Local art, larger visitation spaces, a canopied entry area, commercial grade software and a chapel now doubled in size are just a few of the renovations that have been made at the Good Shepherd Funeral Home on 82nd Street.
Good Shepherd, which was just recognized as an Omaha Choice winner for the third year in a row, provides compassionate care services at its 82nd Street and 90th Street locations. Whether it’s for a direct cremation or full service and burial, each client receives the same graceful and thorough support with a nod to ease and convenience.
Because the company, locally owned by Michael Hoy, has continually reinvested in its caring and loyal staff, its two facilities and its fleet of vehicles, families can choose from options that range from very simple and elegant to ornate and uniquely themed — all without causing financial hardship.
The L Street Chapel and funeral home at 82nd Street just underwent an extensive renovation and remodeling to better meet the needs of today’s families. The addition has doubled the size of the original chapel and includes a sound-rated folding wall, which currently allows for two separate areas to host visitations.
A new large, canopied entrance area provides enough space to accommodate long processional lines and military activities for veterans, for example. The revamped reception area can now seat 120 and features large windows for added ambiance.
“We took advantage of the old restaurant layout and space, and it really shows when you enter the renovated space for a reception,” said Robert Wzorek, funeral director and embalmer at Good Shepherd. “Everything is now on the main level, making it more accessible for our families and visitors.”
Wzorek is just as excited about the new software technology that allows the team to produce state-of-the-art, personalized videos and slide shows, as well as to publicize upcoming events throughout the community.
“With the new technology, we now have the ability to completely personalize displays, really allowing us to capture the identity of the individual that we are caring for. In addition, we now have the ability to simulcast a service from the chapel into the lobby so that they can still be close to the service, in the event there are any visitors wanting the option, including parents with young children, for example,” he said.
Another new feature to the funeral home is the art that is featured throughout the viewing rooms and hallways — all created by local artists.
“It’s the finishing touches like this that really make a difference for our clients,” Wzorek said. “We are a family-owned business. Reinvestment back into the community is visible in everything we do and it’s something we are very proud of. We are incredibly honored to be part of planning the last tribute for our families.”
The new renovations will be showcased during an open house from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Two separate workshops at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. that day will allow visitors to discuss advance planning options with staff as well. The official ribbon cutting ceremony is set for 5:15 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, please visit gsfuneral.com.
