Small Town News
New director on board at Strate
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CopyStrate Funeral Home has new director.
James and Janis Heuvel moved to Grand Coulee in November, when James began serving area families as funeral director.
Heuvel is a licensed funeral director and certified crematory operator who began his funeral service career in 1984 in Great Falls, Mont.,
There, he says, he specialized in assisting families with the pre-arrangement of their funeral needs, traveling to farms, towns and ranches of North Central Montana. He worked extensively with the Chippewa-Cree on the Rocky Boy, as well as the Blackfeet and with the Nakoda and A'aninin peoples of the Fort Belknap reservations.
His career has also taken him to Seattle, Vancouver, and most recently, Thornhill Valley Funeral Chapel & Crematory in Spokane.
A Washington native, Heuvel grew up on a small farm in Hockin-son (near Battleground), Wash., and attended Clark Community College, Vancouver, Wash., Northwest University, Kirkland, and Boise State University.
Heuvel says his first and only priority is to serve the families with whom he works.
"I am here to serve you, not the other way around," he says.
Heuvel says he believes strongly in working with each family to make every service as individual and unique as the person being honored. Everyone should at least write down in advance what their wishes are for themselves, preferably arranging specific financing for those arrangements, he says, something Strate helps with by keeping a file on-site for every person.
James and his wife Janis - who worked in insurance for 27 years -- came to Grand Coulee with their Newfoundland mix, "King Tut," and two cats. James says they look forward to getting to know their neighbors and exploring the area.
"We wish to thank all of you who have made us feel so at home since we arrived," James says.
Copyright 2010 The Star, Grand Coulee, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.
© 2010 The Star Grand Coulee, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.
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