Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.
Ever since we opened our doors we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.
Why Us?
In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy.
We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without overwhelming. And how to meet the needs of many caring parties. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a beautiful occasion and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.
Learn the legacy.
In 1975, Reamer Funeral Home was opened by Alan Reamer. Several years later Reamer Funeral Home acquired Quinnell Funeral Home, which had served the surrounding communities for over fifty years. In 2002, Rod Galer and his wife Patsy purchased Reamer Funeral Home and the funeral home became Reamer Galer Funeral Home.
In 1970, Bruce Dodson bought George Davis Funeral Home who had been serving the St. Ignace area for many years prior. In 1997, the owner of Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home, located in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, purchased Dodson Funeral Home. Bruce continued to manage Dodson Funeral Home and provided the services the community needed.
In 1966, Hovie Funeral Home in Sault Ste. Marie was opened. The generational Hovie family served the families of the surrounding area for over fifty years.
In April of 2020, Rod purchased Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home in Sault Ste. Marie, & Dodson Funeral Home in St. Ignace, and then Hovie Funeral Home in Sault Ste. Marie, that had been trusted with the care of the communities for many years.
In late 2002, Clint Mulder, and his wife Spring, made the decision to start a new funeral home in Sault Ste. Marie. They were joined by Robert and Meredith Ludema (Clint's Aunt & Uncle). On January 10, 2004, the doors of C.S. Mulder Funeral Home were opened. C.S. Mulder Funeral Home has given families the highest quality service possible. In 2011, Robert and Meredith Ludema retired from the funeral service industry. Clint has continued to be a pillar of strength and compassion, providing unwavering support and care during difficult times for countless families within our community. We extend our deepest gratitude to Clint for his dedication and tireless service.
After years of dedicated service and commitment, Clint Mulder & Rod Galer have decided to embrace a well-deserved retirement. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Clint & Rod for their hard work, vision, and unwavering dedication that has contributed immensely to the success and growth of both funeral establishments.
In September 2023, Marlee (Michalski) Six and her husband, Jonathon Six purchased C.S. Mulder Funeral Home & Galer Funeral Homes. All locations will now be known as Family Life Funeral Homes. Marlee grew up locally in Pickford, Michigan, and graduated from Pickford High School with the class of 2011. Marlee has worked as a part of the Galer team for the last decade, earning her Mortuary Degree from Des Moines Area Community College, and she became a licensed Funeral Director in 2016. With a deep-rooted passion for family and upholding the values and traditions cherished by our local community, Marlee is committed to maintaining the high standards of quality, service, and care that you have come to expect.
Under Marlee's guidance, Family Life Funeral Homes will continue to serve our communities with the same level of dignity, respect, and compassion that Clint Mulder instilled in his institution. Marlee is dedicated to honoring the legacy of excellence already established while implementing new ideas to further support and comfort grieving families.
Many
have put their confidence in us, and we hope to exceed their expectations. We value your continued support and patronage and look
forward to serving you under this new chapter. We are confident that, together, we will carry forward
the legacy of compassion and support that has been synonymous with our
establishment. Our promise is to continually strive to better
serve our community.
Who We Are
Meet our staff. Members of the local community make everything that happens possible.
Together, we make this place amazing.
Marlee (Michalski) Six
Funeral Director
Marlee (Michalski) Six, is a lifelong resident of Pickford. She earned an Associate of Science Degree from Kankakee Community College in Kankakee, Illinois, and Associates Degree in Mortuary Science from De Moines Area Community College in Ankey, Iowa. She was licensed as a funeral director in August 2016. Marlee has four young children that are the light of her life. Marleeās family is very important to her and she loves that she can raise her children in Pickford near her parents, siblings, and many nieces and nephews.
Alyssa (Bazinau) Simpson
Funeral Assistant
Alyssa Simpson is a devoted Funeral Assistant committed to providing compassionate care and support to bereaved families during their most challenging times. Driven by her commitment to honoring the departed and supporting those left behind, Alyssa brings a unique blend of warmth and professionalism to her role. Her genuine care for others is evident in her thoughtful approach to guiding families through the intricate details of funeral arrangements, ensuring their wishes are honored with sensitivity and respect.
Alyssa is honored to walk alongside bereaved families, providing them with solace, guidance, and unwavering support as they navigate the difficult journey of bidding farewell to their loved ones. She is a graduate of Bay Mills Community College and currently attends De Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa, where she plans to earn her Associate's Degree in Mortuary Science.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Alyssa enjoys spending quality time outdoors, cherishing moments with her beloved family, and nurturing her love for animals. Alyssa grew up in the Upper Peninsula and is a mother of two and a huge animal lover--with three dogs, three cats, turkeys, chicken, and rabbits. She enjoys working on her vegetable garden, painting, photography and taking part in local community events.
Alyssa Bazinau stands as a beacon of compassion and support within her community, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those she touches with her unwavering care and dedication.
Ellie T. Tielbar
Funeral Assistant
Ellie Tielbar is a dedicated Funeral Assistant, committed to providing helpful and kindness to bereaved families during their difficult times. Ellie brings a mix of kindness and professionalism to her job and this is evident when you first meet.
Ellie is currently studying at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa, where she plans to earn her Associate's Degree in Mortuary Science. She has spent half her life in the Mackinac County Area.
When she is not working, Ellie enjoys painting, building models, playing games with her family, and playing her cello. She is a huge animal lover and has two cats, Luna and Cocoa.
Lindsey (Harrison) Benson
Office Manager
Lindsey (Harrison) Benson is a lifelong resident of Pickford and is a graduate of Pickford High School with the Class of 2005. She received an A.A.S. degree from Kirkland Community College in Business Management. Lindsey joined the funeral home in 2022 after many years in the banking industry and is presently the Office Manager at Family Life Funeral Homes. She is very passionate about delivering exceptional service, compassionate care and support to our bereaved families during their most challenging times.
Lindsey and her husband, Justin, currently live in Pickford with their two boys Jack and Jameson. Lindsey enjoys growing her vegetable garden, bird watching, spending time on their boat in the summer with friends and family, reading, and baking.
Lindsey is also very passionate about giving back to the community and is a member of the Pickford School Board, a Pickford Hay Days Coordinator, and a EUP Hospice Volunteer.
Keaton E (Walker) Compton
Funeral Director Apprentice
Keaton Compton is a dedicated Funeral Director Apprentice. She worked for 6 years as Certified Nursing Assistant and that has given her a great outlook on how to help families in their time of grieving.
Keaton graduated from Michigan Virtual Charter Academy in 2017 and did some schooling to become a nurse, but found her passion in mortuary science.
In her free time, Keaton enjoys cooking, organizing, bonfires, hiking, camping, binge watching tv, and spending time with her family and pets.
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