O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home

O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home The O’Brien Funeral Home became a licensed funeral home in Grand Rapids in 1885

Grief has a way of resurfacing on meaningful days. Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s and Father’s Day, and ot...
03/20/2026

Grief has a way of resurfacing on meaningful days. Holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s and Father’s Day, and other traditions can suddenly feel heavier than expected. These moments can carry a quiet reminder that someone you love isn’t there to share them with you. If you’re feeling that weight, you’re not alone. Here are some tips for coping on these days: https://bit.ly/4bdSCdZ

Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and it doesn’t look the same from one person to the next. It can be quiet or loud. Stea...
03/18/2026

Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and it doesn’t look the same from one person to the next. It can be quiet or loud. Steady or overwhelming. Numb or deeply emotional. Sometimes it is all of it at once.

There is no “right” way to grieve. Only your way. Your grief is valid no matter how it shows up!

One of the greatest gifts you can leave your family is clarity. Pre-planning ensures that when the time comes, they can ...
03/16/2026

One of the greatest gifts you can leave your family is clarity. Pre-planning ensures that when the time comes, they can gather, remember, and honor your life. Allow them to grieve without the added weight of making hard decisions. Learn more about pre-planning & pre-arranging here: https://bit.ly/4lo0sqb

At Gerst, we want to come alongside you, from providing resources for preplanning and support through grief to equipping...
03/13/2026

At Gerst, we want to come alongside you, from providing resources for preplanning and support through grief to equipping you to help others navigate their grief. Signing up for our eNewsletter gives you access to our newest blog, grief resources, upcoming events, and more each month. Click to join today: https://bit.ly/3Xyz2TD

Losing a friend carries a grief that is often quiet. But deeply profound.It’s the loss of shared memories, inside jokes,...
03/13/2026

Losing a friend carries a grief that is often quiet. But deeply profound.

It’s the loss of shared memories, inside jokes, late-night conversations, and the person who knew chapters of your story in a way no one else did. Friendship grief can feel different. It may not always be publicly recognized in the same way as family loss, but it is real. It matters. And it deserves space.

We are here to help honor every relationship that made that life meaningful.

We are deeply honored to support you and your family through this season of grief. Every story, every relationship, and ...
03/11/2026

We are deeply honored to support you and your family through this season of grief. Every story, every relationship, and every life is important to us. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey.

Four small words that can mean so much. When someone is grieving, one of the greatest gifts you can offer is the opportu...
03/09/2026

Four small words that can mean so much. When someone is grieving, one of the greatest gifts you can offer is the opportunity to remember out loud. To speak their name. To share their stories. To laugh, to cry, to honor the life that mattered so deeply.

Inviting someone to talk about the person they’ve lost reminds them that their life is still seen, still valued, and still remembered.

What is something someone said to you in your grief journey that helped you?

03/06/2026

Pre-planning ensures your preferences are known. From burial or cremation to music, readings, and personal touches. It gives you a voice in how your life is remembered. Learn more about pre-planning & pre-arranging here: https://gerstfuneralhomes.com/pre-arrangement/

Planning from out of state can feel overwhelming — especially during a season of loss.We’re honored to walk alongside fa...
03/03/2026

Planning from out of state can feel overwhelming — especially during a season of loss.

We’re honored to walk alongside families wherever they are, providing guidance, compassion, and steady support every step of the way.

Thank you for trusting Gerst to help make a difficult time a little easier.

The start of planning a funeral amidst the recent loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming, and it can be hard to know ...
02/27/2026

The start of planning a funeral amidst the recent loss of a loved one can feel overwhelming, and it can be hard to know where to begin. If you or someone you care about is unsure how to plan a meaningful celebration of life, we’re here to guide you through each step with care and support. Connect with one of the funeral directors today and get the support you need: https://bit.ly/4e7TRfc

There are many options open to you when it comes to cremation planning and honoring your loved one’s life. After the cre...
02/25/2026

There are many options open to you when it comes to cremation planning and honoring your loved one’s life. After the cremation and memorial services, there are a variety of choices for your loved one’s final resting place. Explore options: https://bit.ly/4jw3Xck

Grief can make familiar environments feel different. Crowds may feel louder, conversations harder, and traditions heavie...
02/23/2026

Grief can make familiar environments feel different. Crowds may feel louder, conversations harder, and traditions heavier. During this time, your emotional energy may be limited, and that’s completely normal. Attending every event is not a measure of love or strength. Instead, it’s important to honor what you can handle.

Giving yourself permission to decline social invitations allows you to protect your energy and focus on healing. It’s a way to respect your grief, acknowledge your feelings, and create space for rest and reflection.

Address

3980 Cascade Road SE
Grand Rapids, MI
49546

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16169497350

Website

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About Gerst Funeral Homes

The O’Brien Funeral Home became a licensed funeral home in Grand Rapids in 1885 located in the downtown area, Grand Rapids’ first funeral home. P.H. O’Brien was the original owner. The establishment moved to its new location on Jefferson Ave. several years later. Bonnie O’Brien, son of P.H. O’Brien, and Joseph O’Brien, grandson of P.H. O’Brien, operated the business at the Jefferson location. In 1968, Joseph O’Brien built a new facility at the present location at Cascade and East Paris intersection, completing the first project in early 1969.