One of the questions I have frequently been asked is “How did you decide to become a funeral director?
My decision to become a funeral director evolved from my childhood. As a young teen, I mowed lawns for senior citizens in my hometown, Toluca, Illinois. As I was mowing one summer day, the local funeral director stopped on the street to talk with me. He asked if I could mow the funeral home lawn and I agreed. As I mowed the funeral home lawn, I wanted to know more about this profession. Pete Aimone, the funeral director and I had many discussions about his occupation and on occasion, I would assist with moving chairs and flowers in the funeral home – never working a funeral. The more I learned about his role in our community, the more I could see myself becoming a funeral director.
From those early days in Toluca, Illinois, I believe I was given a firm foundation on what matters most in funeral service – to care for each family as though it was my family. As a funeral director, I am often considered an “extended family member” after the funeral service is finished and I always enjoy hearing family stories and staying connected.
I have been working with Roberts Family Funeral Home in Forest Lake for nearly two years. During my first month at Roberts Family Funeral Home, I met Bill Woodward. Bill’s wife had died the month before I started working here. Bill stopped by to ask a few questions. Little did I know from the first conversation that Bill would become such a great friend.
Throughout the past two years, Bill would stop in just to say hello – I always enjoyed sitting and chatting with him. Bill attended most of the community events our funeral home has sponsored. It was not uncommon to have emails from Bill too!
This spring, Bill phoned to say that he would be attending our Grief Group as he was hospitalized. After a few days, Bill phoned again to share his Lung Cancer diagnosis. He still managed to stop by the funeral home several times just to say hello. With some nudging from his family, I went to see Bill during several of his hospital stays.
One afternoon, Kelly and I decided to go visit Bill at home. When we arrived, Bill was having a great day – and he was ready for us. He left the living room, went into the bedroom and returned with neck ties for Kelly and me. His words – “At my funeral, I don’t want you guys to be wearing dark ties and white shirt. . .” Then he tossed me a bright red tie with hearts all over it and a sharp white tie to Kelly and continued “You be sure to wear these for me.”
Bill died at his home on Sunday morning, September 28th. Getting that telephone call was very challenging for me. I really cared about him and his family. He had become a “Grandpa” to me. While we were at his home, his daughter reminded us of the neck ties and our promise to Bill.
As we said farewell to Bill, Kelly and I were dressed in colored shirts with our “Bill Ties.” I was so honored to be Bill’s friend and his funeral director. Bill’s family had become like my own – and I knew the love they had for him.
I go back to the question, why be a funeral director? I am honored to serve people in the most challenging times and I want to do what is right for each family. Bill allowed me to become his friend and to serve him with dignity, love and concern.
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