Blog

What is a Celebration of Life, and How Is It Different?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:14:12 GMT

In recent years, the phrase “celebration of life” has become more common when families are planning services for a loved one. While many people have heard the term, there can still be confusion about what it truly means and how it differs from a traditional funeral.

At its heart, a celebration of life is not about replacing tradition, but about offering a more flexible, personalized way to honor and remember a life.

A celebration of life is a personalized service that focuses on honoring the unique story, personality, and legacy of the individual who has passed. While it can be held in a variety of locations, many families choose to gather in the comfort of a funeral home chapel, where they have both guidance and the ability to customize the experience.

These services most often take place after cremation, which allows families more time to plan and create a meaningful tribute. However, every family’s preferences are different, and services can be arranged in whatever way feels most appropriate.

No two celebrations of life are exactly the same, because no two lives are the same.

One of the most meaningful aspects of a celebration of life is the ability to incorporate personal touches that reflect the life being honored, even within a chapel setting.

Families may choose to include themed elements that represent a loved one’s passions, hobbies, or personality. This could be as simple as displaying favorite photos and memorabilia, or as unique as incorporating colors, music, or décor that reflect what they loved most in life.

Memory tables, tribute videos, and customized music selections can all be seamlessly incorporated into a chapel service. Some families also invite guests to participate by sharing stories or bringing items that hold special meaning.

This blend of personalization within a supportive, structured environment often provides both comfort and creativity during a difficult time.

A celebration of life offers families the opportunity to gather in a familiar, supportive setting while creating a service that truly reflects their loved one. By combining the comfort of a chapel with the flexibility of personalization, it becomes a meaningful way to honor a life and share memories with those who matter most.

There is no right or wrong way to plan a service. The most important thing is creating a space that feels genuine, supportive, and reflective of the person being remembered.

What to Wear to a Funeral Service

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 15:02:04 GMT

Attending a funeral or memorial service can stir up many emotions, and for some, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: What should I wear?

While traditions around funeral attire have evolved, dressing appropriately remains a way to show respect—for the person who has passed and for their loved ones. Whether the service is formal, casual, religious, or a celebration of life, here are a few thoughtful guidelines to help you choose what to wear.

1. Stick to Neutral, Conservative Colors

Black is the traditional color of mourning in many cultures, but it's not your only option.

Other respectful colors include navy, gray, deep green, brown, and muted tones.

Avoid bright colors, loud patterns, or anything that draws unnecessary attention unless the family has requested otherwise.

Tip: Some services may invite guests to wear the deceased’s favorite color or dress casually—check the obituary or invitation for guidance.

2. Dress Modestly and Neatly

Funeral services are somber occasions, so choose clothing that is clean, pressed, and conservative:

For women, options include a modest dress, blouse with slacks, or a skirt paired with a cardigan or blazer.

For men, a dress shirt with slacks, a suit, or a sport coat with a tie is appropriate.

3. Footwear Matters, Too

Choose closed-toe shoes that are comfortable, especially if you'll be standing or walking at a graveside service.

Simple dress shoes, loafers, or flats work well.

Avoid athletic sneakers or flip-flops unless the service is explicitly casual or outdoors.

4. Consider the Location and Weather

The setting of the service can influence your outfit:

For outdoor or graveside services, wear weather-appropriate clothing and shoes that can handle grass or gravel.

Bring an umbrella or coat if needed. Dark outerwear is always a safe choice.

In a place of worship, modest attire is often expected regardless of the season.

5. Keep Accessories Simple

This is not the time for flashy jewelry or bold accessories. Choose understated items that won’t distract from the purpose of the gathering.

6. What About Children?

Children should also be dressed neatly and conservatively. Simple outfits in neutral colors are best. If unsure, dress them as if attending a formal family event or church service.

7. When in Doubt, Dress Up a Bit

It’s always better to be slightly overdressed than too casual at a funeral. If you’re unsure about the dress code, err on the side of formality. A respectful appearance helps convey sympathy and support.

What you wear to a funeral doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive—but it should reflect care, humility, and consideration. Remember: your presence is what matters most

How to Plan a Funeral or Cremation

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 19:40:07 GMT

Planning a funeral or cremation—whether for a loved one or preplanning for yourself—can feel overwhelming. There are many decisions to make, all while navigating the emotions that come with loss. But with a little preparation and guidance, the process can be meaningful, healing, and manageable.

Whether you're planning ahead or handling arrangements after a loss, this guide walks you through the key steps of planning a funeral or cremation service.

1. Decide Between Burial and Cremation

One of the first decisions to make is whether the individual will be buried or cremated. This choice often depends on personal, cultural, or religious preferences.

Burial typically involves a casket, a graveside service, and a cemetery plot.
Cremation may still include a funeral or memorial service and allows for more flexible options such as scattering, keeping an urn, or burying cremated remains.

Some families choose direct cremation (without a service) or direct burial and hold a memorial at a later time.

2. Decide on the Type of Service

There are many ways to honor a life, including:

Traditional funeral service (usually with the body present)
Memorial service (typically after cremation or burial)
Celebration of life (a more personalized, informal event)

Services can take place at the funeral home, a place of worship or outdoors. Choose what best reflects the person’s life and what brings comfort to those attending.

3. Select the Details

You’ll want to personalize the service with details such as:

Obituary and newspaper or online notices
Casket or urn selection
Music, readings, or spiritual elements
Photos, videos, or displays of personal items
Flowers or charitable donation options
Who will speak, perform, or participate

Many families also choose to include military honors, religious traditions, or cultural customs.

4. Consider Final Resting Place Options

For burials:

Choose a cemetery and purchase a plot if one isn’t already owned
Decide on a headstone or grave marker

For cremation:

Decide whether ashes will be kept, scattered, buried, or placed in a niche
Some families divide ashes among keepsake urns or jewelry

5. Handle Legal and Practical Matters

Don’t forget the necessary paperwork:

Obtain a death certificate (you may need multiple copies)
Notify Social Security and financial institutions
Handle wills, trusts, and estate matters
If applicable, coordinate with veterans’ services or insurance providers

Funeral directors can help guide you through most of this, but having documents organized in advance can ease the burden.

6. Consider Preplanning

Preplanning your own arrangements relieves your loved ones of decision-making during an emotional time. You can:

Specify burial or cremation preferences
Choose the type of service and location
Prepay or set aside funds
Record personal touches you’d like included

Preplanning ensures your wishes are followed—and it brings peace of mind to everyone involved.

While planning a funeral or cremation is never easy, it is an opportunity to reflect, remember, and celebrate a life. Whether you’re planning for the future or coping with a loss today, take each step at your own pace, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals or trusted loved ones for support.

Understanding Social Security Benefits After a Loved One’s Passing

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:06:00 GMT

Frequently Asked Questions About Preplanning a Funeral

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 13:06:00 GMT

Honoring a loved one on their death anniversary

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:06:00 GMT

Honoring a Lost Loved One at Your Wedding

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Memorial Day Flowers and Their Meaning

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Burial vs. Cremation: Exploring the Pros and Cons of End-of-Life Choices

Fri, 16 May 2025 13:06:00 GMT

Embracing tradition in a digital age: The role of technology in funerals

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Embracing life by embracing death: understanding the death positive movement

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What to do with a loved one's Facebook account after they've passed away

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:06:00 GMT

Honoring pets after loss

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 13:06:00 GMT

Our pets become cherished members of our families, providing unconditional love, companionship, and joy to our lives. When they pass away, the grief we feel is genuine and profound. While our furry friends are only here for a short time, the impact they have on our lives is monumental. Here are some ways you can honor your beloved furry friend, after they’ve pass. Create a memory box. Putting together a box of items that remind you of a beloved pet can help you cope with their loss. Include items such as their collar, favorite toy, paw imprint, fur lock, and anything else that meant a lot to them. Keeping these items can bring comfort and closure after they have passed. Spread their ashes somewhere meaningful. If you choose to have your pet cremated, you can spread the ashes somewhere meaningful for your pet. You can even use the ashes to plant a tree in memory of them. Donate to shelters in their memory Animal shelters need donations, whether monetary donations or item donations. Donating to shelters in your beloved pet's name not only preserves your pet's memory, but also helps the animals in the shelter find their forever home. Foster animals Fostering is a great option if you aren't ready to get another pet but want to share the love you had for your pet with those in need. Because shelters fill up quickly, animals need foster homes. Fostering allows you to heal at your own pace, while sharing love with a pet in need. Our pets become part of our family. During their time here on earth we share so many special moments with them, that when they are gone the emptiness left behind is unfathomable. It’s important to take proper care of yourself during this time of grief and figure out ways to keep your pet’s memory alive.

Grief and guilt

Fri, 11 Apr 2025 13:06:00 GMT

Post-holiday blues

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 13:06:00 GMT

Starting a New Year after a loss

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 13:06:00 GMT

Fall Clean-Up Day is fast approaching

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 13:06:00 GMT

To beautify and maintain Memorial Park for all visitors, we conduct all cemetery clean-up days twice a year. Our fall clean-up day will be held on November 15th. All decorations will be removed at this time, including items in vases. Empty vases will be turned upside down for safety. If you would like to keep any decorations that you've placed, please remove them prior to November 15. This process allows our staff to perform maintenance on the cemetery grounds and prepare for the placement of holiday decorations. Approved decorations can be placed again beginning on Saturday, November 18.

October 30 is National Plan a Funeral Day

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 14:07:00 GMT

Did you know that October 30 is National Plan a Funeral Day? Aside for the fact that there seems to be a holiday for everything nowadays, the rather intimidating reality is that if you or someone you love died tomorrow, the surviving family would be faced with at least 88 decisions to make in a very short amount of time. These range from notifications to authorities, family and friends, collection of information for the necessary paperwork, decisions about funeral or memorial services, payment arrangements, estate matters and much more. The good news is that nearly 50 of these matters can be handled ahead of time through the preplanning process. If you like, you can start the process online to get an idea of service options and costs, and then meet with our staff to discuss all the details and file a plan of your wishes. We can also share with you some ways to set aside funds to cover these costs, including taking out a funeral insurance policy, assigning an existing life insurance policy, or participating in a state funeral trust. Any arrangements that you make ahead of time will lessen the burden on your surviving family members, and will be a blessing to them during what will be a very difficult time. When you complete the process, you will have a plan in place for your loved ones to follow, so they can have the confidence that everything is being handled the way you wanted. We understand that this process may feel daunting, and it can be hard to get started. But our preplanning associates are always here to help, with no pressure or obligation. Please give us a call today if you or a loved one needs to take this first step towards peace of mind.

We hope you will join us at the Concert in the Park!

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 14:07:00 GMT

Please join us on Sunday, September 17 at 2 p.m. for our annual Concert in the Park. We will enjoy the musical stylings of the Kings of Swing. The 15-piece Topeka band specializes in swing music of the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s, recreating the sounds of many of the notable Big Bands of the Swing Era, such as: Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Les Brown, Benny Goodman, and many others. We are also thrilled to welcome back the musical stylings of the Topeka High School Drumline! The bands play in the natural amphitheater created by the open space northeast of the Reflection Pond. Admission is free and we will have a food vendor on hand if you work up an appetite. Lawn chairs and picnic blankets are welcome and handicapped parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The concert is a great opportunity to listen to some fine music in a beautiful, park-like atmosphere. Don't forget to check out the dance floor and show off your dancing skills. We hope to see you at the show for another round of great music!

Create a family time capsule

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 14:07:00 GMT

8 Listening Do’s and Don’ts When Someone is Grieving

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 14:07:00 GMT

The Memorial Park Pavilion

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 14:07:00 GMT

Accommodating approximately 50 guests, the Memorial Park Pavilion, located in the center of the cemetery, is an excellent option for anyone considering a burial or inurnment in our cemetery. You may choose to hold the committal ceremonies at the gravesite or columbarium, or instead gather in our covered pavilion. This is an especially nice option if the weather outlook is not favorable or if some of your guests are not able to walk over the cemetery grounds to the gravesite. Please note that it is necessary to reserve the use of the pavilion ahead of time with our staff, who will prepare the pavilion for your loved one’s service. Many families tell us how helpful it is to have cemetery arrangements made ahead of time. This opportunity is available to anyone who wants to ease the burden on surviving family members, and we have many options for burial and cremation memorialization from which to choose. If you would like to learn more about these options, including a payment plan for prearrangements, please give us a call at 785-234-6605 or send us a message and we’ll be in touch soon.

Memorial Day

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 14:07:00 GMT

Each Memorial Day, our cemetery provides a place for the community to gather and remember our heroes in the military and civil services. The graves of veterans can be decorated with American flags available at the cemetery gates. Our staff will be available throughout the cemetery grounds for anyone in need of assistance. We also hold a Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony on Memorial Day. During the ceremony, guest speaker LTC Bryan C. Gregory, Commander, Recruiting and Retention Battalion of the Kansas Army National Guard will make remarks and dedicate a memorial wreath to members of our military and civil service. Please join us Monday, May 29, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in the Serve and Protect Garden (near the Gage Blvd. entrance) for the ceremony.

Grief and Gratitude

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 14:07:00 GMT

Our Benefits

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 14:07:00 GMT

Our Core Values of Excellence, Trust, Care and Growth drive our high standards for our benefits program. We believe in taking good care of our associates, so they can take care of the needs of our families. Healthcare - We offer a choice of two health insurance plans to meet your personal needs with the company paying a large portion of the premium. We offer dental and vision plans for you and your family. Our plan also includes company-paid life insurance, voluntary benefit options and a Flexible Spending Account. Part-time associates who meet certain eligibility requirements can also receive 401(k), dental and vision benefits. Financial - Our company offers profit sharing, 401k and Roth retirement with a 4% company match to all full-time and eligible part-time associates. Career Path - Our associates are encouraged to develop their skills within the company. Professional development is supported by training resources and tuition reimbursement. Additionally, we offer a student loan repayment assistance program to help associates pay off their student loans faster. Last year, this program helped associates make an impact of over $750,000 on their student loan debt! Community – We work and live here, but we also give here. All team members are encouraged to participate in civic organizations and give back to our community. We are proud to support our community through charitable giving, and team members are encouraged to participate in selecting worthy organizations to support. If this sounds like a place for you to share and grow your talent, we would love to hear from you. Apply today !

Holiday Remembrance Ceremony

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 14:07:00 GMT

The Holiday Remembrance Ceremony is a Memorial Park tradition. In early winter, we gather to pause during the busy season and share memories of our loved ones. The ceremony includes holiday music, a litany of remembrance read by a guest speaker and a wreath presentation. Guests will be invited to personalize a red bow and place it on one of our memory trees in honor of their loved one. Hot chocolate will be provided. We will gather Sunday, December 4 at 5 p.m. at the gazebo by the Reflection Pond.

Plant a Living Memorial

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 14:07:00 GMT

If you are looking for a way to permanently honor your loved one, consider donating a tree to the cemetery in their honor through our Living Memorial Program. Trees are tremendously beneficial to the cemetery, due to their ability to clean the air, reduce noise pollution, support wildlife and provide shade during our hot Kansas summers. While flowers fade, the beauty of a tree lasts for generations. It just might be the perfect enduring tribute to your loved one. We've carefully developed a selection of trees that are well-suited to our environment and climate and should thrive under the natural conditions found at the cemetery. This selection includes maples, oaks, elms, white pines, ginkgos and lindens. Trees need to have a certain maturity level in order to get off to the best start when planted, so we do require all trees to have trunks that are two inches in diameter. View a selection of eligible trees here . We will plant your tree as close as possible to the site you choose. Your tree will add grace and beauty to the cemetery today, and increase in grandeur for generations to come. To learn more, please call the cemetery office at 785-234-6605.

The Memorial Park mausoleum: an excellent choice for burial.

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 14:07:00 GMT

The Memorial Park mausoleum, located in the center of the cemetery, is an excellent option for anyone considering burial in our cemetery. Spaces in the mausoleum are available for individuals and companions in the covered interior of the mausoleum or along the east and west exterior walls. Mausoleum interment can be more economical than burial in a traditional memorial garden because there is no need to purchase a separate vault or cemetery marker. Both of these items are part of the mausoleum space. Bronze plaques with removable flower vases adorn each space, allowing for year-round decoration. Stained glass windows on the east face of the mausoleum add warmth and beauty to the interior. The north face of the mausoleum is decorated with granite engravings depicting the Resurrection and the Good Shepherd. Many families tell us how helpful it is to have cemetery arrangements made ahead of time. This opportunity is available to anyone who wants to ease the burden on surviving family members, and we have many options for burial and cremation memorialization from which to choose. If you would like to learn more about these options, including a payment plan for prearrangements, please give us a call at 785-234-6605 or send us a message and we’ll be in touch soon.

Cremation Garden: Now Open

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 14:07:00 GMT

Cemetery Records Update

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 14:07:00 GMT

Periodically, we ask families to update their records with our office. What is that all about? While cemetery plans are often set in stone (pun intended), we do find that family circumstances occasionally change, requiring an update to our records. In general, when we ask for a records update, we want to verify that we have their most current address, phone number and other contact information on file for families who have made advance cemetery plans. We also want to make sure that we have current information on the next of kin, so we have all their information when the time comes. Additionally, a records update is a great time for a family to review their cemetery plans with our staff, including what is taken care of already, and what costs would still be incurred in the future upon passing. Many families tell us how helpful it is to have cemetery arrangements made ahead of time. This opportunity is available to anyone who wants to ease the burden on surviving family members, and we have many options for burial and cremation memorialization from which to choose. If you have updates to your records or would like to learn more about these options, including a payment plan for prearrangements, please give us a call at 785-234-6605 or send us a message and we’ll be in touch soon.

Monument Square

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 13:07:00 GMT

Monument Square is a burial garden located in the west-central portion of the cemetery. It includes burial spaces that may be purchased individually, on a companion basis or in family plots. Flat granite and bronze-on-granite markers are allowed in the garden, and vases are encouraged to provide family members an opportunity to leave memorial flowers throughout the year. The garden features mature evergreen and deciduous trees and a marble and limestone obelisk in the very center. Monument Square is encircled by roads and sidewalks, which is a convenience for visitors. Prices for burial spaces in Monument Square start at $2,000. If you would like to learn more about these options, including a payment plan for prearrangements, please give us a call at 785-234-6605 or send us a message and we’ll be in touch soon.

Bronze Flower Vases

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 13:07:00 GMT

Bronze flower vases are a beautiful way to transform a standard cemetery marker into a dynamic memorial to your loved one. These permanent vases give you the flexibility to place floral bouquets seasonally or at each visit. Bronze vases can be purchased at the same time as a marker or monument, or at a later date. If the marker is already installed before the vase is purchased, the vase will be set on a piece of granite that matches the existing marker and placed near the top of the marker. When not in use, vases are designed to be turned upside down and placed inside a special chamber within the granite. If you would like to learn more about these options, including a payment plan for prearrangements, please give us a call at 785-234-6605 or send us a message and we’ll be in touch soon.

The Garden of the Apostles

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 13:07:00 GMT

The Garden of the Apostles is a burial garden located just north of the Memorial Park Mausoleum. It includes burial spaces that may be purchased individually, on a companion basis or in family plots. Flat granite and bronze-on-granite markers are allowed in the garden, and vases are encouraged to provide family members an opportunity to leave memorial flowers throughout the year. The garden features mature deciduous trees and four tall marble statues of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; apostles and the authors of the Gospels in the Bible. Prices for spaces in this popular garden start at $2,500. If you would like to learn more about these options, including a payment plan for prearrangements, please give us a call at 785-234-6605 or send us a message and we’ll be in touch soon.

The Octagon Columbarium

Fri, 04 Oct 2024 13:07:00 GMT

Our Octagon Columbarium is a unique structure located in the east-central portion of the cemetery, to the north of the mausoleum. It is a large structure composed of niches, which are compartments for the placement of one or two cremation urns. The columbarium is faced with Carnelian granite and topped with a sculpted dove of peace. Niches come with engraved bronze plaques with attached flower vases. There is plenty of availability for families who want adjacent niches. Prices for the niches start at $3,400. Easily accessible from the road and short sidewalk, the Columbarium is a beautiful spot to reflect and remember. If you would like to learn more about these options, including a payment plan for prearrangements, please give us a call at 785-234-6605 or send us a message and we’ll be in touch soon.

A quick update on construction progress at our new Cremation Garden

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 13:07:00 GMT

Construction of the Cremation Garden at Memorial Park is underway and progressing nicely despite the cold! We know how important it is for families who choose cremation to have a special place to remember their loved ones, so we designed the Garden to provide many unique and beautiful options. This includes niche inurnment, upright monuments, family estates, walkway memorials, river boulders and scattering. Memorials are available for individuals, companions and families. Some memorials are available in black, gold, rose or gray granite, and others are available in natural stone. Benches throughout the Garden provide points of reflection and rest. A beautiful bronze dove sculpture at the heart of the garden, flowering trees and numerous plantings will adorn the site, and memorial tablets will allow visitors to leave written messages for their loved ones. The Garden also provides a committal shelter for family and friends to gather for services. Take a virtual tour of the Garden here to see more. Construction is underway, but you may still make an advance purchase in the Garden. We'd be happy to share more information with you. Simply stop by our office or give us a call at 785-234-6605.

Perpetual care funds ensure safety during winter months at Memorial Park

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 13:07:00 GMT

When you purchase cemetery property or a marker or monument at Memorial Park, a portion of your payment is set aside for what is known as Perpetual Care. These funds provide for the daily upkeep of the cemetery. A portion of each purchase is placed in our irrevocable perpetual care fund trust. Only the earnings generated by the trust are ever used for the maintenance of the cemetery. The principal remains intact to ensure that the cemetery will be maintained forever. If you’ve ever visited us during the winter, you know that it is important to us to keep the cemetery grounds safe for visitors. We plow the roads, treat and shovel the walkways throughout the cemetery in a timely fashion after weather events to make sure that whatever the weather, visitors are able to safely drive and walk within Memorial Park. These activities are made possible by our perpetual care trust fund. Cemeteries that do not have perpetual care funds can find themselves unable to care for the cemetery grounds in the best manner. Expenses like snow removal, road repairs and even routine mowing have to be covered by today’s property sales. If those sales do not materialize, maintenance can suffer. At Memorial Park, this is not a worry. We have over $1 million in trust funds that provide for not only today’s needs, but also the needs of tomorrow and the years to come. To learn more about burial, cremation and mausoleum options at Memorial Park, please contact us today.

Engravable pavers at our Memorial Plaza

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 13:07:00 GMT

For generations, the Topeka community has enjoyed our beautiful, park-like setting, including the gazebo and duck pond. Our Memorial Plaza was constructed in 2012 to provide a welcoming place for families and individuals to visit the cemetery and enjoy the pond. Special engravable memorial pavers were installed in the plaza to provide a lasting memorial to those we have loved and lost. With the purchase of a paver, you can memorialize and honor a family member or friend. An engraved paver can also be a unique, meaningful and lasting gift. Two engraving options (pictured here) are available. If you would like to purchase a Memorial Paver, or would like more information, please call our cemetery office at 785-234-6605.

Lawn crypts - an economical burial option

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 13:07:00 GMT

A unique choice for ground burial is what is known as a Lawn Crypt. (Hang with us here, it is nicer than it sounds!) A lawn crypt is a compartment that allows for the burial of two caskets. Pre-cast concrete vaults have been placed in the ground on the hillside to the west of the Reflection Pond. The first casket to be buried is lowered to the bottom and a shelf is placed over it. This shelf will hold the second casket when the time comes. Above ground, a bronze marker is inscribed with the information of both people, and it is enhanced by a bronze flower vase, which allows for perpetual memorialization. Many families choose lawn crypts because they are more economical than traditional side-by-side burial since there is no need for a second separate burial vault. Others simply appreciate the idea of burial in the same space. If you would like to learn more about these options, including a payment plan for prearrangements, please give us a call at 785-234-6605 or send us a message and we’ll be in touch soon.

Is our mausoleum the right choice for you?

Fri, 23 Aug 2024 13:07:00 GMT

When you visit our cemetery, you may notice the large granite structure in the middle of the grounds. This is our mausoleum, which is a building which provides above-ground burial. Our mausoleum includes spaces in the inside and outside-facing walls. The front of the mausoleum space is opened and the casket is placed inside. The mausoleum has many beautiful features, including stained-glass windows and stonework depicting the Good Shepherd and the Resurrection. It is fronted with beautifully polished Carnelian granite, and bronze plaques with flower vases distinguish each space. Nearby roads and sidewalks provide easy access for visitors. Mausoleum spaces start at $3,990 and many families find them to be an economical alternative to ground burial, because it does not require the purchase of a vault. Often when the price of a ground burial space and burial vault are combined, it can be more affordable to purchase the mausoleum space instead. If you would like to learn more about these options, including a payment plan for prearrangements, please give us a call at 785-234-6605 or send us a message and we’ll be in touch soon.

See you at the Concert in the Park!

Fri, 16 Aug 2024 13:07:00 GMT

Please join us on Sunday, September 19 at 2 p.m. for our 12th Annual Concert in the Park. We will enjoy the musical stylings of the Kings of Swing. The 15-piece Topeka band specializes in swing music of the 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s. The band plays in the natural amphitheater created by the open space northeast of the Reflection Pond. We are also thrilled to welcome back the Topeka High School Cruzline! The concert is a great opportunity for individuals and families to listen to some fine music in a beautiful, park-like atmosphere. Don't forget to check out the dance floor and show off your dancing skills. We hope to see you at our next concert for another round of great music! Admission is free and we will have a food vendor on hand if you work up an appetite! Handicapped parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. We hope to see you soon!

Create an enduring tribute through our Living Memorial Program

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 13:07:00 GMT

The Serve & Protect Garden honors our military and civil servicemen & women

Fri, 02 Aug 2024 13:07:00 GMT

Our Serve and Protect Garden is dedicated to the men and women of our armed and civil services. They, along with their spouses are honored in this special garden, which is easily accessed through the cemetery gate on Gage Boulevard. The Serve and Protect section offers burial spaces and cremation memorialization in the Serve and Protect Columbarium. Burial spaces cost just under $885. All honorably discharged military veterans are provided a bronze cemetery marker through the Veterans Administration. If a veteran is married, a matching companion plaque is also available for purchase. The bronze markers need to be placed on a granite base, which is the responsibility of the family to provide. We can assist you with this process. Prices for the niches are $1,850 for the niches that face Gage and $2,570 for the niches that face the cemetery. Easily accessible from the road and the Walk of Honor sidewalk, the Columbarium is a beautiful spot to reflect and remember. If you would like to learn more about these options, including a payment plan for prearrangements, please give us a call at 785-234-6605 or send us a message and we’ll be in touch soon.

Perpetual care funds ensure the future beauty of Memorial Park

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 13:08:00 GMT

When you purchase cemetery property or a marker or monument at Memorial Park, a portion of your payment is set aside in an irrevocable trust fund for what is known as Perpetual Care. These funds provide for the daily upkeep of the cemetery. Only the earnings generated by the trust are ever used for the maintenance of the cemetery. The principal remains intact to ensure that the cemetery will be maintained forever. If you’ve ever visited us during the week, you’ll see our grounds crew hard at work mowing the gardens, trimming around each marker and monument, keeping roads swept free of snow or debris, and conducting routine maintenance, all in addition to preparing for the day’s funeral services. These activities are made possible by our perpetual care trust fund. Cemeteries that do not have perpetual care funds can find themselves unable to care for the cemetery grounds in the best manner. Expenses like fallen trees, road repairs and even routine mowing have to be covered by today’s property sales. If those sales do not materialize, maintenance can suffer. At Memorial Park, this is not a worry. We have over $1 million in trust funds that provide for not only today’s needs, but also the needs of tomorrow and the years to come. Memorial Park is a beautiful place for burial and cremation memorialization. To speak with one of our helpful staff members about your options, please call us at 785-234-6605, or send us a message and we'll be in touch soon.

The Wall of Memories & Garden of Prayer

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 13:08:00 GMT

In the center of the cemetery, on the west side of the Mausoleum, sit the Wall of Memories and Garden of Prayer. These sections of our cemetery provide unique opportunities for cremation memorialization. The Wall of Memories offers four rows of niches for the placement of cremation urns. Each niche can accept one urn. A bronze plaque with an optional flower vase will be inscribed with the individual’s names and dates. Prices for the niches range between $1,885-$3,210, depending on the position of the niche on the wall. Easily accessible from the road and sidewalks, the Wall is a beautiful spot to reflect and remember. The Garden of Prayer is the open, grassy area located between the Wall of Memories and our community Mausoleum. This unique garden contains a special kind of memorial called “cremorials.” A cremorial is a granite marker with a compartment for the placement of cremated remains. A bronze plaque is placed on top of the granite marker and is inscribed with names and dates. Finally, a bronze flower vase is attached to the bronze plaque. Garden of Prayer memorials are available for both individuals (around $3,050) and companions (around $3,450). Many families appreciate this all-inclusive memorial, which combines the familiar tradition of ground burial with modern cremation choices, and allows for the placement of flower bouquets year-round. If you would like to learn more about these options, including a payment plan for prearrangements, please give us a call at 785-234-6605 or send us a message and we’ll be in touch soon.

Why advance planning for cemetery needs is smart

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 13:08:00 GMT

Planning today for future cemetery needs gives you and your family peace of mind. When a death occurs, family members are faced with making dozens of decisions, during a very difficult, emotional time. Planning ahead for cemetery needs reduces the number of decisions to be made, easing the burden. Advance planning for cemetery needs is not a complicated process. You, or you and your family will meet with one of our staff members to review the possibilities, then you make the choices that are right for you. The first choice to make is whether you want to be buried or cremated. We have many options available for both throughout the cemetery’s memorial gardens and memorial structures. Another important choice is whether you want to purchase property for yourself only, or for other family members. Many married couples choose to purchase property at the same time, and some purchase adjoining spaces for their children as well. Payment arrangements will also be discussed. You have the ability to make payments over time, or to take care of everything at once. As with everything else, costs of cemetery property and services do increase over time. Therefore, it is to your financial benefit to make arrangements now. After your arrangements are completed, you simply inform your family members of your choices and save the paperwork in a safe place that will be accessible to your surviving family members. You will have the satisfaction of knowing it is handled, and they will appreciate your forethought when the time comes. To get started, call us anytime at 785-234-6605 or fill out this contact form and we will be in touch soon.

Memorial Day weekend activities at Memorial Park Cemetery

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 13:08:00 GMT

Memorial Day is an important day to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend and protect our freedom. We will honor military servicemen and women at a special ceremony at 10 a.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 31. If you have attended our ceremony in the past, please note that this year we will gather in a different location this year to improve traffic flow and allow for social distancing. Please join us near the office in the open space northeast of the pond, to honor those who have given their lives in service to our country. At the ceremony we will hear from a speaker from the Kansas National Guard who will present a wreath of remembrance. Following the guidance of the CDC, vaccinated attendees do not need to wear masks at the ceremony. Throughout the weekend, our staff will be on hand to assist in locating graves and providing flags for the graves of veterans.

Coming soon: our new Cremation Garden

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 13:08:00 GMT

This summer, visitors to Memorial Park will notice a lot of construction activity near the mausoleum. We are building a new Cremation Garden, which will be a beautiful resting place for families who choose cremation. We wanted families to have a lot of options to choose from, so you will see many different possibilities within the garden in terms of memorial style, color and price. Some styles of memorial will rise vertically from the ground, while others will lay on the ground or along the walkways. We will also be building two columbarium, which are structures that allow you to place one or two urns in compartments known as niches. Large boulders of natural stone will be placed along the walkways that offer inurnments for individuals or multiple family members. Benches, flowering trees and beautiful plantings will decorate the Garden, making it a lovely place to visit. The Garden will also include a committal shelter for families and guests to gather for a service before an inurnment takes place.

Creating a memorial garden that lasts for generations

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 13:08:00 GMT

9 DIY Projects to Remember Your Loved One

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 13:08:00 GMT