Kevin Hostetler, owner of the Hostetler Funeral Home in Parsons, shows the new company sign.
By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
PARSONS – Kevin Hostetler purchased The Randolph Funeral Home in Valley Bend and the Hostetler Funeral Home in Parsons in September, and this past week, a new sign was installed at the Parsons location. Hostetler said he wants folks to know the same professional, caring staff is on board, and there are a few new features they are offering folks.
“We still offer traditional funerals, visitation and memorial services following cremation,” Hostetler said. “We have direct cremation services, which is the simplest and most economical service. We do our own cremations and by offering that, the loved one does not have to leave our care. That cuts down on the wait time to receive the loved one back.”
One of the new services offered by the Hostetler Funeral Home is a digital register book.
“I think we are the first and only one in the area to be offering this,” he said. “Visitors sign in on an iPad and what that does is capture everyone who comes to the visitation signatures and addresses. It is attached to our website. It combines photos, signatures and condolences from our website into a Shutterfly bound book for the family.”
Hostetler said this offers the opportunity to produce multiple books for family members.
“With a traditional sign in book, there is only one copy,” he said. “This option allows for multiple books to be made for a spouse, children and loved ones.”
Hostetler said folks who have used this feature say they really like it.
“It also makes mailing labels from the signature and addresses to use for sending thank you cards,” he said.
Another new offering is the ability to pay for items online at the funeral home’s website.
“This saves time and allows family members to make payments or order items even if the funeral home is not open,” he said.
The final item Hostetler said they are getting ready to launch is called Crowd Funding.
“We have all seen someone set up a GoFundMe account saying it is for funeral expenses,” Hostetler said. “You don’t always know who will get the funds from a GoFundMe account. We have Crowd Funding we set up on our website. You set the goal and the funds go directly to the funeral home for that person’s expenses. We in turn let the family know the balance and who contributed to the expenses.”
The Hostetler Funeral Home, located at 225 Walnut St. in Parsons, is now staffed Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“My in laws, Roger and Ruth Carr are at the home those hours,” Hostetler said. “Folks who have questions or need to pre arrange for their wishes are welcome to stop by or give us a call.”
Additional information about the Hostetler Funeral Home in Parsons may call 304-478-4800, or visit online at www.hostetlerfuneralhome.com.