Why should you choose us?
Mission Hills Memorial Chapel, Crematory and Gardens and North Shore Memory Gardens are family owned facilities. Crystal Springs Cemetery, while owned by the City of Benton Harbor is run by same family. Please see owner Bert Edquist’s story on our pre planning page by clicking on this link. Bert’s experience and the struggles his mother faced when his father passed away unexpectedly give him a deep understanding of what families who experience a loss are going through.
Mission Hills Memorial Chapel
Frances our office manager has been employed here since 1959. She has over 59 years of experience helping and serving our customers. Lisa, our office secretary has been with Mission Hills for over 10 years. Prior to that she worked 20 years for Brandywine Community School Corporation, during that time, she served 15 years as the accounts payable clerk. Michael Sandefur, a licensed pre-need specialist, can assist families with questions regarding cemetery or funeral planning at any of our facilities.
North Shore Memory Gardens
Traci the office manager started as office secretary 17 years ago. Through those years, Traci has helped us working not only in the office but running the pet crematory. It also wouldn’t be unusual to see her working on the cemetery grounds. Renee has been the office secretary for 2 years. Prior to joining North Shore Memory Gardens she had 16 years of experience in early childhood development, 8 of which were as administrative supervisor. Jean Gitersonke, a licensed pre-need specialist. Should anyone need assistance with funeral or cemetery planning Jean can help. She is a professional and has over 10 years of experience.
Crystal Springs Cemetery
George, the office manager has worked at both Crystal Springs Cemetery and North Shore Memory Gardens over the last 10 years. As previously stated Michael Sandefur is professional licensed pre-need specialist who can assist families with pre-arrangements at this facility.
Professionalism
We are members of the Michigan Cemetery Association of which Bert is a past president. Also, we are members of the International cemetery, cremation and funeral association. Our staff has the experience guiding loved ones through loss. Your service will be handled sensitively and correctly on the first and only opportunity. We live by the words of Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you did and what you said, but they won’t forget how you made them feel.”
Bereavement Support
Many health experts agree that our society does a poor job in addressing the needs of people who are grieving. If you wish, we can guide you to a local bereavement group.
Cremation
We are the only crematory in Niles, Michigan and in Cass County and our cremation specialists are certified through the Cremation Association of North America (CANA). The crematory is open to inspection at any time. We also welcome family members at the time of the cremation of their loved one and assure you the peace of mind that your loved one will be handled by our specialists with the highest standards of care and accountability.