When you lose someone you love, you will probably feel a variety of emotions. The ability to make it through the death of a loved one can be challenging, as feelings of shock and disbelief, anger, guilt and depression are not uncommon.

Caring for yourself is not selfish. The period of recovery is different for every person. There is no timetable for grief, so do not compare yourself with others who have lost loved ones. Your life has changed and healing in your own way is important for the health of your mind, body and spirit. It is normal for some days to be better than others.

To help with the grieving process, our funeral home features a library of books, videos and pamphlets on coping with loss. Our Grief Coordinator, our funeral directors can visit with you to help you choose a resource that is appropriate for your needs. You are welcome to stop by or to call the funeral home to request information on the options and resources available for coping with grief.

You may also contact one of our funeral directors for a list of professional counseling services in our area.

Holiday Service of Remembrance

Pedersen and Starbuck Funeral Homes invite members of the community to attend an annual Holiday Service of Remembrance, held at the funeral home. Each year, nearly 200 people fill the funeral home to participate in the service.

This memorial service is centered on keeping memories of loved ones alive to help endure the pain that the holidays can bring following a death in the family. Our service is ecumenical, and is led by various ministers from the area churches. The service includes inspirational readings; special music before, during and after the formal service time; congregational songs and the reading of the names of deceased loved ones. Our service concludes with a candle-light service and song in memory of those we have lost. We then continue the afternoon with refreshments and fellowship, which is a wonderful opportunity for bereaved families to share their loved one's stories and gain strength from one another.

Camp Amanda-Minnesota

Working with grieving families has given us a special compassion for children who are experiencing a loss. We say that too often children were not getting the support needed to adjust to their loss, leaving them struggling. In 2002, we joined with funeral directors all over the state to create Camp Amanda-Minnesota, a free weekend camp for children, ages 6-18 who have experienced the death of someone important to them. It is specially designed to provide the support and information children need, in a way they can understand. For more information, give us a call or click this link to the Camp Amanda – Minnesota website.