Our annual awards recognize associates who excel in providing exceptional service to the families we serve.
We are pleased to announce that Goes Funeral Care & Crematory in Fort Collins, Colorado has joined Newcomer Funeral Service Group. Founded by Chris and Stephanie Goes in 1996, Goes serves Fort Collins and Northern Colorado area families with compassionate, professional care. “We created Goes Funeral Care because we felt there was a need in our community to offer funeral service in a different way,” said Stephanie Goes. Chris Goes shared that the couple’s dream “was to bring back the old-fashioned principles of funeral care where the funeral director is a trusted friend, and families can say goodbye in a way that reflects their loved one’s life and values. Over the past 30 years, we’ve been blessed to serve this community and build something even better than we imagined. Now, it’s time to pass the torch to a company we trust to carry on our mission.” As Goes Funeral Care transitions to Newcomer, the Goes family is confident they’ve found the right partner to carry their legacy forward. “Newcomer shares our values and our commitment to affordable, compassionate care,” said Chris. “They’ve been a respected name in funeral service for decades, and we’re excited to see them bring their expertise to Fort Collins while honoring the traditions we’ve built. This transition ensures that our legacy will continue with the support of another family-owned organization.” Goes joins Newcomer’s group of funeral homes, crematories and cemeteries serving the Front Range of Colorado and Wyoming from locations in Denver, Fort Collins, Cheyenne, and Casper. John Newcomer shared, "the Goes family and their team are held in high esteem by Fort Collins families for their integrity and compassionate guidance, and we are honored to welcome them to Newcomer." The funeral home will continue to operate under the same name, with the same great team, and the full support of the Newcomer organization. Pictured from left: Chris Goes, Stephanie Goes, John Newcomer
We are pleased to announce that Bohlender Funeral Chapel in Fort Collins, Colorado has joined Newcomer Funeral Service Group. The Bohlender family has served Fort Collins families since 1960, and the funeral home is led by second-generation funeral director Gary Bohlender and his wife Kristin. Under their leadership, the funeral home enjoys a strong reputation in the community for caring and compassionate service during times of need. This transition ensures that the Bohlender family’s legacy will continue with the support of another family-owned organization. "When the time came to think about our next chapter, we found the Newcomer family’s values matched ours," said Gary Bohlender. "I am pleased to share that Kristin and I will continue to work in the funeral home, serving our neighbors alongside our superb staff. Together with Newcomer, we will continue providing the best care possible in our community." Bohlender joins Newcomer’s group of funeral homes, crematories and cemeteries serving the Front Range of Colorado and Wyoming from locations in Denver, Cheyenne, and Casper. John Newcomer shared, "the Bohlenders are highly regarded throughout Northern Colorado for their care and professionalism. Their commitment to quality service aligns perfectly with ours, and we are honored to welcome them to Newcomer." The funeral home will continue to operate under the same name, with the same great team, with the full support of the Newcomer organization. Pictured from left: John Newcomer, Kristin and Gary Bohlender
We are excited to announce that Warren-McElwain Mortuary & Cremation Services in Lawrence and Eudora, Kansas have joined Newcomer Funeral Service Group. Warren-McElwain complements our group of funeral homes, crematories and cemeteries serving Northeast Kansas. President, John Newcomer said "Our family has known Lisa Manley, Larry McElwain, Phil Padden and the staff at Warren-McElwain for many years, and we are pleased to welcome them to our company and support them as they provide exceptional service to the families of Lawrence, Eudora and surrounding communities.” Speaking of the transition, Managing Funeral Director Lisa Manley shared, “My team and I are honored to serve families in Lawrence and Eudora and are deeply grateful for the trust these communities place in us during difficult times. The Newcomer family shares our values and commitment to personal, compassionate service, and I am confident that together with our caring staff, Warren-McElwain will continue to provide the best care possible to our communities.” The Warren-McElwain name will remain unchanged, and the professional staff, including Managing Funeral Director Lisa Manley, will continue serving families with the same care and dedication they have always provided, with the full support of the Newcomer organization. Pictured from left: John Newcomer, Lisa Manley and Ren Newcomer
We are excited to announce the appointment of Bob Ekins as Vice President of Field Operations at Newcomer Funeral Service Group. In this role, Bob will work closely with our teams across the country, reporting directly to our Chief Operating Officer, Perry Hasselbeck. Bob brings with him nearly 30 years of experience in the funeral and cemetery profession, along with a strong record of leadership, innovation, and service. After earning his degree in Business Management from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama, Bob began his career with Batesville Casket Company in 1996. He went on to hold leadership roles with Forethought Financial Services (now Global Atlantic), where he guided funeral home and cemetery owners in trust and pre-need solutions, and Trust 100, a leader in advance funeral planning. Most recently, Bob served at Johnson Consulting Group, one of the largest brokerage and business consulting firms in the industry, advancing to the role of Chief Revenue Officer. “Bob’s deep knowledge of our profession, coupled with his proven leadership and ability to build strong relationships, make him an excellent addition to our leadership team,” said Perry Hasselbeck, COO. “I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to strengthen our operations and serve families with care and compassion.” John Newcomer, President, added: “We are excited to welcome Bob to our organization. His extensive background and commitment to supporting funeral service professionals will be a tremendous asset as we carry forward our mission of providing high-quality, affordable care to the families we serve.” Bob and his wife Katie live in Cincinnati and are the proud parents of two children who are both in college. We are pleased to welcome Bob to the Newcomer team and look forward to the impact he will make for our associates, our profession, and most importantly, the families and communities we serve. September 16, 2025
We are excited to announce that Grayson Funeral Homes in Charlestown and New Washington, Indiana have joined Newcomer Funeral Service Group. Grayson strengthens our presence in Southern Indiana and the Greater Louisville area. President John Newcomer said, “We are pleased to welcome the Grayson Funeral Homes and their associates to our company and support them as they provide exceptional funeral and cremation services to Southern Indiana.” Speaking of the transition, Chris Grayson shared, “My family and our associates are honored to serve Charlestown and New Washington and care for families as if they were our own. We are comfortable joining the Newcomer family knowing they share our values of service and that Grayson Funeral Homes will continue to provide the best care possible to Southern Indiana.” Photos from left: Grayson Funeral Home in Charlestown, IN, Group photo, from left: Ren Newcomer, Chris Grayson and John Newcomer. Grayson Funeral Home in New Washington, IN.
We are pleased to announce that Cannon Funeral Home and Jones Funeral Home in Colonie, New York have joined Newcomer Funeral Service Group. The funeral homes will continue to be led by John H. Cannon, who has served thousands of Capital Region families throughout his 44-year career. This acquisition complements Newcomer’s existing presence in the area, where we serve families from locations in Colonie and Latham. President John Newcomer said, “Our family has known John Cannon for many years, and we are pleased to welcome John and his associates to our company and support them as they provide exceptional funeral and cremation services to the Capital Region.” Speaking of the transition, John Cannon shared, “My team and I are honored to serve this community and care for families as if they were our own. By joining with the Newcomer family, I am confident that together with our superb staff, Cannon Funeral Home and Jones Funeral Home will continue to provide the best care possible to the Capital Region.” The funeral homes will continue to operate under the same name, with the same great team. Newcomer will provide additional support as needed to continue the Cannon and Jones tradition of excellence. Photos: Cannon Funeral Home, Colonie, NY. Group photo, from left: John Cannon, Glen Ward, Ren Newcomer and John Newcomer.
New Comer Cremations & Funerals, a trusted name in cremation and funeral service with established funeral homes in Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany, New York, has acquired Melvin J. Sliwinski Funeral Home at 5090 Transit Road in Depew. This allows New Comer to offer high quality, affordable cremation and funeral services to the Buffalo community. With a history of dedicated service and a commitment to offering low-cost services, New Comer brings its compassionate care to Buffalo along with the Sliwinski family legacy, which has been a trusted name in the community for generations. “As New Comer expands its presence to Buffalo, we are pleased to acquire Melvin J. Sliwinski Funeral Home and bring our longstanding tradition of compassion and affordability to the community,” said Ren Newcomer, Founder of New Comer Cremations & Funerals. “We understand the importance of providing exceptional funeral services at affordable prices, and we look forward to serving Buffalo with the same level of care that has made us a trusted name in upstate New York.” David Sliwinski, longtime owner and funeral director at Melvin J. Sliwinski Funeral Home, said “I have been going through personal health concerns in recent months and the time has come to consider the future for my funeral home. I am happy to have found a family-owned organization that shares my family’s values, compassion and interest in the community to carry on the legacy of the funeral home after my retirement.” The transition to New Comer has combined the strengths of both organizations, offering a wide range of cremation and funeral services tailored to meet the needs of Buffalo families.
Rochester, NY – Newcomer Funeral Service Group, a family-owned and operated funeral home and cremation service provider, is pleased to announce that we have acquired Rochester Cremation, strengthening Newcomer’s existing presence in Rochester and throughout upstate New York. Rochester Cremation, founded by Scott and Pamela Meeson, has grown to become the leading provider of simple cremation services in the area. Rochester Cremation will continue to operate autonomously under the same name, with the same great team. Newcomer’s President and fifth-generation funeral director, John Newcomer, said, “The Meesons have been friends of our family for years and we’ve watched them and their team build Rochester Cremation into the highly successful and respected cremation service provider that it is today. We’re honored to welcome them to Newcomer.” Scott Meeson said, “My family and I have been honored to serve this community and we’re pleased to continue to do so with the support of the Newcomer family. I am confident that together with our superb staff, we will continue to provide the best care possible to our community.”
Newcomer Funeral Service Group is pleased to announce that it has acquired Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home & Crematory and Cheyenne Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Cheyenne, WY. The Radomsky family has served Cheyenne and the Laramie County area for two generations, led most recently by Jon Radomsky and his wife, Bridgette. Jon is a second-generation funeral director who succeeded his father in the ownership of the business in 2007. Radomsky said, “My family and I have been honored to serve the Cheyenne community for decades and we’re pleased to continue to do so with the support of Newcomer Funeral Service Group. Newcomer is a family-owned company just like us, and I am confident that together with our superb staff, we will continue to provide excellent service to our community.” The Radomsky’s business complements Newcomer’s presence in Wyoming and Colorado, joining Newcomer’s existing funeral homes in Casper, WY and Denver, CO. Newcomer’s President and fifth-generation funeral director, John Newcomer, said, “The Radomskys and their team have earned a reputation for caring and professional service in the Cheyenne community. We’re honored to welcome them to Newcomer and further our commitment to serving families in Wyoming and along the Front Range.” Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel of the Chimes and Cheyenne Memorial Gardens Cemetery will continue to operate under the same name, with Jon and Bridgette Radomsky managing the business and serving families. Newcomer will provide administrative and managerial support as needed.
Today we are pleased to announce an agreement with Dengel & Son Mortuaries in Ottawa, Paola and Louisburg, KS to continue operating as a family-owned funeral home. Dengel has served the Ottawa area since 1947, led most recently been led by third-generation funeral director, Craig Dengel, his wife Cindy, along with their son Chase. President John Newcomer said “The Dengel family and their staff are highly regarded throughout Ottawa, Paola and Louisburg for their care and professionalism, and their commitment to quality service aligns perfectly with ours. I am honored that the Dengels chose Newcomer to carry their legacy forward.” Craig Dengel said “My family and I have been honored to serve generations of families throughout our careers. When the time came to think of what comes next for Dengel & Son, we found that the Newcomer family’s values matched ours, and know that together with our superb staff, we will continue to provide Ottawa, Paola and Louisburg with the best funeral and cremation care possible.” Dengel & Son Mortuaries will continue to operate under the same name, with the same great team. Newcomer will provide additional support as needed to continue the Dengel & Son tradition of excellence. The Dengel & Son funeral homes will continue to operate under the same name, with the same great team. Newcomer will provide additional support as needed to continue the Dengel tradition of excellence. When deciding who might be the best fit to carry on your legacy, we hope you will consider Newcomer. Please contact us if you have an opportunity to share.
This summer we opened our new Cremation Garden at Memorial Park Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas. The Garden is located in the center of the cemetery and offers over a dozen cremation memorialization options for individuals, companions and families. Two niche cabinets, a community ossuary, and numerous sizes and shapes of in-ground memorials are available throughout the garden. Bronze statuary, winding pathways and decorative plantings combine to create a beautiful, serene environment. To the south of the Garden stands a Pavillion, which is the perfect place for services and can host service for burial or cremation inurnment anywhere on the property. We are always looking for ways to improve our service to the families we serve and are pleased to provide these new opportunities for cremation memorialization to the Topeka community.