In a landscape where traditional funeral services are being transformed, Hamilton’s Funeral Home in Des Moines, Iowa, has emerged as a pioneer of innovation, tailoring memorial experiences to honor the unique identities of those who have passed. In light of rising costs and shifting consumer demands, funeral director Lanae Strovers has embraced unconventional practices that reflect the vibrant lives of the deceased.
When a young hunter passed away, instead of organizing a typical funeral service, Strovers collaborated with a gunsmith to creatively encapsulate the man’s cremated remains in shotgun shells, allowing the family to plan a celebratory hunt in his memory. This imaginative approach resonates with the changing trends of memorialization, where personal connections take precedence over convention.
In another poignant example, Strovers transformed her funeral home into a whimsical mock baseball field to celebrate the life of a beloved Little League coach. Complete with bases, a popcorn machine, and hot dogs, the setting created a fitting tribute. For a child who left this world too soon, she also provided a joyful circus atmosphere, complete with a bouncy house and snow cones. A runway was built and mannequins dressed in the fashion of a model and designer to honor a woman known for her creative impact.
As the national cremation rate has increased significantly over recent decades, traditional funeral services have seen a decline in profitability. With rising expenses in fuel, embalming supplies, and personnel, many funeral directors are adapting to ensure their businesses endure in an increasingly competitive market.
“I don’t want to say that we’re going to become party planners,” said Strovers, who is also a spokesperson for the National Funeral Directors Association. “But I think that those two lines are crossing over, and we just need to open up our thought process and be there to help the families.”
Through their innovative efforts, Hamilton’s Funeral Home strives to provide memorial experiences that honor individuality, ensuring that the legacies of the deceased are celebrated in ways that resonate with those left behind.
