History & Staff

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.

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.