Death is one of those things we don’t talk about until we absolutely have to. But in a place like the Salinas Valley, where roots go deep into the dark, fertile soil, the names on the local buildings often tell a story of their own. If you’ve spent any time driving through downtown Salinas, you’ve probably passed that stately building on West San Luis Street. Struve and Laporte Salinas CA isn't just a business. It’s a landmark.
Honestly, it’s hard to find a family in this town that hasn't walked through those doors at one point or another. Since 1927, they’ve basically been the stewards of the city’s grief. When you’re looking for a funeral home, you aren't just looking for a service provider. You’re looking for someone who knows the community.
The History Behind Struve and Laporte Salinas CA
Most people don’t realize that Struve and Laporte is the oldest family-owned mortuary in all of Monterey County. That’s a long time. We’re talking nearly a century of history. It was started by John Henry Struve and E.O. "Bill" Laporte. They opened the doors during a time when Salinas was a very different place, but the need for dignity at the end of life never changes.
You’ve got to respect the staying power. Think about it. Three generations. Over 75 years of continuous service from the same families. Today, Robert Struve and Bill Laporte are the ones keeping that legacy alive. It’s rare to see that kind of continuity in any business these days, let alone one as sensitive as this.
There’s a certain weight to that history. When you walk into a place that’s been around since before the Great Depression, you feel it. It’s not just a "facility." It’s a part of the Salinas fabric. Lawrence Struve, a former Salinas mayor, was even part of the family business. This isn't just a funeral home; it’s a lineage.
What They Actually Do There
Kinda obvious, right? Funerals. But it’s more than just caskets and flowers. People go to Struve and Laporte Salinas CA because they handle the heavy lifting when your world is falling apart.
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- Traditional Funerals: This is what most people picture. The viewing, the service in the chapel, the procession.
- Cremation Services: A lot of families are leaning this way now. It’s often more affordable and flexible.
- Veteran Honors: This is a big one. They work closely with the VA to make sure veterans get the three-volley salute and the flag-folding ceremony they earned.
- Pre-planning: This sounds morbid, but it’s actually a huge gift to your family. You basically make the decisions now so they don't have to guess while they're crying later.
The chapel itself is a bit of a local treasure. It’s designed to be "peaceful and soothing," which is exactly what you need when you're there. They also do those video tributes now. You’ve probably seen them—the slideshows set to music that make everyone in the room reach for a tissue. It’s a nice touch that brings a bit of modern tech to a very old-school profession.
Why Reputation Matters in Salinas
Salinas is a big city that feels like a small town. Word gets around. If a funeral home messes up, everyone knows by the end of the week. The reason Struve and Laporte Salinas CA has stuck around for 97 years is pretty simple: they don’t mess up the big things.
They talk a lot about "kindness, compassion, and attention to detail." Sure, that sounds like a marketing slogan. But when you’re dealing with the paperwork of a death certificate or trying to figure out how to transport a body from another county, you realize those details are everything. Honestly, the logistics of death are a nightmare. You want someone who knows which forms to file and which cemeteries are easy to work with.
The Connection to Garden of Memories
You can’t talk about funeral services in Salinas without mentioning Garden of Memories. While they are separate entities, they are intrinsically linked in the local consciousness. Many families who use Struve and Laporte end up at Garden of Memories, which is the final resting place of Salinas’s favorite son, John Steinbeck.
It’s interesting to think about the geography of it all. You have the service on San Luis Street, then the drive out to the cemetery. It’s a path thousands of Salinas residents have taken over the decades.
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Addressing the Cost (The Elephant in the Room)
Let’s be real. Funerals are expensive. It’s a huge financial hit at the worst possible time. People often search for Struve and Laporte Salinas CA because they’re trying to price-match or figure out what they’re in for.
Prices vary wildly depending on what you want. A basic direct burial or cremation is going to be significantly cheaper than a full-service traditional funeral with a high-end casket. Most funeral homes are required by law to provide a General Price List (GPL) if you ask. It’s worth sitting down and looking at it.
Some people feel weird "shopping around" for a funeral. Don’t. It’s your money and your family. A good mortuary, like Struve and Laporte, will be transparent about the costs. They know that if they overcharge or hide fees, they’ll lose the trust of the community they’ve spent a century building.
Navigating the Process
If you find yourself needing to contact them, here’s the basic rundown of how it usually goes. You call. They answer—24/7. Death doesn't keep office hours.
- The First Call: They arrange to pick up the deceased.
- The Arrangement Conference: You sit down with a funeral director. This is where you decide: burial or cremation? Open or closed casket?
- The Paperwork: They handle the death certificate and the permits. This is honestly the most helpful part for most people.
- The Service: Whether it’s at their chapel, a local church, or graveside.
It’s a whirlwind. Usually, this all happens within a few days. The staff there, including guys like Bob Struve and Bill Laporte, have seen every possible family dynamic. They’re used to the drama, the silence, and the confusion.
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Actionable Steps for Salinas Families
If you’re reading this because you’re in the middle of a loss, or just trying to be prepared, here are a few things you should actually do.
- Check for a Will or Pre-arrangement: Before you sign anything, see if your loved one already had a plan with Struve and Laporte. Sometimes people pay for these things decades in advance.
- Locate the DD-214: If the deceased was a veteran, you need these discharge papers to get any military honors or burial benefits.
- Don't Rush the Obituary: Struve and Laporte will help you draft one, but take a night to think about the stories you want to include. Those little details—like a love for 1960s Mustangs or a famous salsa recipe—matter.
- Ask About 365 Days of Healing: They offer a daily email support service for grief. It sounds small, but for some people, it’s a lifeline during that first year.
Struve and Laporte Salinas CA remains a cornerstone of the community because they understand that they aren't just selling a product. They’re managing a transition. In a valley known for its harvests, they’re the ones who handle the final season with a level of grace that only comes from a century of practice.
The building on West San Luis Street will likely be there for another hundred years. As long as there are families in Salinas, there will be a need for the names Struve and Laporte. It’s just how this town works.
Practical Next Steps: If you are planning a service, call (831) 424-0311 to request a General Price List (GPL). This document is the best way to understand the specific costs for various service tiers and prevents any financial surprises during an emotional time. If you are a veteran, ensure you have a digital copy of your DD-214 stored in a secure location that family members can access easily.
Resources for Salinas Residents:
- Monterey County Health Department: For official records and death certificates.
- Garden of Memories Memorial Park: For information on local interment options and the Steinbeck gravesite.
- VA Monterey Bay Healthcare: For veteran-specific end-of-life benefits and support.
This article is for informational purposes and should be used as a starting point for navigating funeral arrangements in the Salinas Valley.