In moments of loss, generations of Valparaiso families have long turned to a place where compassion and care are the top priorities. Since 1892, Bartholomew Funeral Home has served the community with a focus on compassion, tradition, and a personalized approach to every service.
“A lot of funeral homes are being bought up by corporations, and we are still family-owned,” Owner and Funeral Director Michael Bartholomew said. “That matters to us, and to all of the families we serve. We have been part of this community for almost 150 years, and we are sticking it out because the community means a lot to us.”
Bartholomew Funeral Home integrates a personal approach to provide grieving families a space where they feel heard and supported. From the moment a family enters, the team takes time to ask questions and listen to create a service that best reflects the life being honored.
“A big part of the arrangement conference is sitting down and listening,” Office Manager Kyle Bartholomew said. “We want to know who this person was, what mattered to them, and how we can bring that into the service. That connection makes all the difference."
A strong relationship with the community allows Bartholomew Funeral Home to create some of its most personal and lasting services. One meaningful connection inspired a service for a woman who worked at a local steel mill. After her passing, her husband expressed uncertainty about how to honor her beloved teapot collection. The staff proposed displaying the teapots during the service and inviting guests to take one as a memorial keepsake.
“During the service, you had these big, burly guys from the steel mill holding delicate teapots,” Kyle Bartholomew said. “It might sound simple, but giving away those teapots became a beautiful way to honor her life and share a part of who she was. That is exactly the kind of personal touch we try to bring to every service.”
Personal touches often come in the form of music, hobbies, or community ties. One service honored a man known for performing polka in a local German band.
“We expected maybe a few musicians, but more than 20 showed up,” Kyle Bartholomew said. “We adjusted the chapel and made room. They played a song in his honor. It meant a lot to the family and to us, too.”
Bartholomew Funeral Home is proud to support community groups and fraternal organizations, such as the Freemasons, Moose Lodge, and Elks Lodge. The funeral home works across religious and cultural backgrounds to honor traditions while creating custom DVD tributes, with arranged slide shows of photos set to music, that are tailored to reflect the individual’s life and interests.
“When we are meeting with loved ones, we get an idea of what the deceased was like, so we can theme these DVDs,” Michael Barthlomew said. “If they were fishermen, we could choose that as the theme. There could be a mother’s touch if children are left grieving. It also shows people the happier times of a person’s life and provides closure. It shows birthday parties, Christmases, graduations, military service, all of which can soften the mood.”
In addition, Bartholomew Funeral Home takes recognition of unique grief family experiences. The team aims to ease the emotional and financial burden of sensitive losses by tailoring its services.
“Generally, we offer free services for children under the age of one,” Kyle Bartholomew said. “It feels right to help families during such a tragic time. We understand that many families do not have life insurance or resources, so we try to make it as easy as possible for them.”
Bartholomew Funeral Home honors traditional services while also accommodating special requests that reflect the individuality of each person. Whether formal ceremonies, themed tributes, or a more casual tone, the team works to create an atmosphere that feels authentic and personal.
“We put the most effort we can into making sure that you are comfortable and that you are grieving in an okay state,” Kyle Bartholomew said. “We want to help you, and we hope what people remember the most is that we were there with kindness, compassion, and service. We wish everyone nothing but the best, and we’re always here, whether it’s days, weeks, months, or years down the road.”
For more information about the services offered by Bartholomew Funeral Home, visit bartholomewnewhard.com.
