Personal Reviews From Busch Customers

When you choose Busch, our caring staff will help you capture the stories of a life well lived, so that you can honor your loved one in a meaningful way.

Below are personal testimonials from beloved families we have served.

Would you like to share your story with us? Please tell us about your experience with Busch Funeral Home.

Recent Testimonials

Cathleen Witczak, North Royalton, OH

"I just wanted to thank you for the professional service provided to my brothers & I regarding plans for our sister. I wanted to give a special thank you to Amy Geisman. She is not only a kind, caring person, but extremely professional & knowledgeable. We were a little unsure of a few things and without any sort of pressure, Amy was able to assist us in our decision making. We never felt as if our decisions weren't good, or that we needed to do more. Amy reassured us everything would be fine. This was our second experience with Amy. She helped with my mother in law in 2016. We wish Amy great success & I'm confident several other families will feel the same way."

In Memory of Ann Toothman
June 2019

Brian Payne, OH

"Dear James and Jeff,

I wanted to reach out and personally thank you for your work and care regarding our daughter, Vivian James Payne, who was stillborn in October.

Jeff handled our fragile situation with genuine care and excellent service. Although I haven’t met Mr. James Busch, I understand that you are the driving force behind providing this care for no cost to families when it involves a pregnancy loss. That is incredibly generous and caring for you to provide that service, and it was a remarkable help to us during a very difficult time. Again, thank you both so much!"

In Memory of Vivian James Payne
May 2019

The Motter Family, Bedford, OH

"Dear Joe,

Now that things have settled down a bit, I just wanted to again thank you. My mom’s case was certainly an unusual one. I’m guessing there are not many times when you have had to go as high as the governor’s office or be put on hold for final arrangements for so long.

My family certainly appreciates the time and effort you spent to rectify the situation. Your persistence and constant follow-up worked. It was an extended effort on your part and you handled it so professionally. I cannot express our gratitude enough. For weeks you worked to resolve a problem for our sake. We would have been so lost if not for you advocating on our behalf. You allowed us to grieve and deal with other family matters as this was evolving. We absolutely wanted to commend you on your integrity and the integrity of the Busch Funeral and Crematory Services during this difficult time. What you do is so important to families. Your dedication and attention are to be admired."

In Memory of Catherine Motter
March 2019

Jay and Debbie Schmitt, Elyria, OH

"Dear Jeff, Julie, Heidi, and all of you at Busch,

Thank you very much for selecting us for your prestigious Caregiver of the Month Award for January 2019.

We are proud to represent the values your wonderful and compassionate employees have shown through their dedication to the people of Elyria in general, and the Elyria Jewish community specifically. It is very rewarding to be recognized by such fine people as yourselves, and we are most appreciative of the gesture.

What made the award so special was the presentation by Jeff, Julie and Heidi during our Temple services. Over the years Jeff and Julie have become not only good friends, but part of our Temple life."

In response to receiving the Caregiver Award
February 2019

Roger Creps, Cleveland, OH

"Dear Cathy,

I am sure that with the number of life celebrations you have done over the years that individual ones do not stand out. But today, on the 9th anniversary of my wife, Carol Creps, passing, I do remember well meeting you for the first time, and planning Carol's service. Little did we know then that eight months later, we would meet again to plan my daughter Jessica's service.
Thank you for all that you do to make the most difficult times in the lives of families who have lost loved ones as much a time to celebrate as it is a time to grieve. "

In Memory of Carol and Jessica Creps
February 2019

Yury Boyle, Cleveland, OH

"I have never been through this before, and I didn’t know what to expect. The emotions even six months later— the highs and lows— but Meghan was very polite and understanding when I was going through a tough time. Thanks to her, my three other children will always call my baby Esmy their “Angel”. And thank you for taking care of my niece Zoey back in 2007. Thanks to you and to Meghan, without her I don’t think I would have had closure."

In Memory of Esmy Boyle
January 2019

Sheryl Murtha & the McKee Family, Fairview Park, OH

"Dear Jim, Julie, David, Mary and all,

Thank you so very much for making the celebration of my dear mother’s life so beautiful. You all at Busch go above and beyond to extend not only a service but yourselves personally. It is a gift to all who are privileged to be engaged by you all and everything you do.

From the initial phone call to have my mother’s body picked up by Tom and his helper, to all the personal care and help with planning, it was beautiful. I am eternally grateful!

In Memory of Beverly McKee
December 2018

Michael & Brittiany Sanford, Westlake, OH

"Julie, Dan, Suzanne and Tom,
It was definitely a peaceful experience working with Busch Funeral Home during our very tragic time. We appreciate the dignity and care for our son. Thank you for everything."

In Memory of Michael Thomas Kelly Sanford III
October 2018

Barb Makovich & Dave Neiger, Middleburg Heights, OH

"Dear Barb Habecker:

We were so grateful you were able to be our Celebrant for our Mom’s service. Your kind words and comforting thoughts and tone were appreciated by all. Your words of our memories made us think that she was there in the room with us as we smiled through our tears. Thank you for making sense of our words/memories into your beautiful, compassionate celebration of her life."

In Memory of Norma Neiger
October 2018

Jacqueline Smith, Texas

"My mom passed away unexpectedly at the age of 58. My sister and I were not prepared to plan a funeral. Meghan and the staff at Busch were amazing. They made the funeral very special and went to every effort to make the process for us easy. They walked us through everything. I cannot thank them enough for making this tragedy easier for us. Thank you again, Meghan.”

In Memory of Loretta Serrano
October 2018

Elissa Fiffick, Hinkley, OH

"It’s never easy losing your mother, but the compassion you all showed us made it easier. Our mom, Betty, looked beautiful and at peace. We will always have the memory because of the compassion you showed us and continue to show others.”

In Memory of Betty Michnyak
September 2018

Recent Preplanner (Anonymous)

"I preplanned my funeral with the help of Julie Graf Skinner. The entire experience was exceptional. From the moment I walked in the door, Julie guided me with respect and kindness. I never felt pressured or uncomfortable in any way. Julie explained each step throughly and answered all of my questions. I now have peace of mind and my family will not have to make important decisions at a difficult time. Thank you, Julie !"

June 2018

Melissa A. Mendise, Broadview Heights, OH

"My father passed away at my home, very unexpectedly in February. When I had to make the decision on what funeral home to use, I knew that my father would always refer to his friendship with the Busch family. I am so very grateful for that.

First of all the driver who picked up my dad at the hospital was a very courteous young man. When I mentioned how important it was for me that my father, who was a Korean War Veteran, be taken out of the hospital with extreme dignity, the young man (Matt) got an American flag out of his vehicle and explained that he was a veteran as well. That meant everything to me. He took all the time in the world to allow my husband and I to drape the flag over my father, and more importantly did it with us as a veteran.

I also want to mention two other employees of your company. Our funeral director Mr. Ted Kirsh was very professional and courteous and made this very emotional time for me the best it could possibly be. He answered all questions and went out of his way to take the time I needed to decide on which casket would best represent what my father would want.

In addition thank you to Sandy Hanson who took the time with family members. Both of them kept me updated with what was going on, and what needed to be done in order to make my father’s ceremony and arrangements completed successfully.

I would not use anyone else in the future. I will only use the Busch Family for any of my future needs when they arise. It was very crucial that my father was given such a valuable and high end service as he was by your staff, and I thank you very much."

In Memory of Joseph I. Mendise
April 2018

Peggy Giachetti, Strongsville, OH

"In November 2015, we buried my brother. In February 2016, I buried my son. In April 2016, I buried my daughter. In March 2018, I buried my husband of 24 years. In every time of need, Amy Geisman and the entire Busch family were there for me. Losing a loved one is difficult and heartbreaking. Busch helped me through these times with caring, empathy, professionalism, concern— always knowing what I needed before I knew! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. They took care of every need."

March 26, 2018

Fran Yuse-Pape, Carpentsville, IL

"I just wanted to thank Bob for all of his warmth and kindness this past week as we prepared our mother, Margaret Yuse passing. You cared 9 years ago for our father, and knowing how kind the process was we were assured mom's care would be the same. To bring her back from Erie, Pa with the dignity that your colleagues there gave her in preparing her journey was outstanding. The process of this past week with Bob made this easier to go through. Mom was in good hands with all that cared for her for her final process. Please let Bob know that his outstanding warmth and love for his job was so much appreciated by us all."

In Memory of Margaret Yuse
March 2018

Jean, Cleveland, OH

"Chuck’s memorial service was wonderful, and I want to thank all of you for your part in the planning of the service and the preparations prior to the service. I was extremely pleased that I attended the preplanning lecture at Vista Springs. It gave me insight to the steps in planning. I had known that I would be using Busch as Chuck had used you for his family previously.

I had been advised to make plans ahead of time as I would not be in the frame of mind to do this at the time of his death. Kathleen was wonderful in leading me and one of Chuck’s daughters who was in town for the weekend thru the initial paperwork. Joe picked up when Chuck passed away and again all went well with patience on both their parts. My questions were all answered both during my appointments and also by my phone calls. Amy handled the service perfectly.Also the military presentation of the flag was so impressive and commented on by all. I don’t think there was a dry eye when it ended.

I should also mention that the person who came to Vista Springs to take Chuck from the facility to your facility handled the situation very professionally. He gave me the time to be with Chuck that I needed and I so much appreciated it."

In memory of Chuck
February 2018

Bob Stilwell, Parma Heights, OH

"I want each of you to know how pleased I am for all of the help and planning that went into my wife’s cremation and memorial service. You made my time of sorrow much more tolerable. I received many compliments about your services and the beautiful Christmas decorations extended to me and my family.

Sandy did an outstanding job on the video, I think I viewed it at least a dozen times. I know now why Lynn was so happy all of the years she spent working for Mrs. Busch."

In memory of Lynn Adele Stilwell
December 21, 2017

Marylin Gnezda, North Royalton, OH

"I want to thank you and your staff for your kindness and wonderful care Joe Scuiva showed me and my family. Your wonderful staff was very appreciated by me and my family. I want you to know I have had to bury my family members and I was so disappointed in the other funeral homes. Your genuine caring and helpfulness was gratefully appreciated.

I followed my husband Matt’s wishes exactly as he had wanted for his funeral. When I preplanned everything, I was amazed that there was no pressure from Kathleen Bloesinger to try to add or change anything I had asked for.My husband was a humble and simple man and never wanted anything to suggest he was anything different or special.

We thank you again for your great service. I was able to see how my funeral will be as I had everything done that I also want to have for myself. God Bless you and your staff for allowing me to see how a funeral should serve."

In memory of Matthew Gnezda
December 21, 2017

Ken Gulling, Avon Lake, OH

"I could not have asked for a kinder, more compassionate and professional experience than what I had when Busch Avon Lake helped to lay my beloved mother to rest. Julie Clevenger was so patient and caring with me when we talked to set up the arrangements, and at the end, when she invited me to help tuck my mother in for the final time, she gave me the opportunity to perform that one final loving task. The entire staff treated us with such an outpouring of love. I cannot express my thanks enough."

December 11, 2017

Lisa Collins Gonzalez – Valley City, OH

"Thank you for the beautiful flower arrangement and the exceptional service you provided for our mother Mary Ruth Collin’s funeral. Everything was very easy to plan and put together, even during such a stressful time. Having the choices there at your location made it convenient to make the decisions we had to make. You did an outstanding job making mom look her best. We were contemplating having a closed casket, but she looked so beautiful that we kept it open.

I especially would like to thank Bob Solich. From the very first day we walked into the funeral home, he made us feel like we had known him for years. He answered all of our questions and gave us everything we needed to know and make decisions from day one. He even found a way to make us laugh at times, which was exactly what we needed during that time. He was professional and warm at the same time.

Thank you for taking the care in preparing our loved one and making such a difficult time a little easier. You may take care of the deceased, but you also take care of the living. Please don’t let that ever change. "

In memory of Mary Ruth Collins
October 11, 2017

Tom Kessler – Parma, OH

"I wanted to take this time to thank you and your company for the outstanding work you do. In this day and age of squeezing the customer for every dollar, your company is an example of how an honest company can thrive. In the past three years, our family lost both our father and mother, and the cremation services were provided by Busch Funeral Homes. In both instances, your associates provided exceptional service without ever once trying to up sell or pressure our family into spending more than was necessary, which could be easy to do during difficult times.

Our mother's mass was this past Saturday, and our family wanted you to know what a wonderful job your associate Ted Kirsh did for us during the entire process. His calm and reassuring demeanor was extremely helpful during the entire process, and he made sure that every detail was taken care of. I am sure that my mother was very pleased with the celebration of life Busch Funeral Homes & Ted provided.

My father chose Busch Funeral Homes prior to his death three years ago because they had provided food trays, etc. to my brother's family who had three children returning home from military service in Iraq. The character your company showed then is a reflection of the compassion you provided to both of our parents during their services."

- In memory of Dorothy and John Kessler
September 25, 2017

"Thank you for your note of sympathy regarding Karen’s passing. My family and I were most pleased with your firm’s guiding us through this sad event. We couldn’t have asked for more of Meghan Burmeister, who set up the services and was with my son and me at the confirmatory viewing in Parma. Bob Solich handled both the graveside and the memorial services in an outstanding fashion. Follow-up on flowers, donations, etc has been outstanding as well.Please share our deep appreciation with Meghan, Bob and the other members of your fine staff who eased our way through all this."

- In memory of Karen Cooper
September 18, 2017

Noreen and Ron Hollo – Avon Lake, OH

"There is a special place in our hearts for those who’ve helped us make it this far. Faith, tenderness and kindness as Bill Burmeister and Melissa walked us through our journey- Alison’s unexpected death! The Busch Funeral Family really helped us in every way."

- In memory of Alison Hollo
August 30, 2017

Susan Bobby – Fairview Park, OH

"Thank you for honoring my son, James Adam Reese, in the most perfect way. Every single detail was addressed. I know everyone was doing their job, but we all felt as though we were the only family being taken care of. The professionalism and care given to each and every question or request anyone had was over the top. Meghan and David are the best. Thank you again on behalf of our family and friends. Thank you for everything."

- In memory of James Adam Reese
June 29, 2017

Gail Berzins – Brecksville, OH

"I would like to thank you and your Busch team for all that you did for our mom’s funeral. You were so kind to our family and catered to our every desire.

1. To see Mom earlier than the viewing was especially helpful. Thank you for changing out the nail polish so it matched the lipstick 2. Rearranging the room so it felt comfortable and welcoming like the home we lived in. 3. Getting extra tables so we could display the grandchildren’s graduation pictures in chronological order. 4. Taking all the flowers and picture boards to the 100th Bomb Group Restaurant and setting up the room, it looked beautiful. 5. Fielding calls about arrangements, obituary notices, prayer cards and anything else that I am forgetting.

The funeral service was a beautiful tribute to Mom. We have received so many cards saying what a beautiful service. It would not have been possible without your help and those on your team."

- In memory of Jane Denk
May 13, 2017

A Testimonial From Nancy Score, Wife of Indians Legend Herb Score

A Testimonial From Marianne About Laying a Hero to Rest

A Testimonial From Sandra About Bringing A Soldier Home

What Others Have to Say About Busch

David Doll – Cleveland, OH

"Thank you for the spectacular job you did at my sister’s memorial service. Cathy Nichols who did the actual celebration was unbelievable, just incredible. Talk about perfect for the occasion, perfect comments and perfect balance. It was truly impressive how good you guys are."

Dawn Lynch – Medina, OH

“My Grandmother's (Betty) services were just handled by you. I cannot express how pleased our entire family was with everyone's kindness. I know that this is your career, your job, but everyone was so nice, so pleasant and very helpful. We were so impressed with Busch Funeral Home’s, which is the nicest we have ever been to. Thank you so much from all of the Veverka Family!”

John T. Jencik – Parma, OH

"We believe that your home stands out as the best through the outstanding effort of Amy Geisman who walked us through all the steps. I found Amy to be compassionate, helpful and sympathetic to us without being overbearing. She provided just the right touch in guiding us and we deeply appreciate it. We could not have picked a finer person to assist us."

Lorene Mihalko – North Royalton, OH

"As a result of my experiences and my previous contact with Busch Funeral Services, when it came time to make funeral arrangements for my mother, our family chose Busch. When my husband and I decided to pre-plan our own funerals, once again we chose Busch. Our primary reason for doing so in both instances was because of Busch's outreach to the community. Busch is the only funeral home I am aware of who has provided outreach to the community on a long term and consistent basis. For me, this was the deciding factor in choosing Busch."

Busch Funeral and Crematory Services is Northeast Ohio’s more preferred provider for burial, cremation and preplanning services. Contact us to speak with a professional staff member about your family’s needs, or call 800-252-8724 at anytime.

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Leave Well: Testimonials