What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm

O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home

Home
United States
Grand Rapids, MI
O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home

The O’Brien Funeral Home became a licensed funeral home in Grand Rapids in 1885

02/27/2026

The start of planning a funeral amidst the recent loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming, and it can be hard to know where to begin. If you or someone you care about is unsure how to plan a meaningful celebration of life, we’re here to guide you through each step with care and support. Connect with one of the funeral directors today and get the support you need: https://bit.ly/4e7TRfc

02/25/2026

There are many options open to you when it comes to cremation planning and honoring your loved one’s life. After the cremation and memorial services, there are a variety of choices for your loved one’s final resting place. Explore options: https://bit.ly/4jw3Xck

02/23/2026

Grief can make familiar environments feel different. Crowds may feel louder, conversations harder, and traditions heavier. During this time, your emotional energy may be limited, and that’s completely normal. Attending every event is not a measure of love or strength. Instead, it’s important to honor what you can handle.

Giving yourself permission to decline social invitations allows you to protect your energy and focus on healing. It’s a way to respect your grief, acknowledge your feelings, and create space for rest and reflection.

02/20/2026

There are many uncertainties when a relative dies while traveling away from home. The state laws and regulations that control your options vary depending on which state you’re in, and it can be difficult to keep track of what you can and cannot do. The process of just being able to bring your loved one home can put a strain on your mental and physical well-being, but this burden is mitigated when you have proper Out-of-Area Protection.

Out-of-Area Protection makes obtaining the proper permits and complying with state and international laws much easier. It also allows your family to peacefully and patiently navigate these tricky processes while you cope with your tremendous loss. Learn more about Gerst’s Out-of-Area Protection: https://bit.ly/4i7rkrF

02/18/2026

Grief is exhausting, and these feelings can become exaggerated during the slower pace of winter. Understanding and identifying how it may show up can help you take small, steady acts of care to support yourself through the winter months. Grief may show up as:

- Increased sadness or tearfulness
- Low motivation or energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleeping more than usual
- Wanting to withdraw from others

Remember to stay connected to loved ones, rest without guilt, and ask for support when you need it. Read more about grief in the winter: https://bit.ly/4bP8N3t

02/16/2026

While you are processing grief, you are not required to always “find the positive” or acknowledge that “at least, you aren’t…” anything. You are allowed to feel sad. You are allowed to feel angry. You are allowed to be upset, tired, or depressed. You don’t need to make excuses for your heartbreak and grief.

02/14/2026

Whether it’s your first Valentine’s Day without your loved one or your fifth, today can bring a wave of emotions and memories that make your heart ache. Remember, grief isn’t linear, and it’s okay to make space for it. Take time to reflect on these journal prompts.

02/13/2026

Grief may change as time goes on, but the love we hold for those we’ve lost never leaves us. During a month centered on love, it’s okay to feel the many emotions that come with missing someone you deeply love.

This is your reminder to be gentle with yourself, to encourage yourself to share how you feel with trusted loved ones, and to allow yourself to sit with the uncomfortable emotions.

02/10/2026

When facing the loss of a loved one, the question of what to do next can feel heavy and overwhelming. Often, loved ones find themselves having to make decisions without ever having the opportunity to ask their loved one what they would have wanted. At Gerst, we walk families through their options and help them make the right decision on meaningful and appropriate final arrangements for their loved one. One of the first questions our funeral professionals will ask is about the final resting place. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore these options, which include burial, entombment, and cremation.

To read more: https://bit.ly/4aA7K6h

02/08/2026

When wrestling with grief, it can be helpful to establish a structure to help bring a sense of grounding. For many, this can help ease the burden of a full day. Soft structures are meant to help, not overwhelm; they give room for rest and compassion. Try to implement simple routines like morning coffee, journaling, or a short daily walk.

02/06/2026

We don’t know how long we have in any relationship, so living in the moment is always important. Take every opportunity to eliminate distractions and focus on meaningful conversation, experiencing life together, and telling your loved ones about how much they mean to you. This emotional honesty will improve your relationship now and help you face whatever the future brings.

02/04/2026

Entering a new day, month, or season of your life does not mean that you are leaving your loved one in the past or that your memories will be erased. Your loved one will always be part of your life in one way or another, from shared hobbies to special recipes to revisiting their favorite places.

Address

3980 Cascade Road SE
Grand Rapids, MI
49546

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16169497350

Website

https://www.gerstfuneralhomes.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home:

Shortcuts

Address
Telephone
Opening Hours
Alerts
Contact The Practice
Claim ownership or report listing

Want your practice to be the top-listed Clinic in Grand Rapids?

About Gerst Funeral Homes

The O’Brien Funeral Home became a licensed funeral home in Grand Rapids in 1885 located in the downtown area, Grand Rapids’ first funeral home. P.H. O’Brien was the original owner. The establishment moved to its new location on Jefferson Ave. several years later. Bonnie O’Brien, son of P.H. O’Brien, and Joseph O’Brien, grandson of P.H. O’Brien, operated the business at the Jefferson location. In 1968, Joseph O’Brien built a new facility at the present location at Cascade and East Paris intersection, completing the first project in early 1969.