Reviews of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home (Mortuary)

Michelle Bloodgood

My mother had died suddenly and we all were devastated from our loss. She passed away around 5pm. They told us that we had to make a decision by the next morning 8am. So, we were rushed into cremating her. We get there and they denied us a loan (credit scores of 700+) so we had to raise money to cremate her. We asked them what do families do when their loved one has no life insurance, retirement, and lives off a disability. They said you just have to raise the funds. We went through obstacles to get her cremated. Then, I would constantly check in to make sure things were getting done. I stopped by with cash payments and updated the maiden names on the death certificate and obituaries. I picked up my mom and found out later that day that the number on the box didn't match the number on the ashes. So frantically I called them to make sure that I had the right body! They assured me that I did. Then, we had to pay the balance off and we discussed IN ADVANCE what to do with the new donations. She didn't do that and the family was shorted funds to pay for the service. You think that would be the end, it isn't. Today, I received my mother's death certificate which was missing my grandmother's maiden name. The one that I provided 2x. They said that I would have to CERTIFY MAIL IT BACK TO THEM and they will issue an amendment. I have to pay them to mail it back to them. After I confronted them, all they could say, I"m sorry you feel that way. I would NEVER RECOMMEND USING THEM!!! They have no sympathy, apologies are a slap in the face, and don't care about their clients at all. Update: With their response, I wanted to clear somethings up. We had to sign the "death certificate" approval the day after her death. I provided the maiden name and they failed to inform me that it was "too late" to update the certificate and didn't offer to amend PRIOR to ordering them so we wouldn't be inconvenienced on having to pay certified mail and send them back to them. I don't live in Salina so either I would have to hand deliver it or certify mail it to them. They failed to update us on this process after we made it clear that we needed their professional guidance on how this works. It is frustrating that I have to find out by opening a letter instead of them informing me what will be on it. The comment about "we can't force people to pay more than the balance" is something that not only I, but 4 other people talked to them about directly in their office. We agreed to hold the donations until the GOFUNDME deposit went through. That fund was setup to pay for the cremation and we ALL AGREED to hold ALL DONATIONS until after that money was deposited. If it is something that couldn't be done, don't agree and OFFER to do that. After contacting them, they said "it isn't our fault that you didn't communicate that with your family." Very professional. I work in a customer service field and I know how to treat people, and this company lacks accountability and compassion. I usually don't post negative reviews because everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt, however, there are several opportunities where these mistakes could have been prevented and weren't. The only reason why I'm sharing my experience is to help other people who are experiencing a loss like this for the first time to find a company that will walk you through and lay out all the options. A company that won't make you feel pressured and lost. I felt pressured the morning after her death and left their upset. You shouldn't leave an appointment with more questions than answers. After reading other reviews, we are not the only family that has been hurt by them.

Jacob Johnson

Extremely hard working staff. Very respectful and understanding. Would highly recommend!

Patty Werth

My brother inlaws body was there almost a month waiting to be cremated there were all kinds of excuses why it wasnt getting done. Found out there were numerous bodies there at the same time waiting to be cremated. Would never advise anyone to go there.

Virginia Smith

I would never recommend anyone go here. Ever. These people have no empathy, compassion or understanding. They've spoke to my entire family as if were morons. And had the audacity to try and say that we don't pay attention or recognize what they do. A payment was lost with not even an apology about it or saying they would cover the money that was misplaced or anything. They are foul and I hope they never treat another family the way they have treated mine.

LaVeda Montgomery

The staff were kind knowledgeable and attentive from the moment they arrived at nursing facility till weeks after the service. Our needs were always met and questions answered in a timely manner. We had to travel a couple hours for burial and had a large group of great grandkids and we appreciated the calmness and care we were provided.

Rhonda Gaston

I can’t imagine using anyone else to help me with the arrangements after my mom passed. They went above and beyond to make things easier for me during that very difficult time. If I am ever in that position again I will definitely use their services again.

Tannya Merriman

I was with my best friend throughout her whole journey with this company. None of which was easy for anybody. This establishment claims that they have compassion and care but since day one they did not prove this. No sympathy for the situation whatsoever. They treated my friends mother like another numbered body. That being said, we picked up her mother and the number was wrong. Sending everybody into a panic because we had already been through enough. They assured us that it was human error and was entered wrong. Now, the death certificate she received had missing information. This has not been a great experience at all. They showed no compassion, care or sympathy in a time that was already hard enough. The death of a loved one is the hardest thing to endure and to add in extra stress is absolutely ridiculous. Especially since their prices are outrageous and they claim to have great customer service.

Patrick Johnson

Great service . Very caring !

The G.I. Joe Report!!

Great staff with tons of experience! Would recommend.

Susan Ogwal

My family has been traumatized by our experience with this funeral home. My aunt passed away and when contacted, this funeral home assured us that they were capable of handling the task of getting her body home overseas. After the funeral services in Salina, it has been a complete nightmare for us. They clearly took on something they are absolutely not capable of handling and have zero experience in handling. We have guided them through everything while they did what feels like the bare minimum! To add insult to injury, they miss handled transporting my aunt to catch her flight in Kansas City and she actually missed her flight! Their solution is to have my aunt driven to Dallas, 8 hours away, in order to catch a flight home so that she can make it for the pre-arranged traditional arrangements at home based on their initial flight plans! We were expected to just change all arrangements already made back home for my Aunt's burial to accommodate their carelessness! A lot of money has been spent, and I'm speaking in present tense because we are going through this right NOW! There's complete disrespect and disregard for our aunt and our family. We ate in communication with the assistant funeral director and haven't heard from the owner at all. You would think the owner notice that something isn't going well with a client since my aunt has been there for weeks after the funeral in town, but no such luck. They really should have done some research and considered what's involved in sending my Aunt overseas instead of how much money they would be getting! I would not recommend this funeral home to anyone who's loved one requires burial outside Salina, because they have demonstrated complete lack of capacity. I would give them zero stars, but that option isn't available. A HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE FOR MY AUNT AND OUR FAMILY!!! THERE'S JUST NO EXCUSE FOR IT!!! save your money and go somewhere else please!

Sunann A

Very caring and understanding. Reasonably priced as well.

Susan Lee

Our family has always used Geisendorf's based on experience and close family friendship. I had always been impressed with the Carlson Home , they are the principal home used by congregants at my church. Nevertheless, when my mother passed away unexpectedly I was a bit cautious when we learned that our assistant, Jessica, was rather new. I shouldn't have had a second thought - she was absolutely magnificent. Not only was she kind and understanding, but she was absolutely professional. She was a lifesaver when she was able to create the programs at the very last minute. I cannot say enough good things about our family's experience with Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home.

Caitlyn Niemczyk

They were wonderful during such a sad time for me and my family. They were sincere and considerate, sweet and very understanding. They didn't rush us and explained everything for me and my sister at the time. Every person I met through them was phenomenal and super nice. When visitation time came they made it seem so smooth when we were all so very sad.