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April 2023 by Taylor Skeens
I am beyond grateful for Derek and his staff. I had a miscarriage and was able to get my daughter cremated here for free thanks to Derek. He was a huge help over the phone explaining everything and being very kind throughout. Larry was very gentle and caring when we dropped our daughter off. I can’t remember if it was Karli or Kristen that cremated my daughter, but she was there when I came to pick her up and was very kind and gentle as well. We are so thankful for the staff we interacted with!
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March 2023 by Kathy VZ
Derek is the true professional! When planning a loved one’s celebration of life, Derek has all the answers and if he doesn’t, he’ll go the extra mile to find out!He is truly caring and compassionate and feels like he’s part of your very own family, when working with him.
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March 2022 by L VZ
With the unexpected passing of my husband three weeks ago I was in a bit of shock, disbelief and confusion. My husband passed while we were on vacation in Michigan, so it made for some difficult situations. Derek took the initiative to go and pick my husband up himself in Eagle River. He also took the time to drive him down our street upon his return. His compassion, his expertise and his staff were top notch. Derek met with us and made the situation we were in feel less traumatic. I had so many unanswered questions, so many decisions to make, so many calls to make. Derek took the time to walk me through the entire process without making me feel overwhelmed. After the service was finished we didn’t have to do a thing. Derek delivered everything to our home! While we waited for the cremation certificate and death certificates, we were reassured that my husband was in good hands.I would highly recommend Van Deurzen -Verkuilen funeral home for your family funeral planning.
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March 2022 by Jay Jung
We received the news of the sudden and unexpected loss of our mother. James was as empathetic and gracious in our loss as we could have hoped for. His professionalism and knowledge were very comforting. We can’t imagine how anyone could possibly handle a situation like this any better.
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March 2021 by Colleen Wall
Derek and his staff were caring and compassionate during a difficult time in our life. He made everything seem so simple with his process to work with families and made sure everything was perfect for our mom.
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March 2020 by deborah j wilmot
***This is for their FREEDOM location.(They have one in Little Chute also- reviews for the Freedom site seem to end up here)I just brought 4 people in their 80s to the funeral of their friend.There were MANY other people there similar in age, and using walkers, canes, etc., needing assistance.The seating was so tightly packed, even people much younger and smaller in size were uncomfortable. The chairs could not have been much more than 20 inches across at most, yet were packed tightly side by side.Even without a coat, people were still uncomfortably shoulder to shoulder with people on either side.So before a large number of people were seated, I POLITELY asked the funeral director if those chairs could be spaced out to help these people be more comfortable- especially the elderly and disabled.His response: “Why? NO ONE HAS EVER COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS BEFORE YOU! If they want their chairs moved THEY can move them. Or YOU can move them. I’m not moving those chairs!”I tried explaining that people in a funeral setting, and especially the elderly were not about to walk in and move chairs of their own volition.He repeated himself.So I moved the chairs myself, and a few other men saw me, thanked me and did the same.Incidentally, some of the elderly saw this and thanked me as well.A family’s time of grief should not have to be spent taking care of furniture in facility paid for their services.One would think in this business, the owners would consider customer service, ESPECIALLY that toward people who may be in need of it in the future.
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March 2018 by Sue Landreman
There are no words to express our appreciation and thanks for the wonderful celebration of our mom's life. At a time that was stressful for us, we relied on Derek to take care of so much! Explaining each step helped us make decisions and feel somewhat in control of a very difficult situation. From the time he came to us in the middle of the night, to the burial in the cemetery, we felt at ease and in good hands! And for that, we will be forever grateful! But it did not stop there. Mom passed away in June. In December, 5 days before Christmas, Derek & his staff planned a holiday remembrance program for all who had passed away in 2017. The program had special music, readings and a lighting of candles, along with an ornament to take home. It was such a wonderful touch. Derek was as compassionate to us that night as he was during our mom's funeral. As I looked around, I realized that every family there experienced the same compassion that we did. He brought the spirit of Christmas alive! We could not have made a better choice than Verkuilen VanDeurzen Funeral Home when it came to wanting the best for our mom!
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March 2017 by Traci Springstroh
What a great person Derek is. He was great in all the planing and the day of the funeral. Could not have had a better experience
