Forest Lake Minnesota Funeral Home | Roberts Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service
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Monthly Archives: January 2009

Helping People

Lee EricksonLast year we initiated a grief support group facilitated by Therapist Lee Erickson from the Center for Grief Loss & Transition located in St. Paul. We recently formed an alliance with Lee where he helps our families with their grief and loss following the funeral, and are in the process of scheduling additional grief support sessions for March of this year. We are grateful to have such a great resource with the education and experience that Lee brings to help those in need. Lee will also be regular on this blog, here is more information about Lee Erickson:

Lee Erickson is a member of the professional staff at the Center for Grief, Loss and Transition in St. Paul, Minnesota. He provides therapy for adults, children and adolescents and facilitates both the spouse loss and homicide loss therapy groups.

 

Lee became interested in grief and loss after the unexpected death of his brother in 2002. In his late thirties, he went back to school to pursue a master’s degree in counseling and psychology, which he completed in 2006. Lee also has a Licensed Professional Counselor licensure which he received in June of 2008.

 

“I have always been interested in grief and loss and being with people during what, for many, is the most difficult time in their lives. I’ve come to learn that grief is a process that changes as we move through it and that there can be meaning and purpose for those who engage with their grief,” said Erickson.

 

Lee previously worked in advertising, marketing and communications and was a recruiter for a staffing company. He has lived on both coasts but landed back in Minnesota to continue his education. Lee holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychology from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.

 

Lee has partnered with Roberts Family Funeral Home in the Spring of 2008 when he led a 10-week Grief Support Group at Roberts Family Funeral Home in Forest Lake.

 

“I was really touched by the courage and bravery of the people who attended the Grief Support Group sponsored by Roberts Family Funeral Home. Here were people had lost a loved one who came together to share stories and friendship with one another. I found the people and the stories to be inspiring,†said Erickson.

 

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The Perfect Funeral

” A kiss on the cheek and a handshake” is how Roger Vannelli started off his eulogy for his Grandfather Ron Vannelli last thursday at St. Andrews Church in St. Paul. I can remember at Vannelli’s restaurant years ago with Roger’s brother Tony, and Grandpa Ron greeted him with just that. One of the few memories I have of Ron being around the Vannelli Family over the years as it was a funeral I will never forget. I was running late yesterday and as I walked in the back of St. Andrew’s there was the entire St Thomas Academy Hockey Team dressed in uniform as the pall was being placed on Ron’s casket. I was wowed by their presence as I was looking for my wife amongst the many gathered to say goodbye to Ron, as two of his sons coach St. Thomas and Ron was the their biggest fan. The music, the message from the Priest, scriptures readings that Ron had picked, and three of best eulogies I have witnessed were all a part to celebrate his life. As Ron’s casket passed through the lined hockey team with their sticks raised was a fitting conclusion before he was entombed at Calvary Cemetery. Everything about this funeral was great, and the eulogies made it perfect. Roger, Ron’s son Mark, and grandson Robbie captured everything about their Dad and Grandpa, the stories and memories they shared told Ron’s life story and touched all who there. Ron’s celebration of life concluded at Gabe’s in the Park, where 82 year old Bill Jeans said to me, “It’s the best funeral I’ve been to, and I’ve been to many.”

Not many of us will have funeral like Ron Vannelli’s, but any funeral that establishes the significance of a life lived is perfect.

Kelly

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Got Tim?

When starting any new business most everyone goes through ups and downs, one of the most challenging times we’ve had in our short history is the transitioning of funeral directors. I had never met Tim Tarmann , but when he called I knew of him and his excellent reputation. Tim was looking for a change and agreed to meet with me one afternoon, soon after we met I asked him about the death his friend/colleague’s son. Within ten minutes of meeting Tim, I knew he was the one as he talked about the experience of Robert’s death and funeral. I could tell he had the passion for helping people and was put on this earth to be a funeral director . After a couple of weeks working together it was amazing to see him work with families, the way they responded to him and the way he cared for their loved ones. Often times I’ll introduce Tim to my hockey friends as the funeral director who prepared the body of a certain Minnesota Hockey Idol.

“Where did you find him? “He’s the best!” are a few comments I get on a regular basis, when one particular family came to view their Mom, and there were mostly tears of joy because she looked so beautiful. At our remembrance service last month I introduced Tim as the greatest funeral director in Forest Lake, as he was humbled by the ovation he received from those in attendance. Obviously I am biased, but please go to our testimonial page to see why I, and many others are blessed he called me that day a few years back. Happy New Year!

Kelly

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