Plans & Pricing
Funerals by Heritage Life Story Funeral Home are something special, and that comes from our team, our values, and from our unique Life Story Experience.
On this page:Funeral Plans Value Guarantee Planning Ahead FAQ
Let's Make the Right Funeral
The best funerals bring people together - grieving, sharing memories, and celebrating life. Keep it simple; we've put together funeral plan packages to do just that.
To start, just answer a few questions. It takes only 30 seconds.
StartFor immediate, personal assistance call:
616-453-8263 (Lake Michigan Dr.) or 616-361-2613 (Plainfield)
Funeral Plan Packages
Found Matching:
Is there a preference between burial or cremation?
This simply describes the final disposition of the body. Associated services and costs are similar whether placed in a grave, mausoleum or columbarium, or scattered.
What about a get-together or other event?
It may be formal or informal, ceremonial or casual, full of tradition or a unique one-of-a-kind event. Consider family, friends, and others who may benefit from time together to laugh, cry, share stories, and acknowledge loss.
If having an event of some kind, should the body of the deceased be present there?
Viewing provides time for everyone to say goodbye in their own personal way.
A complete plan to get people together, say goodbye, share the life story, laugh, cry and celebrate the life.
This plan allows for a robust and meaningful sendoff over a single day, be it casual, ceremonial, or a little bit of both. We'll put it all together with our unique Life Story-focused approach: whether it's a traditional visitation, viewing and funeral or a Celebration of Life with food, drinks and shared stories.
- Burial or Cremation: $6,500
- Add a day prior for additional time with family and friends: +$500
Additional Items: merchandise (caskets, vault, printed materials), third party charges (obituary charges, honorariums, cemetery fee, crematory fee, permits,certificates, food, flowers), and other services as requested. Green Burial options available.
Time with Family & Friends
Traditionally called a “visitation” (but can be a party, reception, wake or other get-together), this is an open and informal time for family and friends to come together, sharing grief, showing support, and offering encouragement. It is a time to activate your support network — not just those that knew the deceased, but the supportive community of each family member — to share laughter and tears in a setting that is supportive, understanding and accepting.
A Time for Goodbyes
A "viewing" simply means that the body of the deceased is present at the visitation, funeral, or other event. It gives everyone time to say goodbye in their own way. It is impactful and highly significant, offering perspective and deep realization for family and friends.
A Life Story-Focused Experience
The Life Story Experience is a meaningful process that honors the legacy of your loved one. The experience engages family and visitors, connecting across generations, both at in-person events and on the Life Story page online. The story is a basis for connection, encourages conversation, and evokes emotions that begin the healing process.
A Shared & Coordinated Tribute
An organized event with stories, speakers, music, traditions and symbolism. It may take place at our facility, a place of worship, or any other meaningful location. It may be formal or casual, full of tradition, a unique one-of-a-kind event, or fall somewhere between.
A Final Farewell
This is a short ceremony with others at the place and time that the deceased is laid to rest, whether buried or scattered. It's a touching time of reflection, closure, and connection with others. It may include music, speakers, shared stories and purposeful farewell practices.
Planning & Coordination
Whether you know exactly what you want or whether you aren't sure where to start, we'll get to know your family, your values and your ideas. We'll provide information and guidance, and help you create a service that is right for you. We focus on the details, allowing you to focus on sharing time with others.
Transportation & Prep. of Deceased
Our care team receives your loved one and provides transport to the funeral home. The body is cared for, embalmed, bathed, dressed and prepared for viewing. Following the service, your loved one is brought to the cemetery or crematory.
Documentation & Filings
We'll handle the paperwork for you, including the death certificate, notification of social security, necessary authorizations and permits and other documentation.
A condensed plan for family & friends to laugh, cry and share the Life Story together.
This plan focuses on having a single event/get-together with family and friends, where the deceased is buried or cremated beforehand. Whether it's a visitation, memorial service, or a Celebration of Life with food and drinks, we'll coordinate it with our unique Life Story approach: sharing stories, remembering, and helping everyone feel engaged and connected.
- Burial followed by Funeral: $5,600
- Burial followed by Visitation: $4,800
- Cremation followed by Funeral: $5,000
- Cremation followed by Visitation: $4,000
Additional Items: merchandise (caskets, vault, printed materials), third party charges (obituary charges, honorariums, cemetery fee, crematory fee, permits,certificates, food, flowers), and other services as requested. Green Burial options available.
Time with Family & Friends
Traditionally called a “visitation” (but can be a party, reception, wake or other get-together), this is an open and informal time for family and friends to come together, sharing grief, showing support, and offering encouragement. It is a time to activate your support network — not just those that knew the deceased, but the supportive community of each family member — to share laughter and tears in a setting that is supportive, understanding and accepting.
A Shared & Coordinated Tribute
An organized event with stories, speakers, music, traditions and symbolism. It may take place at our facility, a place of worship, or any other meaningful location. It may be formal or casual, full of tradition, a unique one-of-a-kind event, or fall somewhere between.
A Life Story-Focused Experience
The Life Story Experience is a meaningful process that honors the legacy of your loved one. The experience engages family and visitors, connecting across generations, both at in-person events and on the Life Story page online. The story is a basis for connection, encourages conversation, and evokes emotions that begin the healing process.
A Final Farewell
This is a short ceremony with others at the place and time that the deceased is laid to rest, whether buried or scattered. It's a touching time of reflection, closure, and connection with others. It may include music, speakers, shared stories and purposeful farewell practices.
Planning & Coordination
Whether you know exactly what you want or whether you aren't sure where to start, we'll get to know your family, your values and your ideas. We'll provide information and guidance, and help you create a service that is right for you. We focus on the details, allowing you to focus on sharing time with others.
Transportation of the Deceased
Our care team accepts your loved one and transports him or her to the funeral home. We provide temporary shelter and transport to the place of final disposition. Burial Services include washing, dressing and related care.
Documentation & Filings
We'll handle the paperwork for you, including the death certificate, notification of social security, necessary authorizations and permits and other documentation.
A short and significant memorial, held on site during burial/scattering.
Gather with others at the place and time that the deceased is laid to rest. We'll plan and direct a Life Story-focused event that offers closure and touches people's hearts with tears, laughter, and shared memories.
- Burial or Cremation: $4,200
Additional Items: merchandise (caskets, vault, printed materials), third party charges (obituary charges, honorariums, cemetery fee, crematory fee, permits,certificates, food, flowers), and other services as requested. Green Burial options available.
Graveside Funeral Service
A simpler version of a memorial service, held at the cemetery or other place of disposition. It may include speakers, music, and meaningful farewell practices.
A Life Story-Focused Experience
The Life Story Experience is a meaningful process that honors the legacy of your loved one. The experience engages family and visitors, connecting across generations, both while attending events in-person and while visiting the Life Story page online.. It encourages conversations and evokes emotions that begin the healing process. Sharing the story gives a basis for connection and conversation.
Planning & Coordination
Whether you know exactly what you want or whether you aren't sure where to start, we'll get to know your family, your values and your ideas. We'll provide information and guidance, and help you create a service that is right for you. We focus on the details, allowing you to focus on sharing time with others.
Transportation of the Deceased
Our care team accepts your loved one and transports him or her to the funeral home. We provide temporary shelter and transport to the place of final disposition. Burial Services include washing, dressing and related care.
Documentation & Filings
We'll handle the paperwork for you, including the death certificate, notification of social security, necessary authorizations and permits and other documentation.
Host and direct your own memorial event, with a bit of guidance and support from us.
With some coordination and the effort of friends and family, a self-directed event can be held just about anywhere, whether that's a venue, a special location or the home of a friend or family member. Following burial or cremation, we'll provide guidance and support to help you get people together for a memorable, meaningful and Life Story focused event.
- Burial or Cremation: $3,100
Additional Items: merchandise (caskets, vault, printed materials), third party charges (obituary charges, honorariums, cemetery fee, crematory fee, permits,certificates, food, flowers), and other services as requested. Green Burial options available.
A Self-Directed Event
Every life deserves to be honored. This option allows you to plan the right event at a time and place of your choice. We are available to provide suggestions and resources.
Life Story-Related Support
The Life Story is a basis for conversation, and evokes tears and laughter that begin the healing process. We'll put it all together, connecting people at in-person events and the Life Story page online.
Transportation of the Deceased
Our care team accepts your loved one and transports him or her to the funeral home. We provide temporary shelter and transport to the place of final disposition. Burial Services include washing, dressing and related care.
Consultation & Recommendations
We'll take the time to get to know your family, your values and your ideas. We'll provide information and guidance, and help you plan and coordinate your own event.
Documentation & Filings
We'll handle the paperwork for you, including the death certificate, notification of social security, necessary authorizations and permits and other documentation.
Whenever possible, we encourage taking time to grieve, laugh, cry and share stories together with family and friends. And for that, we recommend you consider the Immediate Cremation option above: "A Self Directed Event, with Guidance".
But if cost is the only concern, these cremation "Essential Services Only" plans are an affordable alternative.
- Immediate Cremation - In-Person Consultation
This plan includes time to talk with our staff in-person. We'll handle the paperwork for you, including the death certificate, notification of social security and necessary permits. You'll have the opportunity (and are encouraged) to write and provide information/life's story for the personal memory page, and you'll be responsible for writing and submitting any obituary notices for publication (MLive, etc.). Any memorial events would be planned solely by your family. $2,200
- Immediate Cremation - Online Only
Our most affordable option, this plan is completed entirely online, without the need for phone or in-person support from the funeral home. For those looking to do all planning online and with minimal services from a funeral director, Start Now $1,250
Value Guarantee
We appreciate the time you have taken to consider our services. We understand that costs can be an important factor and we strive to provide the best value. However, the best value does not necessarily mean the lowest price! If our charges are more than another service provider, we will do our best to explain any possible differences that affect overall value.
Our Guarantee is Simple: If you do not see any difference in value, then we will gladly honor a lower price and terms of another local funeral home.
This price can be taken from either a written estimate or from current prices listed on a funeral home website.
Sincerely,
Lee Karelse & Matt Hollebeek, Owners
Plan Ahead
If you're interested in putting together a funeral plan ahead of time, we're here to help.
info@heritagelifestory.com
616-453-8263 (Lake Michigan Dr.)
616-361-2613 (Plainfield)
Funeral Pricing FAQ
Since the services available prior to burial available prior to cremation, the costs can be similar. The major cost difference is often recognized at the cemetery as the cost for burial is typically significantly more than for cremated remains. Also, outer burial containers are significantly less for cremated remains.
Cremation and Burial are two forms of disposition permitted by Michigan law. Cremation is not a type of service. The services available prior to burial available prior to cremation. Similarly, most of the services often associated following a cremation, available following a burial.
These terms are often used interchangeably, but may help describe the desired mood or environment of the event.