Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes - Williamston

11/13/2025

What began as a difficult day became something healing and beautiful — a reminder that compassion and care can make all the difference.

At Gorsline Runciman, we believe that every detail matters, and every gesture of comfort has the power to bring peace.

11/11/2025

At Williamston Chapel, we are committed to offering compassionate care to veteran families, helping them access their entitled benefits and ensuring each tribute reflects their proud service.
Learn more about veteran benefits and services: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/veterans

From our hearts to yours — thank you for your service.

11/07/2025

“Sometimes, a cup of coffee and a listening ear can make all the difference.”

Tommorrow is National Cappuccino Day, and we’re reminded how often comfort is found in simple moments — a warm drink, a friendly chat, a shared story.
Here in Williamston, we love seeing those moments unfold at local favorites like That New Place or Williamston Biggby Coffee.

At Gorsline-Runciman Williamston Chapel, we believe every heartfelt conversation brings a little light to someone’s day — sometimes, it all starts with a cappuccino. Make sure to enjoy one with someone you love tomorrow and make memories!

11/01/2025

Williamston Heritage and History Series: From 128 W. Grand River to Today

This present-day photo shows 128 W. Grand River Ave., where it all began. The building that once held the Gorsline & Sons Furniture and Funeral Home still stands proudly — a tangible link to a century of Williamston history.

The ornate storefronts, tin façades, and pressed-brick architecture remind us how many lives and businesses have passed through these doors. While the Gorsline family’s work has grown far beyond this block, their story — of faith, service, and family — is forever tied to this street.

A lasting legacy, still proudly serving Williamston.

Side by Side photo property of Loewen Studio & Gallery, who has done a beautiful job of reviving such a historic space.
Special thanks to Digging Down in Dimondale of the standalone brick building photo.

10/28/2025

Williamston Heritage and History Series: The Store That Grew With the Town

As Williamston expanded through the 1930s and ’40s, so did Gorsline Bros. Furniture Store.

Advertisements like this “Challenge Sale” flyer from the era offered everything from daybeds to dining sets — proudly labeled “Quality Furniture at Moderate Prices!” The Gorsline name became synonymous with craftsmanship and service, trusted by families across Ingham County.

Shown is a postcard from 1910, with the drug store in the eventual furniture store.

While the furniture showroom was later remodeled and modernized, its heart remained the same — a local, family-run business rooted in respect and reliability.

A business built on quality — and a name built on trust.

Special thanks to Tom Beachnau for providing the drawing of the furniture store.
Special thanks to Williamston Museum at the Depot for the Gorsline Bros. advertisement.

10/24/2025

Williamston Heritage and History Series: Main Street Williamston, Then and Now

Downtown Williamston has changed with every generation — yet if you look closely, the spirit of the past is still here.

This photo, taken around the 1920s, shows Gorsline Bros. Furniture & Funeral Home among the bustling storefronts on Grand River Avenue. The horse-drawn carriages had just begun to share the street with early automobiles, and the Gorsline family was already a trusted name in both home furnishings and funeral service. If you look at the far left of the 1921 photo, the Gorsline Bros awning appears. Included is a screenshot of approximately the same angle, today, courtesy of Google Maps.

Over a century later, the same stretch of Main Street remains a symbol of community connection.

Where Williamston’s story — and ours — began.
Special thanks to Fred Bassett for sharing the 1921 photo.

Williamston Museum at the Depot

10/20/2025

Williamston Heritage and History Series: Where the Gorsline Legacy Began

Before the name Gorsline became part of Michigan’s best-known funeral homes, it was a name painted on a storefront in downtown Williamston. If you look closely at the approximately 1915 image, you can see "F.A. Gorsline & Sons" painted on the side of the building.

In 1903, Floyd A. Gorsline purchased a small furniture and undertaking business on West Grand River Avenue — today, 128 W. Grand River Ave. The family lived and worked right above the shop. Here, Floyd and his sons sold furniture, built caskets, and served as undertakers for local families.

This building became Williamston’s first Gorsline enterprise — the foundation for what would grow into the Gorsline-Runciman family of funeral homes that still serve Mid-Michigan today.

A legacy that began with craftsmanship, care, and community.

Special thanks to Fred Bassett for sharing the 1911 photo.

Williamston Museum at the Depot

10/17/2025

Today is National Pasta Day — and we’re reminded that comfort can come in many forms.
Whether it’s a favorite recipe passed down through generations or a simple bowl shared around the dinner table, food has a way of bringing people together and sparking cherished memories.

We’re grateful for the small, familiar comforts that keep loved ones close... one meal, one memory, one story at a time. Have a favorite pasta recipe? Share it in the comments! 🍝

10/08/2025

Did you know our roots in the Williamston community stretch back over 120 years?

In 1903, Floyd A. Gorsline and his sons began what would become a lasting legacy of care and compassion. Starting with a small furniture and undertaking business - complete with a horse-drawn hearse and services led by Floyd himself - the Gorsline family served Ingham County with dedication and integrity.

As we reflect on this rich history, we’re proud to continue serving the families of Williamston with the same commitment that began a half century before that 1953 newspaper article was written in the State Journal. Now, we're sharing that newspaper article written 72 years ago, to the day, with you!

Thank you for trusting us through generations. It is our honor to walk beside you during life’s most meaningful moments.

Full credit for this wonderful find goes to Timothy Bowman and the Historical Society of Greater Lansing. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/137660544586)

10/06/2025

We were truly honored to serve the Enfield family.
Tonight, our friends at Sunnyside Cafe in Williamston are hosting a special event, Soup Together, in Mr. Enfield's honor.

🍲 All-You-Can-Eat Soup for a Cause
📍 Sunnyside Café, Williamston
🕓 4:30–6:30 PM
✨ Tonight’s proceeds will benefit the Williamston Museum at the Depot in honor of the Paul Enfield family.

This wonderful community-style gathering is a beautiful reminder of how Williamston comes together to support one another.

Thank you, Sunnyside Café, for your kindness and generosity — and thank you to everyone who joins in support this evening. 💛

Celebrate the life of Paul Enfield, leave a kind word or memory and get funeral service information care of Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.

10/01/2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and stand beside the many families touched by this disease. At Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes, we are committed to supporting our community with care, compassion, and hope. Together, we can spread awareness, encourage early detection, and continue to work toward a future without breast cancer.