Finding a way to say goodbye isn't exactly something we practice. Most of us just sort of stumble into the process when the unthinkable happens. In Big Rapids and the surrounding Mecosta County, Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home has been the place where people land when they're at their lowest. It isn't just a building with a chapel; it’s a family-run fixture that has literally grown alongside the community since the mid-70s.
Honestly, the funeral industry feels a bit corporate these days. You see big chains buying up mom-and-pop shops, but this place feels different. It’s rooted.
George Daggett actually planted the trees out front by hand. He put them in the ground back in 1974 when the Big Rapids location opened. Those saplings are massive now. They’ve seen decades of grieving families walk through those doors. It’s a bit of a metaphor for how they operate—steady, enduring, and very much alive in the local soil.
The Story Behind Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home
Everything actually started in Barryton. George and Fawn Daggett built their first home there in 1956. By the time they expanded to Big Rapids in 1974, they were already well-known for a "compassion first" approach.
George passed away suddenly in 1998, which could have been the end of an era for many businesses. But his daughter, Christine Daggett, was already a licensed funeral director. She’d been working right there next to him. Today, she runs the show alongside Fawn and a dedicated staff.
It’s rare to find a second-generation, female-led funeral home that hasn’t sold out to a conglomerate. They’ve stayed independent. That matters because when you call, you’re likely talking to someone whose last name is on the sign or someone who has worked for that family for years.
What They Actually Do (Beyond the Basics)
Most people think of funerals as a "casket and a sermon" deal. Kinda old school. But Daggett-Gilbert has leaned hard into what they call Remembrance Gatherings.
- They push for personalization. If the person loved fly fishing, they want to see the rods.
- They work closely with local hospices to bridge that awkward, painful gap between a death at home and the start of the "arrangements."
- They handle the nitty-gritty of Veteran Services, which, if you’ve ever dealt with the VA, you know is a massive headache.
They also do a lot of cremation. In fact, they’re part of a network that emphasizes a "higher standard" for cremation, ensuring the chain of custody is ironclad. It’s a peace-of-mind thing. Nobody wants to wonder if the ashes in the urn are actually their Uncle Bob.
Locations and How to Reach Them
They maintain two main spots. The Big Rapids location is usually the "hub" for larger services, while Barryton remains their historical anchor.
Big Rapids Location
- Address: 13985 Northland Drive, Big Rapids, MI 49307
- Phone: (231) 796-3611
- Vibe: Spacious yard, mature trees, very quiet despite being on Northland Drive.
Barryton Location
- Address: 19238 30th Avenue, Barryton, MI 49305
- Phone: (989) 382-5566
They operate 24/7. Death doesn't wait for business hours, so they don’t either. If you call at 3:00 AM, a human will answer. That’s basically the gold standard for this industry.
The Cost Factor: No One Likes Talking About It
Funerals are expensive. It’s a reality that hits families right when they’re least prepared to deal with a budget. While prices shift based on what you pick, a "traditional" full-service burial at a place like this often hovers around $6,500 to $8,500 once you factor in the director's fees, the casket, and the transport.
Direct cremation is the more affordable route, usually starting around $2,100.
What’s interesting is that Daggett-Gilbert is pretty transparent about this. They don't do the "cookie-cutter" thing. If you want a simple graveside service without the big chapel production, they do that. They also offer pre-planning, which is basically a gift to your future self. You lock in today's prices and make the hard choices so your kids don't have to argue about which casket you would have liked while they're crying in a conference room.
Navigating Grief in Mecosta County
One thing that stands out about Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home is their focus on the "after." Most funeral homes disappear once the check clears.
They provide a lot of resources for the grieving process. They talk about stages of grief not as a linear 1-2-3-4-5 path, but as a messy, overlapping experience. It might take minutes or years. They provide links to support groups and children’s grief resources because, honestly, kids process death in a way that most adults aren't equipped to handle on their own.
Real Talk on Choosing a Provider
Look, there are other options in the area, like Mohnke Funeral Home or Janowicz in Remus. Choosing one usually comes down to:
- Proximity: Where do you want the service?
- Relationship: Did they handle your grandparent's funeral?
- Price: Are they within your budget?
The "Daggett difference"—if we're calling it that—is that legacy of the hand-planted trees. It’s a small-town business that acts like one. They know the local pastors, they know the cemeteries, and they know the people of Mecosta County.
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Your Next Steps
If you’re currently dealing with a loss or just trying to get your own ducks in a row, here is what you actually need to do:
1. Call directly for immediate needs. Don't rely on email if someone has just passed away. Call (231) 796-3611. They will guide you through the "first call" steps, which involve getting the legal permission to move your loved one.
2. Request a General Price List (GPL). By law, they have to give this to you. It breaks down every single cost so you can see exactly where the money is going.
3. Use the Online Pre-planning Tool. If you’re just browsing, go to their website and look for the "Online Preplanning Form." You can fill it out at your own pace without a director sitting across from you. It’s a low-pressure way to start the conversation.
4. Check Recent Obituaries. If you’re looking for service times for a friend or neighbor, the "Obituary Listing" on their site is updated daily. You can also sign up for email notifications so you don't miss a local service.
5. Gather Documentation. If you're planning a service for a veteran, find their DD-214. The staff at Daggett-Gilbert will need that to secure military honors and burial benefits.
Ultimately, a funeral home is only as good as the trust you place in them. In Big Rapids, that trust has been built one handshake and one hand-planted tree at a time for over fifty years.