What to Expect at a Service of Remembrance

As the year comes to a close, the longing to remember and honor the loved ones we have lost often grows more tender. For many, the holiday season brings waves of memory, gratitude, and sometimes fresh sorrow. At Bakken-Young, we understand these mixed emotions and offer a gentle, welcoming space for grieving families to come together. Each December, we invite you to our Service of Remembrance—an opportunity to gather, reflect, and find comfort with others who know the journey of loss.

Every year, Bakken-Young hosts two Services of Remembrance:

Details, including location and times, are mailed to families we have served, but all are welcome—whether your loss is recent or from years past. These annual gatherings offer a time to pause in the midst of the busy holiday season, sharing the experience with others who understand.

Attending a Service of Remembrance may carry some uncertainty if it’s your first time. Here’s what you can generally expect:

You’ll be greeted with compassion and warmth as you arrive. There is no “right” way to feel—newcomers and those who’ve attended for years all find a home here. Whether you choose to come alone or with family, everyone is met with understanding.

The service is gentle, respectful, and healing. It usually includes words of reflection, favorite readings or poems, and music chosen to comfort the heart. There may be a spiritual or faith-based component, but the atmosphere is always inclusive and open to all beliefs.

A simple, meaningful candle-lighting ritual allows each person or family to honor their loved one’s memory in their own way. This communal act of remembrance often brings both tears and quiet hope. One may be invited to speak their loved one’s name or simply light a candle in silence.

At many Services of Remembrance, the names of those being remembered are read aloud with care. Some families bring photos, notes, or other mementos (if they wish) to help mark the meaning this gathering holds for them.

Uplifting or soulful music weaves throughout the evening, providing moments of shared solace. There will also be quiet space—time to remember, reflect, pray, or simply let the emotions of the season be present.

After the ceremony, there is often time for gentle conversation, connection, or to meet with Bakken-Young’s caring staff. Sharing in the presence of others who are also grieving can be healing, reminding us that we are never truly alone.

If you’ve received an invitation in the mail, know it’s sent in the spirit of kindness and inclusion. But whether you received an invite or learned about the service another way, you are welcome at Bakken-Young’s Service of Remembrance in both River Falls and New Richmond.

For details about this year’s dates, times, and locations, please visit

Wherever you are in your journey with grief—new, raw, or distant—there’s a place for your memories and feelings at the Service of Remembrance. At Bakken-Young, we honor each unique path, supporting you with compassion and care through every season of life and loss.