Normandy’s Hallowed Ground

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Sytsema Funeral Home | Leave a comment
Posted under Burial

Every year on June 6, we recognize the anniversary of the Normandy Invasion during World War II. The invasion by the Allied Forces established a foothold on the shores of France; and was the start of the Allied advance into the interior which eventually lead to victory in Europe and liberty for the millions of […]

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Burial Vault: What’s the Point?

Posted on August 18, 2022 by Sytsema Funeral Home | Leave a comment
Posted under Burial

Historically speaking, burial vaults were conceived as a means of protection from grave robbers. They were designed and intended to make it difficult to get into the coffin and remove valuables or even the body itself from the grave. Early vaults were made of wood and were called a “rough box” because they were rustic […]

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When Where You Live is Not Where You Want to be Buried

Posted on June 9, 2022 by Sytsema Funeral Home | Leave a comment
Posted under Burial

Sometimes people make something appear so simple and effortless that we forget how complex the task really is. We begin to undervalue its accomplishment.     If you’ve ever taught a child or a grandchild to tie a shoelace you know what I mean. Once you’ve got it, and have been doing it for a while, […]

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Deciding Between Burial and Cremation

Posted on March 10, 2022 by Sytsema Funeral Home | Leave a comment
Posted under Burial, Cremation, Funeral

First, take a deep breath, there is no wrong decision. Burial and cremation are just different means to the same end. The end is decomposition of the human body. The shell that for a lifetime housed a soul. One is quick – cremation. The other is slow – burial. Aside from religious dictates, your choice […]

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Get Your Family Involved in Funeral Planning

Posted on January 10, 2020 by Sytsema Funeral Home | Leave a comment
Posted under Burial, Celebration of Life, Cremation, Funeral, Funeral Service, Memorial Service, Visitation, Visitation

When death is near or has just occurred, there are so many things to do and yet there is nothing you can do. You feel helpless. You can’t make the person well or bring them back.  But you know you will, very soon, need to make many decisions about the service, the final resting place, […]

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