Families who had a loved one pass this year were invited to gather at Menke Funeral and Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., for its annual Holiday Service of Remembrance. It was an opportunity to gather as a community and celebrate, honor and remember the lives of loved ones with candle ornaments and an illuminated tree.

This was the first such service at Menke since gatherings ceased due to Covid and the recent construction to remodel the chapel.

“This is a special way to let the families we served know that they and their loved ones are not forgotten, especially during this holiday season,” said General Manager Kelly Browder. “This first holiday season without their loved one can be really tough.”

Chaplain David Kaminski from Hospice of the Valley led the service and music was provided by Karin Gunderson, who played the harp and sang.

The name of a loved one who had passed was read during the lighting of the candles and the family came forward to receive a candle ornament from Menke Director Rob Zimmerman. The family then placed the ornament on the tree, assisted by Menke directors David Hinton and Aimee Latour. The final ornament was placed on the tree by Kaminski to represent those families who weren’t able to attend in person but were there in spirit.

Once the names were read and candle ornaments were hung, the room was darkened except for the tree and candles. Gunderson played and sang “Silent Night” as guests reveled in the moment.

Following the service, families were able to take their ornament home as a memento and refreshments and food were served in the Menke reception hall.