Our Heritage

In the late 1920's and early 1930's, the Funeral Profession was rapidly changing as the preparing of the body (embalming, dressing, casketing), visitations and funerals gradually moved from being held in the home and at the local churches to the site of the Funeral Home. Funerals were at one time held in the living room of the Welch homestead, (the white house beside the current funeral home), which is the present home of Kirsten, Barry, Alex and Mac. Frank Welch then built a small chapel near the current house which was torn down in 1989 as part of an expansion program. He also built a garage behind the chapel which was also used as a preparation room. Bit by bit, rooms were added until there was a chapel, a visitation room, a storage room, a preparation room and a casket selection area. This is now all condensed into one building.

As the business grew and expanded, it was decided in 1989 that the Funeral Home (Minden Chapel) be enlarged to include a second visitation room , a lounge, a kitchen, an office and was completely redecorated and is now approximately 10,000 sq. ft. in size. As of the spring of 1995 adjustments were made to provide a third visitation room, a family centre, a private arrangement office, thus enabling us to accommodate four individual funeral visitations, service clubs, fraternal associations, and luncheon/receptions. To date, we constantly try to update and improve our facilities to accommodate the needs of our families.

When a loved one dies, all you need to do is make one phone call. From that moment on, we’ll take on the responsibilities of the physical care of your loved one, and the emotional care of those left behind.

Please take a few minutes to get to know our funeral home staff. We’re sure you’ll find each of us to be all that you would hope for in a trusted funeral professional.