Innovative Funeral Practices: How One Iowa Home is Redefining Farewells

Amid skyrocketing cremation rates and increasing operational expenses, Hamilton’s Funeral Home has found innovative ways to honor loved ones, from transforming spaces for memorial services to even using cremated remains in custom shotgun shells for a final hunt celebration.

Recognizing the shifting landscape of the funeral industry, Hamilton’s Funeral Home in Des Moines, Iowa, is experimenting with unconventional methods to adapt to changing consumer preferences and financial constraints. As cremation rates surge and traditional funeral services face declining profits, funeral director Lanae Strovers has embraced creativity to offer personalized farewells that honor the unique lives of the deceased.

Reflecting on the wishes of a young hunter's family, Strovers commissioned a gunsmith to embed the cremated remains into shotgun shells, orchestrating a commemorative hunt in his honor. This approach is indicative of her broader mission at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, where she has transformed memorial services into personalized experiences. For a beloved Little League coach, she fashioned a mock baseball field complete with bases and fun snacks. When memorializing a child, she created a festive circus atmosphere complete with bouncy houses and snow cones.

The rise in cremation rates over the last few decades has forced many in the funeral industry to rethink their methodologies, especially in light of increasing costs related to staffing, gasoline, and embalming supplies. Strovers commented on the transformation, “I don’t want to say that we’re going to become party planners, but we’re crossing over these lines, opening our thought process to be present for families.”

Alongside her funeral duties, Strovers also serves as a trainer for the National Funeral Directors Association, emphasizing that the future of the industry relies on innovation and flexibility in the face of adversity. As conventional practices continue to evolve, the willingness to adapt will be crucial for the survival of funeral homes. Hamilton’s Funeral Home stands as a testament to what can be achieved through creativity and a personal touch amidst challenging times.