Gehlbach & Royse Funeral Home

04/22/2026

Today is Lou Anne's birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOU ANNE!

Please leave a comment wishing her well today!

04/19/2026

Did you know that becoming a Funeral Director and Embalmer in Indiana requires a college degree? It's true! To practice funeral service in our state, you must earn an Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service from an accredited mortuary college. There are only about 58 colleges nationwide offering this specialized program.

After graduation, future funeral directors must pass two National Board exams. Once approved, they receive an apprentice license and spend a year gaining hands-on experience. A final state exam is required to obtain a full license.

The more you know! Leave us a comment telling us what you think!

04/17/2026

Q- How are death certificates obtained?

A- Once the funeral home has received all of the proper information, they will file it with the doctor electrically. Once the doctor has signed off, the health department will review and certify.

In the state of Indiana, death certificates can be gotten from the health department in the county of which the person passed.

In Kentucky, all death certificates are obtained from the Office of Vital Statistic in Frankfort.

04/15/2026

Did you know that today is President Lincoln's date of death?

Since Lincoln played a big part in creating funeral service as we know it today, here is some information about him!

**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!

04/10/2026

Q- Who is legal next of kin for making arrangements ?

A- Per state and federal law in this order..

1- Spouse
2- Biological Adult Children (ALL or Majority)
3-Parents
4- Adult Grandchildren (ALL or Majority)
5-Adult Siblings (ALL or Majority)
6-any other degree of kinship (All or majority)

04/08/2026

Did you know that you can sign up to get our obituaries emailed to you?

Just follow the link!

Subscribe to Obituaries

04/05/2026

From our family to yours, we wish you a Happy Easter.

We know holidays hit hard after a loss, and if you are missing someone today or any day, we're holding a space for you.

04/03/2026

Q- What is the difference in Coffin and Casket?

A- A coffin more often used in other countries and is anthropoidal in shape. Caskets are what is common today in America. They are rectangle in shape.

04/01/2026

As we move into the month of April, and spring becomes more in full swing.. Let's remember that spring reminds us that even after a loss, life will continue to bloom.

Share a story or note in the comments of how spring reminds you of your loved one.

03/23/2026

Have you ever driven past a funeral home in the middle of the night and wondered why the lights are still on?

There is an old story in our profession that says a funeral home should never be completely dark. The light in the window isn’t just for the living to find their way; it’s a silent promise to the community.

It signifies that someone is always home. It means that even in the darkest hours of the night, if a family calls, someone is awake, ready to listen, and ready to bring a loved one into our care.

It’s a beacon of safety. It says that the work of honoring a life doesn't follow a clock. We keep the lights on because grief doesn't take a break at 5:00 PM, and neither do we. As long as there is a light in our window, you are never alone in the dark.

03/20/2026

Q: What is the difference between a funeral and a 'Celebration of Life'?

A: A funeral usually has the body present and follows a more formal structure. A Celebration of Life is often more casual, can happen weeks or months later, and focuses on the personality, hobbies, and "vibe" of the deceased (like a party or a tribute).

03/17/2026

St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with parades and celebration, but in Irish culture, one of the most beautiful traditions is the "Wake."

Historically, a wake wasn't just a somber goodbye—it was a time for the community to gather, share a meal, tell "tall tales" about the departed, and ensure that no family had to grieve alone. It was a celebration of a journey completed and a legacy left behind.

We believe every life has a story worth telling. Whether your heritage is Irish or you simply want to honor a loved one with laughter and shared memories, we are here to help you create a "wake" that feels personal, respectful, and full of life.

Today, we wish our entire community a day of peace, reflection, and perhaps a few good stories.

"May the memories you hold be as green as the hills of Ireland, and may the love of your family be the pot of gold at the end of every rainbow."

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from our family to yours.