As a writer, I'm prone to write a lot of reviews. This one is going to be difficult because I want to write this two days after my mother's funeral; so that my thoughts and gratitude are fresh. My mother (age 97) died while I was far away and headed home. I was not happy with the funeral home we'd chosen for my 97 year old father, so I tried to remember another facility and for some reason, the name, "Poulson Van Hise" popped into my head. Only much later did I realize that I'd walked past the funeral home as a 5-year old on the way to school every day! I hadn't been near there for 70 years! Joe Parrel, owner and descendant of the original founder of PV&H, answered my phone within 10 minutes of my midnight call. I told him that my family had placed the funeral responsibility on me, that Mom was still in bed with her long-term, full-time caregiver grieving beside her. Joe drove to Mom's house and took care of everything, no questions asked. The next few days, Joe carefully explained all of my options. I was directed to a price list that proved to be precisely accurate, there was no "sales" effort. Mom was very thrifty and Joe immediately responded with several suggestions that I would never have guessed. He told me not to worry about anything, and I - a professional worrier - finally learned how to trust a heretofore stranger. And apparently, Joe trusted me, because he never asked for a dime up-front. Total satisfaction was his goal and the goal was met. Joe also proved to be not only a consummate professional (in the science of compassionate care), but also a good friend. My brother, who had planned our father's funeral last year, remarked how much better PV&H was over our previous vendor. Our mother was a strikingly beautiful woman and the ravages of a declining 5 years caused us to worry how she'd look in an open casket. We had no reason to worry. Unlike our Dad, Mom looked radiant. I know that this requires a great deal of scientific knowledge and experience to achieve - in essence a very real art. Joe's staff excelled our most discriminating expectations. Some might say that the expectations of relatives in a situation such as a funeral are often unrealistic and excessive. Well - that's just how it is - grieving brings out the best and the worst in all of us. Should you find yourself reading this and wondering just how you and your family should or will act, have no worries. For Joseph Parrel and his compassionate staff, there are no wrongs and in the end, be assured - it will be all right. Whomever in your family is trusted to make all the choices and decisions, will end up feeling divinely blessed.

At the very worst time of my life the staff at polson van hise was very compassionate, and Joe helped me through every step of the way, often surprising me with unexpected and beautiful details. Despite the fact that I called frequently everyone always made me feel like they were happy to answer my questions. And although I would give anything to have my mother back, I felt that every aspect of the funeral was beautifully done. I am so very grateful that they were there. I can't recommend them enough.

Scott Larkin is exceptional as a Funeral Director. In the short turn around time we had to prepare services for my father in law, he was responsive and helpful every step of the way. He fully understood the range of emotions tied to grief and was both supportive, understanding and professional.