Forest Lawn Cemetery

A Beautiful Final Resting Place

By Linda Sutherland

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There is a place in Omaha that is like no other. Forest Lawn Cemetery, Funeral Home, and Mausoleum is an incredibly beautiful landscape, with rolling hills, a remarkable arboretum, and a bird sanctuary. This is such a fascinating place! The cemetery has been open since 1885 and was designed as a park. The beauty of the hills that wind through its forest-like 349 acres is simply outstanding. Since the cemetery was established, it has been a mutually owned organization that operates without profit. It took a real visionary to create what Forest Lawn is today. 

 

Recently, Forest Lawn welcomed a new Executive Director who has returned to the funeral business after ten years in public service, where he served as the Douglas County Election Commissioner. Brian Kruse also served in the Nebraska State Treasurer’s office. Clearly, Brian is dedicated to public service. This new chapter for him will be a great boon to the community, and his total commitment to be entrusted with this service to families is evident when you talk to him.

 

Brian was born in Omaha and grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa. He graduated from Wayne State College and later attended the mortuary school at Kansas City Kansas Community College. He worked as a funeral director from 2003 to 2015 and has volunteered in many charitable causes. Brian’s family history is filled with strong and dedicated women. They, too, had and have histories in public service, and they instilled in Brian a great deal of empathy and integrity, which has brought him to where he is now. It seems to me that Forest Lawn is in very capable and loving hands, and that is very comforting. 

 

Forest Lawn ranks as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the country and is one of the largest in the Midwest. Over the years, the cemetery has been beautifully maintained by the perpetual care fund, which enables its sweeping hills to continue to be one of the most impressive cemetery landscapes in the nation. Forest Lawn is considered a landmark in Omaha, with its rich history and the natural beauty of its grounds. It really is breathtaking! 

 

There are many options available at Forest Lawn. One building on the premises that I have always been fascinated by is the historic chapel. The craftsmanship of this building is exceptional! The chapel was built in the 1911 and underwent a major renovation in 1990. The chapel is available for weddings, family reunions, and funerals. It is a very intimate space that can hold up to 75 people in comfort. 

 

We need to address something that many people do not talk about and that is planning ahead for the memorial after your death. Letting your family know how you would like to be remembered is a very thoughtful and loving thing to do. By planning your wishes ahead of time, you relieve your family members of the burden of making difficult decisions at a time when they are grieving. Planning ahead is actually one of the greatest gifts that you can give your family. 

 

The professional staff at Forest Lawn can help you pre-plan your arrangements so that they fit your preferences and wishes. They also offer a complimentary planning guide to use as a tool for you and your family. The conversation can be difficult to start, but it’s worth it.

 

Forest Lawn also has a mausoleum. It was very thoughtfully imagined, with natural sunlight, astonishing stained-glass windows, and beautiful finishes. It offers a place for reflection that is protected from the elements (even climate-controlled), and the design offers a range of spaces for larger gatherings or small areas for privacy. Forest Lawn staff are always happy to show you around the mausoleum.

 

Forest Lawn is home to the Forever Friends Pet Cemetery. This cemetery is set among ten acres of beautiful trees and greenery. It is an idyllic place for honoring a beloved pet and remembering all the time you had with them. It provides you with a place to visit, and you can create a personalized tribute to celebrate your pet’s life. 

 

If you ask Brian why he came to Forest Lawn, he will tell you that he came because of the legacy of Forest Lawn, but what really brought him back to the funeral business is the people who work at Forest Lawn. They are a loving and dedicated family. 

 

Forest Lawn Cemetery, Funeral Home, and Mausoleum is located at 7909 Mormon Bridge Road, in Omaha. Reach them by phone at 402-451-1000 or online at forestlawnomaha.com. 

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