Coburn Funeral Homes

05/07/2026

"Can we place personal items in the casket?" Yes, and it can be a beautiful way to add meaning.

Families often place letters, photos, rosaries, books, or hobby items that mattered most, and we’ve seen grandchildren’s notes tucked inside along with golf clubs carried by loved ones who never missed a round. These personal touches are welcome, and they often bring peace to the family. If you’re wondering about something specific, ask us and we’ll guide you.

05/04/2026

🌸 The people we love leave pieces of themselves in the best parts of our lives. 🌸

05/01/2026

ESTHER (KINGREY) BREEN WAS BORN FEBRUARY 8, 1940 AT HOME IN MARION COUNTY, IOWA TO FRED AND MABEL (DEITRICK) KINGREY. SHE GRADUATED FROM ATTICA HIGH SCHOOL IN 1958. SHE WAS UNITED IN MARRIAGE TO BERT BREEN JR IN DECEMBER, 1960. TO THIS UNION, TWO CHILDREN WERE BORN: TODD J BREEN AND JULIA A BREEN ST...

04/29/2026

Teenagers often want to contribute something special to a loved one’s funeral. Giving them a clear role helps them feel connected, respected, and valued. Start by asking what feels important or comforting to them. We are always here to offer ideas.

They might choose music their loved one would have enjoyed or create a photo display that captures their personality and life. These small, heartfelt gestures let teens actively honor their loved one in a deeply personal way.

When young people help plan a funeral, they engage in the experience of remembrance. We have seen how this kind of involvement supports their grieving process in a healthy and healing way.

04/27/2026

Services for Jerry Heffelfinger will be held on Saturday, May 2, at 11:00 AM at Coburn Funeral Home in Colfax. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 - 11:00 AM.

View Jerry Wayne Heffelfinger's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

04/25/2026

Have you considered how you want people to remember you after the funeral ends?

Some people picture a traditional headstone with their name and dates, others want their cremated remains lawfully scattered in a place they loved, and some prefer a memorial bench or a tree planted in their honor. You can request donations to a cause instead of flowers, or you can ask for both. The physical marker of your life matters to the people who loved you.

Your family will visit that place or carry out that wish for years after you're gone. Telling them what feels right to you gives them a clear way to honor your memory instead of wondering if they chose correctly. Even a small preference helps them feel connected to you. And we’ll be there every step of the way to support them.

Where do you want them to find you?

04/22/2026

Charlotte Ann Alderman, age 85 of Colfax, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026 at The Bridges of Ankeny. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at the Colfax Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Quarry Springs Park. Condolences may be left f...

04/22/2026

"How do we know the cremated remains are our loved one’s?"

We use a clear chain of custody that follows your loved one from the moment they come into our care through cremation and back to you. Cremations take place one at a time, and the process is carefully documented, giving you confidence and peace of mind.

04/21/2026

Jack Jay Merkle, aged 62, of Runnells, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Jack was born on January 2, 1962, in Osceola, Iowa, the son of Robert Bruce Merkle and Beverly Ann (Johnston) Merkle. He arrived as the first of twins, a joyful surprise that completed their fami...

04/20/2026

Funerals help you find your footing when everything feels upside down.

Familiar acts like lighting a candle, sharing communion, or walking together to the graveside become stepping stones that help you move forward.

We'll walk you through meaningful traditions, one step at a time. And if you'd like to create something entirely new, we'll help you build that too.

What tradition has brought you the most comfort?

04/19/2026

Duane Vernon Birkenholtz, age 71 of Prairie City, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026 at MercyOne in Des Moines. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Prairie City Church of the Brethren. A luncheon will follow the service. Memorials may be directed to the f...