the process easier to navigate. Whether you are arranging a funeral for a loved one or pre-planning your own, it’s important to take the time to make informed decisions. By doing so, you can create a meaningful, respectful ceremony that honors the life and memory of the deceased, while providing comfort to those who are grieving.

April 4, 2025

Losing a loved one is an emotional and challenging time, and navigating the funeral process can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s your first time making funeral arrangements or you’re unsure about certain aspects of the process, it’s natural to have many questions. Understanding the typical procedures and options available can help ease the burden during this difficult time. Here are some of the most frequently asked funeral questions and their answers to guide you through the process. 1. What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service? A funeral typically involves a ceremony held with the body of the deceased present, either before or during burial or cremation. It often includes a viewing or wake, where family and friends can pay their respects. A memorial service , on the other hand, takes place after the body has been buried or cremated and does not involve the presence of the body. Memorial services may be held in various settings, such as homes, churches, or other venues, and can be personalized to reflect the life of the deceased. 2. What is embalming, and is it required? Embalming is a process that involves preserving the body to delay decomposition, usually for viewing purposes. It is not legally required in most places but may be necessary if the body is to be displayed at a public service or transported over long distances. In cases where there will be no viewing, embalming is typically not needed. However, certain states or countries may have regulations about embalming or the timing of burial. It’s important to check with the funeral home to determine what’s required in your area. 3. How much does a funeral cost? The cost of a funeral can vary greatly depending on factors like location, the type of service, and the funeral home you choose. There are options to help manage funeral expenses, such as cremation (which can be less expensive than burial), choosing a less elaborate service, or purchasing a funeral plan in advance. 4. What is cremation, and how does it differ from burial? Cremation involves the process of reducing the body to ashes. Many people choose cremation for its simplicity, lower cost, and flexibility in how the ashes can be kept, scattered, or interred. Some people opt for a cremation memorial service, where the ashes are present but there is no body. Burial , on the other hand, involves placing the body in a casket and then burying it in a cemetery. This option may include the purchase of a grave plot, headstone, and other related services. The choice between cremation and burial depends on personal, cultural, and religious preferences. 5. What are the steps in planning a funeral? Planning a funeral typically involves the following steps: Notify family and friends : Reach out to close family and friends and inform them of the passing. Choose a funeral home : Select a funeral home to help with arrangements, including embalming (if applicable), obtaining necessary permits, and coordinating transportation. Select the type of service : Decide on whether you want a funeral, memorial, or graveside service. You’ll also need to choose the location and any religious or cultural elements to incorporate. Choose a casket or urn : Select a casket for burial or an urn for cremation. There are many styles and price ranges to choose from. Plan the ceremony : Work with the funeral director to plan the service, including music, readings, eulogies, and floral arrangements. Arrange for transportation : The funeral home will coordinate the transportation of the body to the service and burial or cremation site. 6. Should I pre-plan a funeral? Pre-planning a funeral is a personal choice. Many people choose to pre-plan to relieve their loved ones of the burden of making arrangements during a time of grief. Pre-planning allows you to specify your wishes for the service, casket, burial, and other aspects of the funeral, ensuring your desires are respected. Additionally, pre-paying for a funeral can help protect your family from rising costs in the future. However, it’s important to carefully consider pre-planning options, as funeral costs can vary, and you’ll want to ensure that the plan is flexible and fully understood by the family members who will carry out your wishes. 7. What are the options for scattering ashes? If you choose cremation, there are many options for what to do with the ashes: Scattering : Many people choose to scatter the ashes in a location that had significance to the deceased, such as a favorite park, beach, or nature spot. Keepsake urns : Some families choose to keep a portion of the ashes in a special urn or piece of jewelry. Interment : Ashes can be interred in a family plot or at a cemetery, either in a niche or within a memorial garden. Other creative options : There are many creative options for commemorating the deceased, including turning ashes into diamonds or using them to create a memorial reef. 8. What is a death certificate, and why is it important? A death certificate is an official document issued by a governmental authority that confirms the death of a person. It is essential for handling legal and financial matters, such as settling the deceased’s estate, claiming life insurance, and closing accounts. The funeral home typically assists in obtaining several copies of the death certificate. 9. Can I personalize a funeral service? Absolutely! Many families choose to personalize the funeral service to reflect the deceased’s personality, passions, or hobbies. You can incorporate meaningful music, photos, special readings, or even display personal items that were important to the deceased. The funeral director can help guide you through creative options for personalization. 10. What should I do if I can’t attend the funeral? If you’re unable to attend the funeral in person, consider sending flowers, a sympathy card, or making a charitable donation in the deceased’s honor. If the family holds a memorial service, they may also offer the option to participate virtually, such as through a livestream. It’s always thoughtful to express your condolences in any way possible. Funeral planning can be complex, but understanding the answers to these frequently asked questions can help make the process easier to navigate. Whether you are arranging a funeral for a loved one or pre-planning your own, it’s important to take the time to make informed decisions. By doing so, you can create a meaningful, respectful ceremony that honors the life and memory of the deceased, while providing comfort to those who are grieving.

We received an e-mail last week that announced “Pinnacle Funeral Service and Rollings Funeral Service are proud to announce that Nancy Weil has joined the team as Director of Community Outreach. . . . .Nancy’s career includes serving as the Membership Director for the Order of the Golden Rule (OGR) for the past six years, where she worked closely with funeral homes across the country to promote excellence in service. She is a Certified Grief Management Specialist, Grief Services Provider, and Funeral Celebrant, facilitating virtual grief support groups and providing training to help funeral professionals better serve their communities.”

The announcement also said this about the companies, “Rollings and Pinnacle Funeral Service groups partnered early last year so they could both provide better support for their locations and provide more opportunities for their team members.”  And, you will notice that if you look at the current websites for both companies that Mr. Tony Kumming is listed as the President of both firms.

There is nothing unusual about that arrangement in business, but on a bigger scale, I think it shows that what might have been known in our business as regional consolidators or operating funeral home companies are beginning to scale for more growth. . . . and, I don’t think Rollings and/or Pinnacle are unique in that situation.

We’ve recently written about what Funeral Director Daily sees growing in our business.  That is, anecdotally, we seem to see more announcements about acquisitions of family owned funeral homes in the media than we have seen before.   With the larger publicly-owned funeral home companies we usually receive an e-mail press release about any acquisition, but in the smaller and non-public company arena those acquisitions are usually kept as silent as possible.

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

That also is not unusual. . . public companies need to let their shareholders know of the growth whereas smaller private operators try to cause as few waves with potential consumers about a change in ownership in local trade areas.  However, that quiet is balanced with a former owner wanting his friends and neighbors to know of the ownership change. . . . thus, local announcements in local newspapers that Funeral Director Daily scours for this information.

In my opinion, seeing these annoucements more frequently is more proof of what most of us believe is coming to the profession.  That is less family ownership over time as new generations of funeral home descendents choose to enter other lines of work.

A positive aspect of all of these companies seemingly ramping up for acquisitions is that sellers of funeral businesses have more and more options of whom they may want to trust their businesses to in the future.  In addition to the national and regional companies we have listed below, most local funeral home owners know of going-concern businesses in their vicinity that may also want to acquire certain funeral homes. . . . . . At the end of the day for those funeral home owners planning on dis-engaging from the business this seems to give them more options in choice, and possible price.

While not an exhaustive group, here are some of the North American non-public fuenral/cremation/cemetery company operators that we know of:

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