Gehlbach & Royse Funeral Home

03/02/2026

While you’re dusting off the shelves and clearing out the garage this month, consider the ultimate act of organization: pre-planning.

Taking a few moments to document your final wishes is like a "spring cleaning" for your legacy. It removes the clutter of uncertainty and leaves your family with a clear, peaceful path forward. 🌿

Give yourself (and them) the gift of a tidy future.

02/27/2026

**Did you Know?**

Lincoln's funeral procession was massive, estimated to include over 25,000 mourners! People traveled from all over the country to pay their respects, creating a spectacle unlike anything seen in America at that time.
Due to the vast crowds expected in Washington D.C., the funeral wasn't held at the White House. Instead, it took place at the Capitol building to accommodate the large number of dignitaries and mourners.
In total, his funeral services lasted 20 days, ending at his final burial place in Springfield, Illinois.

The more you know! Leave a comment and tell us what you think!

02/23/2026

Handling the death of a loved one is never an easy task. We've put together some of the important information you'll need to make the initial decisions, reach out to the appropriate people, and begin the process of designing your loved one's final farewell. Remember that, as you begin to cope with your loss, it's often a good idea to enlist the help and support of a trusted friend in making the necessary arrangements.

Within Hours
When a death occurs at home or in the workplace, you'll need to contact emergency personnel or your loved one's physician if he or she was under medical care. If no one else was present when the death occurred, you'll also need to notify the police before the deceased is moved to a secondary location.

When a death occurs while your loved one is in a hospital, care facility or hospice program, the professional staff will notify you and contact the appropriate authorities. If you've already given them the name of a funeral home, the facility will contact them as well.

The next steps involve registration of the death, and the processes and documentation involved depend upon the circumstances. The professionals you've contacted will help to guide you through obtaining a medical certificate and the appropriate registration procedures.

If you're ever unsure of whom you should notify or what your next steps should be, please call us for assistance in determining the appropriate course of action for your particular situation.

Within the First Few Days
After you've taken care of the initial necessary arrangements, you'll want to notify friends and relatives of the death. If it is too painful for you to do this yourself, it's absolutely okay for a trusted friend to make the call in your place. Now is the time to review any prearranged wishes or plans your loved one may have put in place, and meet with the professionals at your chosen funeral home to discuss your options and begin designing a funeral. You'll also write a death notice or obituary to notify those in the community of your loved one's passing.

Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have about what you need to do, even if your concerns aren't directly related to the funeral. We're well-versed in all topics relating to the loss of a loved one, and we'd be honored to provide you with answers, advice, and guidance in your time of need.


A Network of Support
Your initial call with our funeral director will allow us to inquire about any prearrangements and gather the information we need to transport your loved one to the funeral home, but you can also feel free to ask any questions you may have and resolve any of your initial concerns. At later meetings you'll be able to discuss your arrangements in greater detail, but we're always available in your time of need to provide emotional support, a sympathetic ear, and careful guidance.



Know that, during your time of loss, your greatest resource will be loved ones who want to offer their assistance in any way they can. We encourage you to get in touch with relatives, neighbors, friends, clergy members or other spiritual advisors, and other trusted members of your community. They are often more than happy to prepare food, look after children, help with arrangements, or simply offer a kind word and open arms.

What If There Aren't Any Prearrangements?
If your loved one has not specified any arrangements or preferences beforehand, there are some initial questions you will likely need to answer when you consult with your funeral home:

Should I choose embalming?
Do I need to purchase a casket?
Will I care for my loved one's physical remains through burial or cremation?
What sort of funeral or memorial service should I plan?
Are there any religious traditions or customs I need to plan for? Should I engage the services of a clergy member or spiritual leader?
These questions are just a starting point, and you don't need to know the answers right away. Start thinking about your decisions, and contact us to gain a better understanding of your options and discuss what might be the most appropriate solution for your situation. We're here to make this process easier for you, and we can start by making sure that you have all of the information and guidance you'll need.

What to Expect When You Meet With Us
When you meet with a member of our staff to discuss your arrangements, we'll first provide you with a general price list to give you a basic idea of what our services cost. We'll then walk you through the entire arrangement process, and ask you about your loved one to gain an understanding of the person the services will honor. Use this time to communicate your ideas and preferences, share your loved one's life story, revisit memories and highlight their accomplishments. Our professionals will use this information to guide you in the creation of a personalized, meaningful celebration of your loved one's unique journey.

This process may include:
Preparing and filing the official death certificate
Scheduling the services and events (including the location, date, and time)
Selecting a casket, urn, or other products you may need
Drafting an obituary
Arranging necessary transportation
Selecting pallbearers
To help express your loved one's personality and life story, feel free to bring any memorabilia - like photos, videos, music, crafts, or treasured items - that might give us a better understanding of how you envision paying tribute to your loved one. Even if you're not sure how a particular aspect of their life might be incorporated, don't hesitate to ask; we can often make unique suggestions on a way to add that element as a special touch to their service.

We'd like to make this process as smooth and stress-free for you as we can, and you can come prepared for your meeting by making sure that you have the following information about your loved one on hand when you meet with our professionals to discuss your arrangements:

Full legal name & home address
Social Security number
Date of birth
Place of birth
Father's name
Mother's maiden name
Veteran's discharge papers (DD-214), if applicable
Highest education
Occupation
Chosen place of burial, if applicable
Clergy name and phone number, if applicable
Names and relationships of survivors
Insurance policy information, if applicable
**Please also bring a recent photograph and any clothing you'd like us to use when dressing them for the service.**

If you have any questions about your next steps, the options available to you, or what the funeral arrangement process will entail, we'd be honored to walk you through this information in more detail and answer your questions. Don't hesitate to contact us for anything you might need.

Gehlbach & Royse Funeral Homes
(812)-738-4131 | (812)-951-2131
www.gehlbachandroyse.com
Now on Facebook Messenger

02/18/2026

When visiting a cemetery, there are a number of basic rules you should keep in mind in order to show respect to both the living and the dead. These tips will help to keep you out of trouble and make sure you and your fellow visitors enjoy a courteous, peaceful experience.

**Follow the Rules**
Most cemeteries have a sign posted near the entrance listing rules specific to the property. Follow the rules and observe any floral regulations they might have set.

**Obey the Hours**
Most cemeteries are open from dawn until dusk. Try not to remain in the cemetery after dark to avoid being charged with trespassing.

**Drive with Care**
Make sure to follow the roadways and remain off the grass. Drive slowly, and watch out for people who might not be paying attention. If the lane is narrow and another car approaches, offer to move your car until the other driver can get through.

**Respect the Graves**
Don't touch any monuments or headstones; this is not only disrespectful, but may cause damage to the memorials, especially older ones. Never remove anything from a gravestone, such as flowers, coins, or tributes that have been left by family.

**Look After Your Children**
If you bring children, make sure to keep a close eye on them and keep them from running, yelling, and playing or climbing on graves and monuments. Teach them to act in a respectful and considerate manner.

**Speak Softly & Politely**
Be respectful to other mourners: remember to keep your voice down when having conversations, and avoid using bad language.

**Lower the Volume**
If you choose to bring it with you, take a moment to ensure that your cellphone is turned off. Avoid having phone conversations, as voices tend to carry in open spaces. Make sure to turn off your car stereo while driving or parking in the cemetery.

**Be Respectful of Services and Other Mourners**
If a funeral is occurring, take care not to get in the way of processions. Never take photos of strangers at a funeral or visiting a gravesite; it is extremely disrespectful to them in their time of grief. Respect their privacy and give them their space.

**Don't Leave Trash Behind**
Litter creates extra work for the caretakers, and is disrespectful to both other visitors and those who are buried there. Use designated receptacles, if they are provided, or hang onto your trash and take it with you when you leave.

**Leash Your Pets**
Some cemeteries allow pets on their grounds. Before you bring your pet along, check to make sure it's not against the rules, and keep them on a leash at all times.

Let us know what you think! Leave a comment or send us a message!

Gehlbach & Royse Funeral Homes
(812)-738-4131 | (812)-951-2131
www.gehlbachandroyse.com
Now on Facebook Messenger

02/16/2026

This Presidents' Day, let's remember the legacies of those who served our country. Just as presidents leave a lasting impact, so too do our loved ones. We are here to help you honor their memory and ensure their legacy lives on.

02/11/2026

Did you know that some funeral homes are bringing in furry friends to help with grief support? 🐾 Grief support dogs offer unconditional love and comfort during difficult times. Their gentle presence can provide solace and a sense of calm.

Our team is passionate about animals, and we know firsthand the joy and companionship they bring.

Every once in a while, you might even see one of our furry friends in or around the funeral home on office-only days.

02/04/2026

When attending a visitation or funeral, you might find yourself uncertain of what you should wear, what to say, or what to do. We've put together a short guide to the basics of funeral home etiquette to help you pay your respects with courtesy and consideration.

**What to Wear**
Try to find out the dress code before you attend, so that you can be sure you'll fit in and look appropriate. If you aren't sure, simply try to dress in a conservative way that shows respect for the family and other mourners. This doesn't necessarily mean you must wear black (in fact, some families specify "no black" for their services), but try to avoid overly bright colors. For men, a suit and a conservative tie is usually a safe bet. Women should generally wear a conservative dress, skirt, or pants with a tasteful blouse.

**Religious & Ethnic Customs**
Traditions and customs differ among various communities, ethnic groups and religions, and it's often helpful to ask beforehand about any special considerations you need to take into account. We can answer many of your questions, and can also point you toward resources that offer specific and detailed guides.

**Emotions**
A funeral is an emotional time, and grieving is a natural part of the healing process. Don't feel uncomfortable if you or the bereaved begins to cry. However, if you find yourself becoming extremely upset, it is kinder to excuse yourself to avoid increasing the strain on the family.

**Greeting the Family**
Upon arrival, approach the family and express your sympathy with an embrace or by offering your hands. Don't feel that you should avoid talking about the person who has died...in fact, talking can help the grieving process to begin.

**What to Say**
Express your sympathy in your own words, however it feels right to you. Kind words about the loved one who has passed are always appropriate, and a simple "I'm sorry for your loss" or "My thoughts and prayers are with you" can be meaningful and comforting for the bereaved.

**What Not to Say**
Don't ask the cause of death; if the family wants to discuss it, let them bring it up. Avoid giving unsolicited advice, or making comments that might unintentionally diminish the importance of the loss, such as "I've been through this before."

**Paying Respect**
At a service with an open casket, it's customary to show your respect by viewing the deceased and, if you wish, spending a few moments in silent prayer. The family may es**rt you to the casket, or you might approach on your own. Viewing the deceased is not mandatory, however, and you should act according to what is comfortable to you.

**How to Act**
After you've offered your condolences to the family, it's perfectly appropriate to engage in quiet conversation with friends and other associates of the deceased who attend the visitation. Don't feel that you have to stay longer than you feel comfortable; your presence means a lot to the family, no matter how long or short the visit.

**Signing the Register**
Be sure to add yourself to the register book, using your full name so that the family can identify you in the future. It's also helpful to add information about how you knew the deceased-through work, social clubs, school, etc.

**Flowers and Gifts**
Sending flowers, making a donation, or giving a memorial gift are all meaningful gestures to let the bereaved know that they are in your thoughts. The simplest of tributes can be of great comfort to the family, and can express your sympathy when words just aren't enough.

**Turn Off Your Cellphone**
This one should go without saying. If you choose to bring your phone into the funeral home, take a moment to make sure you've turned it off.

Let us know what you think! Leave a comment or send us a message!

Gehlbach & Royse Funeral Homes
(812)-738-4131 | (812)-951-2131
www.gehlbachandroyse.com
Now on Facebook Messenger

02/02/2026

Surprising fact: You can actually plan your funeral in advance!
Here is some more information to make it easier on you and your loved ones.

**It's easy.**
You can take your time creating arrangements that best suit your needs and preferences, and all you have to do is fill out a form or meet with a member of our staff to put your plan in place. Anyone can create a plan, at any stage in their life, and you can make changes at a later date if you wish.

**It lets you decide how you'd like to be remembered.**
Creating your own unique life celebration allows you to make sure that your wishes and desires are respected upon your passing. However you decide to be memorialized, pre-planning and preparation gives you control over the personal decisions that must be made when a person moves on from this life. Planning can be meaningful for your family, as well, if you choose to include them in the process. It can help them to feel connected to you both in life and in death, knowing that your arrangements reflect exactly what you envisioned them to be.

**It takes the burden off of your family and friends.**
When a loved one passes, the family faces an overwhelming number of tasks and decisions, all while struggling through grief and a range of difficult emotions. By taking care of your arrangements before the time of need, you’re relieving them of that burden and giving them more time and energy to focus on healing and remembrance. They won’t have to ask themselves, “Am I making the right choices?” and can instead focus on what matters: saying goodbye and celebrating your life journey with those who cared about you most.

**It gives you the ability to pre-pay, if you wish.**
While pre-funding your funeral is certainly not required in order to pre-plan, pre-payment means that your funds will be set aside and protected against inflation and unforeseen increases in cost. Your family won’t have to worry about payment, and can enjoy peace of mind knowing that everything has been taken care of. We’d be happy to provide you with more information and help you arrange for pre-funding of your services.

**What if I Move?**
Once you create your pre-plan with us, we store it in our files as a record of your final wishes and decisions. Your plan is easily transferable to any funeral home in the United States, so it can be used wherever you might choose to relocate. No matter where you live at the time of your passing, or which funeral home’s services you decide to use, we’ll make sure that your plan follows you there.

**Where Do I Start?**
The first step is to review our Pre-Planning Checklist to help you consider all of your possibilities and gather all of the information you’ll need. Then, you can use our Pre-Planning Form to begin creating your personalized arrangements. You can also contact us to schedule a time to meet with a member of our staff to discuss your options and design your plan in person.

Let us know what you think! Leave a comment or send us a message!

Gehlbach & Royse Funeral Homes
(812)-738-4131 | (812)-951-2131
www.gehlbachandroyse.com
Now on Facebook Messenger

01/28/2026

Did you know that the flowers chosen for a service often tell their own story? From the White Lily, representing peace, to the Red Rose, symbolizing deep love, every petal carries a message of comfort and hope.

Here in Harrison County, we are incredibly fortunate to have several talented local florists. Among them, we are proud to work closely with Heart and Soul. She truly pours her "Heart and Soul" into every arrangement, and we’ve seen firsthand how she goes above and beyond for our families during their most difficult days.

While our website offers a convenient way to order flower options with just a few clicks, we know that a face-to-face touch or a personal phone call might be exactly what you need. To speak with her directly and ensure your tribute is as personalized as possible, we encourage you to call her at 812-738-7556.

Whether you choose the ease of our website or the comfort of a personal conversation, we are here to help you honor your loved one beautifully.

01/26/2026

Our veterans deserve to be honored and recognized for their sacrifices. This is especially true after they pass away, whether that death was service related or not. Veterans and their families may be able to receive monetary allowances to reimburse certain burial related expenses, honorary tributes as part of a funeral or memorial service, and special memorial and keepsake items. These benefits are intended to help honor the veteran’s life and express gratitude for their contributions to our nation.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a United States flag at no cost to the next-of-kin of a deceased veteran. The flag is provided as a keepsake designed to honor the memory of the veteran. It is typically used during the funeral or memorial service during the flag folding and presentat...

01/23/2026

⚠️ IMPORTANT WEATHER UPDATE: Service Postponement & Office Closures

Due to the incoming inclement weather and in coordination with local authorities, we are prioritizing the safety of our community and the families we serve. Please note the following changes:

Service Updates for Michael Heeke
The services for Michael Heeke have been postponed from Sunday/Monday to Wednesday and Thursday.

Travel Advisory: If you are traveling to our funeral homes on Wednesday, please use extreme caution. Roads may still be hazardous, so please give yourself plenty of extra time to arrive safely.

For specific service times and updated details, please visit our website: www.gehlbachandroyse.com

Office Closures
The business offices at both our Corydon and Georgetown locations will be closed on the following dates:

Sunday, January 25

Monday, January 26

Tuesday, January 27

We Are Still Available
While our physical offices are closed, our staff remains available to assist you 24/7. If you have an immediate need or a question, please reach out to us by phone: 📞 812-738-4131

Please stay safe and warm. We appreciate your understanding as we navigate these weather conditions together.

01/22/2026

In the quiet moments following a loss, having a clear guide can help you focus on what matters most: honoring your loved one.

Whether the passing occurs at home, in a care facility, or away from home, understanding the immediate actions to be taken is crucial. From contacting local authorities or emergency services to coordinating with a preferred funeral home, having a plan in place can help navigate the initial stages of bereavement with greater clarity and peace of mind.