Swansons funeral home pine city mn

Mike Carroll - Owner, Olson & Swanson Chapels

A message from: Mike Carroll, Owner/Funeral Director

Here at Funeral and Cremation Service~Olson and Swanson Chapels, we want you to know that during these difficult times (COVID-19); we will continue to provide the caring, compassionate and professional service that you have come to expect.

Services for your loved ones are always a priority and will be handled with dignity and respect.

As Dr. Alan Wofelt, noted author and thanatologist* states; "anything that delays a funeral delays the natural mourning and healing process. We also know that you can't push "pause" on grief. People will continue to feel their grief but will have fewer options to express it and be supported."

"For many people, it can be disorienting to be separated from the body of a loved one who has died. We naturally benefit from spending time with the body and having a chance to pay respects and say hello on the path to goodbye. The forced need to separate loved ones and friends from each other at a time of death makes it much more difficult for individuals to experience the forward movement that funerals are intended to meet – reality, recall, support, expression and meaning."

"Meaningful funerals are “rites of initiation.” They help survivors start the process of taking their grief, the “internal response to loss," and allowing it to become mourning, the "shared response to loss." When people cannot participate in ceremony, they may feel as if their mourning is "on hold."

Difficult times require patience and understanding. We continue to research and provide alternatives to traditional services realizing that not all people are comfortable attending shared services. For those interested, we can make available real time web streaming of funerals, videotaping, funerals on our website, community services at a later date, etc.

We have lived through other epidemics and pandemics; AIDS, swine and bird flu, H1N1, Ebola, SARS and understand the containment and disinfection process. Be assured, this most recent virus will also come to an end; but will certainly change our world forever.

Most importantly, know that we are here for you in your time of need! Nothing has changed in that regard and you can call us at any time regarding a death in your family. We're available 24/7 as always!