I'm sorry to say this but no part of my experience with Gerst Funeral Home was pleasant. I know loosing someone is difficult and emotions run high. But I would think someone in the business of dealing with families whom are grieving would be a lot more kinder, gentler and take professionalism very seriously. I would highly suggest you choose another location for your funeral arrangements. It is so unfortunate that I have to even write this about a place who should be so kind and go above and beyond in the first place. I dealt with Mark and David Gerst. And I am giving it 2 stars because I did get my fathers remains at the end and the girl I emailed with was very kind and helpful.
I wish I would of found some reviews on this place before randomly listening to someones suggestion and picking this place to handle my fathers remains. It is very unfortunate that funeral homes make you feel like another number, or as a business transaction. I didn't feel that warm welcoming feeling walking into this place. They were nice but not as kind as I would expect. Kind of like a doctors office. Not like someone who is handling your loved one who passed away. We moved forward because we were not in need of the full funeral service, just a cremation. And we wanted it handled and my father handed over so we could continue to follow his last wishes. I received an email that my father was ready for me to pick up and I called to try to arrange a time. When I called the receptionist was rude, she asked which funeral home was I trying to contact, well the one thats on contract which number is written, which is the one I called. I was put on hold and transferred to a funeral director who sounded completely unprofessional even stating over the phone how loosing someone "sucks". Then went on to ask me what my fathers urn looked like and if I was sure it was that location. I immediately became upset. My fathers memorial service was the following day and I've been trying my hardest to keep my composure after loosing him unexpectedly. I first should not be describing my fathers urn to a person whom was trusted to handle his remains. This should have been a smooth and painless moment. I made sure to inform this man of that but he was giving me excuses and defending his unprofessional actions. He said he would call when my father was located. He did and my husband picked up the phone to which the funeral home director complained to him how he had spoken to a woman who seemed pretty upset. My husband replied, rightfully so dont you think? To which the man replied in a condescending tone "I guess". No apologies were given.
It's a sober part of being a pastor- you perform funerals. I've worked with many funeral home over the years, and I've watched first hand at O'Brien Gerst: They take care of families well. Patient. Compassionate. Concerned. I would trust my family to their care.
David Gerst was impatient and rude when the subject of money came up for the very first time. I was 27 years old when my father passed and i was treated like an incompetent child from the start of the first conversation. Go elsewhere.
O Brien Gerst Funeral Home is a US Funeral Home based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. O Brien Gerst Funeral Home is located at 3980 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, USA.
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