Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Funeral & Cremation Services in Bemidji, MN
Olson Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Service has served families in Bemidji, Minnesota, since 1907, offering compassionate funeral and cremation services rooted in tradition and personalized care. Founded by M.E. Ibertson and later expanded through decades of dedicated ownership, our business has evolved to meet modern needs while maintaining a commitment to treating every family as our own. Our team of licensed professionals brings decades of combined experience in funeral service, cremation, and pre-planning, ensuring each family receives guidance tailored to their unique wishes.We operate a state-of-the-art facility with a chapel, arrangement lounge, and community room, complemented by a licensed crematory under the subsidiary Aeon Cremation Service. As members of Selected Independent Funeral Homes and the Cremation Association of North America, we uphold industry standards while prioritizing transparency, ethical service, and community involvement through organizations like Rotary International and the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce.
Services
Funeral Arrangements
Cremation Services
Pre-Planning
Veterans Memorials
Grief Support
Details
- Year established: 1907
Highlights and features
- Family-owned service with over 100 years of local experience.
- Licensed crematory and pre-planning options for personalized arrangements.
- 24/7 availability to assist with immediate needs.
- Veterans' services and community-focused support programs.
- Dedicated staff with expertise in grief counseling and memorialization.
What people say
Compassionate care
Professional staff
Personalized arrangements
24/7 availability
Veterans' support
Services
Funeral Arrangements
We provide full-service funeral planning, including visitation coordination, ceremony arrangements, and personalized memorialization options. Our team ensures every detail reflects the familys wishes while offering guidance on legal and logistical requirements. With experience in traditional and contemporary services, we help families create meaningful tributes that honor their loved ones.
Cremation Services
Our cremation services include direct cremation, witnessed cremation, and memorial ceremonies with urn selection. Aeon Cremation Service, our licensed subsidiary, ensures dignified handling in a facility designed for family comfort. We offer customizable options for scattering, burial, or keeping ashes in our available urns and jewelry.
Pre-Planning
Pre-planning allows individuals to outline their final wishes, easing the burden on loved ones. We offer consultations to document preferences for services, payment plans, and legal documentation. This proactive approach ensures personal choices are honored while providing financial security through pre-paid plans.
Veterans Memorials
We specialize in veterans funeral services, including flag presentation, military honors, and assistance with VA benefits. Our staff coordinates full military honors, 7-person details, or standard ceremonies based on eligibility, ensuring service members receive the respect they deserve through tailored tributes and documentation support.
Grief Support
Beyond funeral services, we provide ongoing grief support through counseling resources, community groups, and daily email messages for a year. Partnerships with Sanford Health and online platforms like GriefNet offer families access to expert-led guidance, helping them navigate loss with compassionate, long-term care.
People
Kirk Malkowski
Owner & Licensed Mortician
Kirk Malkowski, a licensed mortician, co-owns Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home with his wife Michelle. Since acquiring the business in 2006, he has prioritized compassionate service, combining decades of experience with a commitment to honoring families' wishes through personalized arrangements and community engagement.
Michelle Malkowski
Owner
Michelle Malkowski co-owns Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, bringing dedication to family-centered care. Alongside Kirk, she ensures the business maintains its heritage of trust while adapting to modern needs, focusing on pre-planning and cremation services to meet evolving client expectations.
Arden Stevens
Administrative Assistant
Arden Stevens serves as Administrative Assistant, providing essential support in coordinating services and communicating with families. With a focus on empathy and organization, Arden plays a critical role in ensuring seamless operations and client satisfaction during challenging times.
Questions
What funeral services do you offer?
We provide traditional funerals, cremation services, pre-planning, veterans' memorials, and grief support, all tailored to family preferences.
Can I plan a funeral in advance?
Yes, we offer pre-planning consultations to document your wishes and secure payment, ensuring your preferences are honored and easing the burden on loved ones.
Do you handle veterans' funeral benefits?
Yes, we assist with military honors, flag presentation, and VA benefit applications to ensure veterans receive appropriate recognition and support.
Are grief counseling services available?
We provide ongoing grief support through community groups, partnerships, and daily email resources to help families navigate their loss over time.
Is your crematory licensed?
Yes, our crematory operates under the licensed subsidiary Aeon Cremation Service, ensuring compliance with all state and industry standards.