When you lose someone in the Quad Cities, the weight of the world basically settles on your shoulders overnight. You're suddenly expected to be an event planner, a legal expert, and a grieving family member all at the same time. It's a lot. Honestly, most people just start Googling for the nearest place with a respectable reputation, and that usually leads them straight to Weerts Funeral Home Davenport Iowa.
But here's the thing.
Planning a funeral isn't just about picking a casket or a nice urn. It’s about navigating a very specific local institution that has been sitting on the corner of Jersey Ridge Road and Kimberly Road for decades. If you grew up in Davenport, Bettendorf, or maybe even across the river in Moline, you probably know the building. It’s that large, colonial-style landmark. But knowing the building and understanding how the business actually functions are two very different things.
Most people assume all funeral homes are the same. They aren’t.
The Reality of Weerts Funeral Home Davenport Iowa Today
Let’s get the corporate stuff out of the way first because it actually matters for your wallet. Weerts is part of the Dignity Memorial network. For some folks, that’s a red flag because they want a "mom and pop" shop. For others, it’s a relief because it means there’s a massive infrastructure behind the service.
If you're looking for Weerts Funeral Home Davenport Iowa, you're looking at a place that handles everything from traditional Christian burials to contemporary celebrations of life. They have a massive chapel. It's one of those spaces that feels heavy with history but somehow doesn't feel like a basement, which is a common complaint with older funeral parlors in the Midwest.
They’ve been around since the early 1900s. Edward Weerts started it. Think about that for a second. This place has seen Davenport go from a riverfront industrial hub to whatever we are now—a mix of tech, healthcare, and stubborn local pride.
Why the Location Matters More Than You Think
The physical spot at 3625 Jersey Ridge Rd is strategic. You’re right there near the heart of the city’s residential expansion. If you have family coming in from out of town, they aren't navigating the weird one-way streets of downtown Davenport. They're right off the main drags.
It’s convenient.
But convenience costs. Dignity Memorial properties tend to be on the higher end of the price scale compared to some of the smaller, independent legacy homes in the area. You're paying for the facility, the staff size, and the "100% Service Guarantee" that comes with the corporate backing. Is it worth it? That depends on whether you want a seamless, high-production event or a gritty, DIY-style memorial.
What No One Tells You About Quad Cities Burial Costs
Talking about money during grief feels gross. I get it. But let’s be real—the average funeral in Iowa can easily crest $8,000 to $10,000 once you factor in the vault, the plot, and the trimmings.
At Weerts Funeral Home Davenport Iowa, they are pretty transparent about their General Price List (GPL). You have a legal right to see that, by the way. Federal law—specifically the FTC Funeral Rule—requires them to give it to you.
Don't just nod and say "yes" to everything.
You don't have to buy the casket there. You can buy one online and have it shipped. They can't charge you a "handling fee" for that. Most people at Weerts don't do that because it feels awkward, but if you're on a budget, it’s a valid move.
The staff there—people like the funeral directors who have lived in Scott County their whole lives—are generally very kind. They aren't "salesmen" in the used-car sense. But they are running a business. Their job is to offer you the best, and "the best" usually carries a premium price tag.
The Cremation Shift
Davenport is seeing the same trend as the rest of the country: cremation is king. Weerts has adapted to this. They aren't just pushing the "big mahogany box" anymore. They do "Celebrations of Life."
What does that actually look like?
It might mean having a reception with actual food—not just dry cookies—and a video tribute that doesn't look like it was made on Windows Movie Maker in 2004. They have the tech for it. If your loved one was a huge Iowa Hawkeyes fan, they can basically turn the room black and gold. It's personalized.
Navigating the "Pre-Planning" Pitch
You’ve probably received the mailers. "Secure your legacy." "Lock in today's prices."
Pre-planning at Weerts Funeral Home Davenport Iowa is a massive part of their business model. Here is the nuanced truth: it is a godsend for your kids, but it’s a financial gamble for you.
When you pre-pay, you are essentially giving a corporation an interest-free loan for twenty years. However, you are locking in the service costs. If inflation sends the cost of a funeral to $20,000 by the time you pass, your family is protected.
The real value isn't the money, though. It’s the lack of fighting. I’ve seen families in Davenport literally stop speaking to each other because one sibling wanted a military flyover and the other wanted a quiet prayer. If you put it in writing at Weerts, the argument is over before it starts.
The Little Details That Actually Help
If you are attending a visitation at Weerts, parking is usually fine, which is a rarity for Davenport businesses. They have a big lot.
If you are the one organizing, ask about the "Compassion Helpline." Because they are part of that larger network, they offer 24-hour counseling for families. It’s a corporate perk that actually has some soul to it.
Also, consider the flowers. There are several local florists in Davenport like Green Thistle or Kuhl & Chase that deliver there daily. You don't have to use the "in-house" options if you have a local favorite.
Grief is Local
Weerts often hosts community events or grief seminars. These aren't just marketing ploys. They’ve been part of the Scott County fabric long enough to know that their job doesn't end when the dirt is settled.
They work closely with local cemeteries like Oakdale Memorial Gardens or Mt. Calvary. If you’re trying to coordinate between a funeral home and a cemetery, having a place like Weerts that has these phone numbers on speed dial makes your life significantly easier.
Common Misconceptions
One big myth? That you can't have a "modern" funeral at an old-school place like Weerts.
Wrong.
They've handled green burials (to an extent, though Iowa laws are a bit specific about that), secular services, and multi-cultural rites. Davenport is more diverse than people give it credit for, and the staff there has seen it all.
Another myth is that you're "just a number" because it's a Dignity Memorial provider. While the backend is corporate, the faces you see in the viewing room are your neighbors. They go to the same Hy-Vee you do. They care about their reputation in the Quad Cities because they have to live here.
How to Handle the First 24 Hours
If you’re reading this because someone just passed away, take a breath.
- Call the funeral home. They will handle the transport of the body. This is the first "big" thing that happens.
- Locate the paperwork. You’ll need a Social Security number and, if they were a veteran, their DD-214 discharge papers. This is huge. Veterans’ benefits can cover a lot of costs, and Weerts is very experienced with National Cemetery burials (like the Rock Island National Cemetery).
- Don't rush. You feel like you have to make every decision in twenty minutes. You don't. The world can wait a few hours while you gather your thoughts.
Final Steps for Families in Davenport
If you are moving forward with Weerts Funeral Home Davenport Iowa, your next move is a "color-coding" exercise.
Sit down and list what is "Non-Negotiable" (like a specific religious rite), what is "Nice to Have" (like a specific floral arrangement), and what is "Flexible" (like the specific day of the week).
Go into the arrangement conference with a budget already in mind. Be firm. Tell them, "We have $7,000 total for this." A good director will work backward from that number to give you the best experience possible without putting you in debt.
Check their recent obituaries online. It gives you a feel for how they present the lives of the people they serve. It's a small thing, but it helps you see if their "vibe" matches what you want for your family.
Lastly, reach out to the Scott County Iowa Genealogical Society if you’re looking for historical records. Weerts has been around so long that they often hold the keys to family histories that haven't been digitized yet. It's a weird, beautiful side effect of being a legacy business in a river town.
Gather your documents. Call your siblings. Take it one step at a time.