I have been to many funeral homes over the years (unfortunately). Without a doubt, some of the most personal and devoted people I have met with. With the passing of my father and other hardships that we had to endure, they made the transition as smooth as possible and were always available for help.
An example: We told them a bit about my dad in early conversations, such that he enjoyed his coin collections. Because I had to drive 800 miles to the funeral and make arrangements, along with dealing with estate matters, I was under enormous pressure to figure out how to make my dad's day special. I worried that I did not have sufficient materials and did my best. However, on the day we arrived, they had already setup a nice display and even went to such lengths that they put a bucket of chocolate coins near the entrance as my dad loved both. They put a message next to the coins indicating this. It was little things such as this that really requires a heart for what they do.
My grandfather, who passed away two years ago and had his funeral at another local funeral home, did not get such dedication. The director, beyond asking to take my coat, didn't make the transition very easy with planning or the ceremony. It was like hiring a wedding-planner but doing everything yourself. I made a photo slideshow and they made it such a headache to just take what I gave them to broadcast the images with their projector. Speaking of, I was to give the eulogy, and the funeral director kept repeating to me to keep it short. Many of my family members overheard this several times and couldn't believe the etiquette. Aside from a nice interior, that place did not exhibit the passion or heart for making the day special for loved ones going through one of the worst of days. Also, I understand that funerals are not cheap, but Reynolds-Jonkhoff did their best to be open and transparent with no hidden costs, unlike other places I have been.
Reynolds-Jonkhoff, thank you for making my fathers day very special, and for even not putting pressure on us to leave even one hour after our service was supposed to be over, as I had many relatives I hadn't seen in over 20 years wishing to speak with me, and for doing the little things to take the pressure off of my family.