Betzler Life Story Funeral Home
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When we arrived at Dad's visitation to see such a display and array of food preparation, so particular to Dad's favorite things. Food has always been part of rituals and celebrations. At Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, we exclusively blend all the elements together under one roof. As you share your story with us, we will create a relevant and meaningful one-time event.

Because the Life Story Center boasts a one of a kind space, we are able to serve an intimate group of a few or a large group of several hundred people, specializing in customized events and unique receptions. You and your memories are not just part of the Life Story(R) process, they are its entire focus.
Services
Over eighty years ago, John F. Donovan founded Donovan Funeral Home in downtown Kalamazoo, and years later, moved the business to a historic mansion at 447 W. South Street. Roy Betzler purchased Donovan's in 1975, working with John's nephew, Charles. Ten years later Roy moved the business to the current, modern, single-story facility on Stadium Drive.
When we lost our wonderful Dad, and Mom's husband of 64 years, we agreed we wanted to celebrate his life, in an informal but respectful setting where guests could be at ease and share memories and laughter, as well as tears. In our grief, I'm not sure any of us believed it was really possible.
Funeral homes that are exclusive providers of the Life Story Experience are the only funeral homes who preserve the Life Story in print, digital film, and on the web. The Life Story is the foundation for better visitations, better funerals, and better goodbyes. A list of all funeral homes providing the Life Story Experience can be found on lifestorynet.com.
Reviews (10)
Pamela Hinson
Pamela Hinson
Nov 25, 2021
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I feel like family there. The Betzler Family and their associates are who we trust to take care of our loved ones final arrangements and we are never disappointed. They ask the right questions in order to custom create a memorable event that will honor your loved one. Patrick and Joe are top notch . Thank
You for all you do! Sincerely, Pam H.
Kim Montoya
Kim Montoya
Nov 06, 2021
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I have used Betzlers twice….first for my husbands services 22 years ago and then this past week for my son. Both times the experience with the entire staff, especially Scott, Joe and Patrick. was professional, caring, and comforting. All details were taken care of flawlessly and in a timely manner. And the facilities were a perfect venue for the reception after the funeral Mass. It’s the perfect place to celebrate the life of your loved one.
Katelyn D.
Katelyn D.
Nov 04, 2021
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Patrick was absolutely amazing! So calm cool and collected with our family! All the staff was fantastic! The food was superb and we got to celebrate mom!
Laura Kelpin
Laura Kelpin
Sep 06, 2021
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I will always be grateful to Scott Betzler and his incredible staff for their attention to detail and compassion in honoring my father at the time of his passing. The Betzler venue was beautiful and “cozy like home” for us and all the friends that came to the visitation. Scott personally made every wish my parents had happen…..and this was a great comfort to me and my family. ❤️
Jeff Gagie
Jeff Gagie
Aug 06, 2021
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My father passed away earlier this summer. He left a large family. He did not leave instructions or requests for funeral or visitation arrangements. Many of us had strong opinions of how things should be done. Suffice it to say there was a wide range of different ideas.
Scott met with family members while my father was in hospice. His professionalism and experience immediately put everyone at ease. He respectfully helped us see how some ideas were less than optimal and had suggestions that we recognized would be better. We left the meeting feeling so much better about what was to come, and that
Curt Hartman
Curt Hartman
Jul 31, 2021
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My family would like to compliment the entire team at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes of Kalamazoo for the services they provided upon the death of my father. Every detail was considered and the approach was thoughtful, flawless and well orchestrated during an emotionally tough time. This included working with another funeral home who handled the burial in another state. Finally, the creation of the Life Story document, video and photo board depicting my Fathers life was a very welcome positive surprise for my mother and family. These items have served as a reminder for everyone, friends and family
Mark Woodin
Mark Woodin
Jul 27, 2021
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Betzler provided good service and handled details well. They worked with all the outside providers. We did not have to make any phone calls to make arrangements. Betzler handled the church, cemetery, the death certificate, food, flowers, obituary in the Kalamazoo Gazette for my mother's death.
Jane Carpenter
Jane Carpenter
Jul 25, 2021
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Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes was a great choice for our family as they walked us through a very difficult time following the sudden passing of my husband. They were truly by our sides every step of the way. Scott Betzler and the caring team there listened and showed such respect and compassion for our grief, our needs, and in telling my husband’s story in words and pictures. They follow through, and I continue to find their help very valuable! I highly recommend Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes!
Jim Bertolina
Jim Bertolina
May 30, 2021
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We lost our sweet 22 year old son after a long painful illness. The initial phone calls to find the right funeral home are some of the most difficult calls for a parent to make. Patrick was easy to talk to, so we chose Betzler Life Story in Kalamazoo. The funeral service was perfect. They offer many services, but they were flexible enough to let us do things exactly how we wanted. The most important thing to us was this.... When our family said our final good-byes to our sweet boy, Patrick was very, VERY tender about gently closing the casket, showing great respect and care. It was an important
Lisa Scahill
Lisa Scahill
Apr 30, 2021
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My father-in-law passed away suddenly in January and we had to rush back to Kalamazoo from different parts of the country. We immediately contacted Scott Betzler at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, as we had known him a long time and knew the quality he provided. We were also very concerned about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and knew we could trust Scott and his team to take every precaution to allow us to grieve and lay our loved one to rest in the safest possible manner. After all, we didn't want to have another death because of the funeral!
We hadn't been to the Betzler funeral home in years