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RR Brannstrom | Daily Press At Skladsky Funeral Home in Escanaba, funeral directors Scott Streichert and Jenna Eastin look over documents as their grieving dog, Pancake, shows interest in the camera.
Editor’s note: The Daily Press will feature a series of articles about local businesses, highlighting their history and what makes them unique. This series will be serialized regularly in the Daily Press.
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ESCANABA – The Skladski Family Funeral Home, now with locations in both Gladstone and Escanaba, began in 1947 when John and Marcella Skladski founded the funeral home at 706 Wisconsin Avenue in Gladstone. John attended Chicago Mortuary College and was an apprentice at a funeral home. Boyce Funeral Home – Later he merged with Skradski’s. John and Marcella operated the business independently until 1978, when they hired Jeffrey Weig. A year later, Weig bought the business from the Skratkis. Scott Streichert, current funeral director and owner, says of the Skratskis: “Like a second parent” To Mr. Wahe. John continued to work at the funeral home until his death in 1984. Streichert said Weige is still very involved in the business and will continue to work for the funeral home. “He has played a key role in the success and reputation of Skradski Funeral Home.”
In 1992, Edward Walker joined Waeghe as a partner and co-owner. At one time, they also owned and operated the Fassbender Funeral Home on Third Avenue in Market (no longer affiliated with them). In 1998, they purchased Boyce Funeral Home, located at 118 South 12th Street in Escanaba. It was originally built as a home for businessman John Corcoran. His second location became his Skradski-Boyce Funeral Home, a name he kept until 2012 before becoming his Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba.
In February 2000, Scott Streichert began his career with Skradski. In 2012, he became his partner and owner of his Waeghe and Walker business. Since then, the transition from apprenticeship to funeral director has been made by a small number of individuals, and now Skradski Family Funeral Homes has a strong group of funeral directors who are dedicated to serving the community.
“There were always plans for a future with the funeral home.” Streichert said. “We always have a succession plan, and we always try to stay on top of that succession plan. So when one owner retires, we make sure that our staff is ready to take over for the next owner, if possible.” We are striving to place the
Skradski’s staff consists of five licensed funeral directors, four of whom work full time. They rotate into teams and are available 24/7. We also have an intern, a pre-arrangement coordinator, support staff who drive to pick up deceased people from outside the area, two secretaries, and a grieving dog, Pancake.
“When someone faces a death in the family, we are there to bring their loved one into our care and provide guidance on what happens next.” Streichert explained.
There are many duties that must be fulfilled, such as arranging transportation, visiting the bereaved family, preparing the deceased, preparing documents, and submitting permits.
“People always think of the word ‘undertaker’ as a morbid word, but it actually means that the person who does most of the work is the undertaker.” Streichert said. “And that’s what we do. And we do it for families so they don’t have to do it during difficult times.”
Each of Skladsky’s funeral directors entered the industry of their own volition out of pure interest. “Calling” Streichert called it that.
“We are the only funeral home with independent, first-generation funeral directors. We are family, but not related by blood.” Jenna Eastin said she first learned about the idea of becoming a mortician when a member of Skladski’s staff spoke to her biology class at Gladstone High School. That piqued her interest. She interned at her funeral home and studied mortuary science at the University of Minnesota, after which she returned and began her career.
Michigan has its own funeral laws, requiring funeral directors to be licensed through state and national boards, but the state lacks strong university programs. Skladsky’s funeral directors attended local high schools but earned degrees in Minnesota, California, Georgia and Ohio.
In addition to attending job fairs to recruit the next generation, Skradski Family Funeral Homes staff regularly speaks at several events to help reduce taboos around death, the funeral planning process, military benefits, and more. informing people about how to apply for.
“We strive to educate our community, young and old.” Eastin said.
Eastin also said people tend to think of the funeral industry as surrounded by grief.
“It’s not always sad.” she said. “You’re celebrating life. You’re helping people remember their loved ones. And you can be creative that way. And it’s eternal. They’re yours. will be remembered forever.”
Business hours for the Escanaba and Gladstone buildings are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Reservations are required after 4 o’clock or on weekends. You can still call and I’ll come down.” Streichert said. Funerals are usually held during regular business hours, but not necessarily during business hours. “It will be held at night, after hours and on weekends, depending on the wishes of the family.” He said.
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