Funeral homes are often portrayed as places of melancholy and stress. It is important in every community that there is a beacon of comfort and support for families navigating the difficult journey of loss. Since 1892, Bartholomew Funeral Home in Valparaiso has proudly served countless generations of families. For the Newhard owners and staff, a focus on the humanity side of the business attests to their commitment to the dignity and well-being of their community.
“We understand what you are going through,” said Kyle Newhard, office manager of Bartholomew Funeral Home. “Everybody who works here has lost somebody close to them. We want to treat you how we would want to be treated if we were in your shoes.”
Michael and Kyle Newhard, father and son, embody the heart of Bartholomew Funeral Home. Their dedication to personalized care and support goes beyond the traditional funeral arrangements. Bartholomew Funeral Home’s staff recognize that the grieving process does not end with the service alone, but with collaborative healing and care.
“We try to be a rock for the community,” said Michael Newhard, owner of Bartholomew Funeral Home. “We are a foundation where people eventually, and unfortunately, are going to have to use our services. As people adjust to a new life without their loved ones, we have an open-door policy. Families are always invited to come back and talk with us about all different things—like the birth of a newborn or life events. We get close with people and take it as an honor.”
The Newhards place importance on choosing a funeral home that fits each client’s unique needs. They recognize that grief is a deeply personal, human experience felt by all clients. The staff works to be empathetic and provide active listening to help tailor the appropriate grief support groups and services that meet clients’ needs before and after a funeral, burial, and/or cremation.
“We try to get to know you,” said Kyle Newhard. “Some clients we work with want to come in and be personal, whereas others simply want to know what they owe and when everything will be done. Either is fine, but we try to ask questions to get to know you personally, and that will help us set up plans, arrangements, and other important things.”
The Newhards also recognize that their particular care and comfort may not be the right choice for every family and encourage the community to prioritize comfort and care over cost when selecting a funeral home.
“Care happens to be the keyword that every consumer is cost-conscious of today,” said Michael Newhard. “I always caution people that cheaper is not always better. You have to get a good feeling for where you are and, if you are not comfortable, then that is probably not the place to be. I encourage people exploring funeral homes to go with their gut and never give into services that are not sincere.”
Bartholomew Funeral Home is filled with like-minded staff geared toward making funeral care more personable and attainable. Alongside the Newhards, Bartholomew Funeral Home features an office staff with decades of experience working in the industry. The staff features funeral directors, an intern, and even a pre-need counselor who assists in pre-planning and providing aftercare for families.
“When people lose somebody, they are often entering uncharted waters,” said Michael Newhard. “When we or the staff are chosen to help care for these new things, we do our best to put ourselves in their shoes and guide them. I thank God for another day, and I look forward to coming to work to see what more we can accomplish and what more we need to do to help other people.”
As a proud, family-owned business, Bartholomew Funeral Home continues to be a source of strength and support for families in need. Its legacy of care continues to touch the lives of those served and leaves a heartfelt impact on the Valparaiso community.
For questions or more information about services provided by Bartholomew Funeral Home, visit bartholomewnewhard.com.
