History & Staff
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.
Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.
Our History
Our firm was founded over 30 years ago, in 1977, by William E. Strausser. Almost twenty years after the doors opened, Mr. Strausser sold the firm to the current owner and Funeral Director, W. Bruce McMichael, Jr.
Located in Benton, a beautiful part of Northern Columbia County, the facility was completely redecorated and refurbished after the transition in ownership. It is conveniently located on Route 487 with ample off-street parking.
The funeral home is tastefully decorated, with all the charm of 18th Century Williamsburg, and is completely handicapped accessible.
Mr. McMichael also expanded the parking lot, for the convenience of our client families and their guests.
Our Unique Community-Based Approach
Winter brings with it a McMichael tradition, the Memorial Dove Tree.
It is our goal to help families in our area to manage the many deep emotions which naturally arise during the holiday season. Our Memorial Christmas Tree is just one way we do this; we also provide them with holiday materials to help them get through this often challenging time. Year-round grief support and follow-up services are an essential part of our commitment to members of our community.
We are very active in Benton and the surrounding communities, and proud to support many of the activities and functions of our resident organizations.
Thank you so much for honoring my Dad. You are a class act and the work you've done has helped begin the healing. ~ Major Thomas E. Yeager
Our Firm
McMichael Funeral Home is a full-service firm, offering:
- Full traditional services, as well as, cremation and memorial services. We are pleased to work closely with client families in designing a funeral or memorial service which fits their needs.
- A memorial Tribute Video program, which allows families to create a stunning visual tribute to honor their loved one.
- Pre-arrangements with both funded and non-funded plans.
Our Funeral Director
W. Bruce McMichael, Jr., Funeral Director/Supervisor/Owner
Bruce is proud to be a ‘native son’ of Columbia County. He graduated with Honors from Benton High School, and majored in Business Education at Bloomsburg University. Afterwards, he graduated with Honors from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. He has been a licensed funeral director in this state since 1984.
Married to Darla J. (Walton) McMichael and the father of 3 children, Bruce is very active in community and church functions, as well as in civic organizations throughout Columbia County. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the First Columbia Bank and Trust Company and the Berwick Hospital Center. He is proud to have served on the Board of Directors of the Berwick Chamber of Commerce, the Columbia County Christian School, as well as, the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble.
Bruce is an active member of Knapp Lodge, No. 462, F. & A. M., Caldwell Consistory, Bloomsburg; Irem Temple Shrine, Wilkes-Barre, and the Stillwater Christian Church.