Funeral & Cremation Services | Cranston Family Funeral Homes

Ryan was a great help a few years ago in making prearrangements. When it was time for the funeral, Ryan was above and beyond a great help. Planning a funeral 1,000 miles away, having road blocks thrown up, and stressing, Ryan helped tackle each problem. Mom's funeral was beautiful. Jeremy was a great comfort that day for the service. I would highly recommend Cranston's for you loved one.

From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank you for the incredible care, kindness, and support you provided our family during one of the most difficult times in our lives. Losing our father was heartbreaking, but your patience, warmth, and guidance brought us so much comfort when we needed it most. Every detail was handled with such grace and thoughtfulness, allowing us to honor our father in the most beautiful and meaningful way. Your compassion made all the difference, and we will always be grateful for the way you helped ease the burden during such an emotional time. We also want to express our deepest appreciation for your stunning facility. The modern, spacious, and impeccably maintained space created a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere that truly felt like a place of comfort and reflection. The beautiful surroundings, combined with the convenience of the large parking lot, made it so much easier for our loved ones to gather and celebrate our father’s life without worry. A special thank you for the thoughtful touches that meant so much—the refreshments in the family room provided a quiet moment of comfort, and the beautiful slideshow you created was truly a gift. Seeing so many cherished photos of Dad and our family so loving arranged brought tears and smiles, reminding us of a lifetime of love and memories. Thank you for everything you did to make this difficult journey a little lighter. Your kindness and dedication will never be forgotten. With heartfelt gratitude, Jerome Winn Family

During one of the most difficult times in our lives, Cranston Family Funeral Home provided not just a service, but genuine care and support. From the moment we reached out, they responded with warmth and compassion, making us feel like part of their own family. They took care of every detail with thoughtfulness, ensuring that Gary was honored in a truly special way. Ryan, Jeremy, and Ann created a family-centered experience, listening to our needs and adding personal touches that brought comfort to our hearts. They went above and beyond in every way, offering kindness, patience, and a steady hand when we needed it most. We will always be grateful for their unwavering support and the love they showed us during this difficult time. Thank You, The family of Gary Beall

Planning my father’s funeral with no set plans was extremely difficult, but yet, Jeremy made it seem so easy. Jeremy worked with my family’s requests, noted every little detail and found ways to incorporate those details into the service. Jeremy’s compassion and kindness for families during such a heartbreaking time is remarkable. Not knowing where to start with all the paperwork needed, he eased my mother’s mind by taking care of it all. My family and I will forever be grateful for the care of Jeremy and the Cranston team. Family of Michael Billups

We appreciate everything that the Cranston Family Funeral home team did throughout the process of planning for and having Mom's funeral. My brother and I wondered if there would be multiple trips to Fairfield to work out details and make sure all the pieces came together, but Jeremy was able to work through it all with us over the phone. Jeremy went out of his way to meet us in Ankeny to accept the pictures for the visitation display. For me, Jeremy's ability to understand the unique personalities of the survivors in order to provide value-added service was exceptional. I can't say enough positive words about this part of our loss.

Having to plan a funeral for a loved one is the most difficult task, yet from the phone call to Jeremy about Debbie’s passing until she was laid to rest, he was by our family’s side. When planning the services Jeremy would stop and answer any question in detail, he answered every email and text of afterthoughts our family had, and he made sure that Debbie was not alone at the very end. Every little detail (some of which we didn’t even think of) was flawless. There is no amount of experience that can measure up to the absolute heartfelt kindness and love that our family felt from the entire Cranston Funeral Home staff. The care, professionalism and personable job that everyone did was amazing. Our family will never be able to thank them enough for helping us beyond the total bewildered state to one of peace and comfort. Debbie Dorothy family

We cannot speak highly enough of the exceptional service provided by Cranston Funeral Home. From the moment we contacted them, their professionalism and compassion were evident. Jeremy guided us through every step with sensitivity and understanding, ensuring that all our wishes were respected and implemented seamlessly. He listened attentively to our needs, offered practical advice and support without ever imposing. We will forever be grateful to Jeremy and Kate for helping us honor our mother and getting us through such a difficult time. -The Family of Patti Durflinger

Having to plan a funeral while grieving for a loved one is an extremely difficult task. The team at Cranston Funeral Home made the process as stress-free as possible. The service, compassion, and attention to detail went above and beyond our expectations. Jeremy and his team were kind, caring, understanding, helpful and made sure everything was exactly the way our family wanted things. Jeremy even made arrangements for my Mother's motorcycle to be included during her visitation and service. They made themselves available at all times during the process for any questions or requests we had with professionalism and understanding. After the funeral, they called to see how the family was doing and if we needed anything. While losing a loved one is hard, Cranston Funeral Home made this an easier and peaceful experience. Thank you all, again!

Jeremy was the best person to work with during the most traumatic time of my life. He made everything easy including a convenient time and multiple locations to choose from to meet with us. He gave me his personal contact information which really showed us that he cared and that it wasn't about the money, but rather that he truly cared from his heart to try to make it as easy as possible on us. It was difficult accepting such a great interaction with Jeremy since it was during such a terrible time, but it made me feel good that Cali Rose was in the hands of someone like Jeremy with such a remarkable character. He was our biggest blessing during our time of need.

My mother had preplanned her service with Jeremy. Before she had passed, Jeremy came to the nursing home to finalize her plans. We appreciated that service. Our family lost two family members in 7 months. Jeremy did everything that he could to make us comfortable and help us make wise decisions at a very troubling time. The funeral home is new and well designed for easy access- it is impeccable. The staff was there for us, always offering us water, anything to help us get through the day. Jeremy arranged the burial, lunch, and service. He always responded to any questions immediately. I just cannot say enough positive words to cover the excellent service our entire family received. Thank you to the entire staff!!

My mother was totally functional, though with effort and perseverance, until the last 48 hours of her life. She was 97 years old, with kidney failure at the end. Since she was so functional until the end and the passing was so quick, you can imagine my shock and state of mind. Jeremy Cranston came to pick up my mother for delivery to the Iowa City Medical Research Institute. I had spoken with him the week before, when we had set up hospice care, and he had made all the prearrangements, so it was smooth. I was upset, as expected, to let go of my beloved mother of 97 years, when Jeremy came to my house. He was so kind to me, our hospice nurse and especially my mother. He was gentle and genuinely thoughtful, when moving my mother. What stood out to me the most, was when he rested my mothers head on the pillow.. I made a comment about having a pillow and he said he wanted her to be comfortable. This is a man that I will always be grateful to have had in our lives during this transition. The next day I met with Ryan Pedrick, at the funeral home. He helped me make all the arrangements of death certificates, obituaries, announcement cards, etc. He was patient answering all my questions and we had a unhurried chat about my mother. Ryan was able to glean from our conversation, a lovely written tribute for he announcement cards. It was amazing to me how he was able to capture the spirit of my mother. The next day he hand delivered them to my house. These two men, took a heart break in my life and turned it into an inspiration of humanity. I will always honor them in a place of heart felt gratitude, forever. They are the best example why Iowa people are the Best.

Caring, thoughtful, accommodating, amazing, and professional are just some of the words we would use to describe Jeremy Cranston and his team. It is difficult enough when you loose a close family member like Sheri. It's even harder when the family has to do all the planning without any assistance. Jeremy gave us immediate direction on our first phone call, sent us forms and links to make the planning of Sheri's service so much easier. Jeremy is a fantastic communicator and we always knew where we were in the process of planning. He listened to the family about Sheri's love of baking and took it upon himself to have a graphic of baking items on her obituary, thank you notes and video presentation. These extra small things mattered greatly. The kindness and compassion of his team were amazing as well. Because of Jeremy and his team, they made a very emotional and difficult task so much easier for us all.

Jeremy and Ryan at Cranston Family Funeral Home took care of my father-in-law's funeral just yesterday. He had pre-arranged funeral that was with a different funeral home from years ago that was no longer around and they stepped in and took care of everything. Easy communication, professionalism and absolutely no issues or surprises. The funeral home was very clean and professional, well prepared. They took great care of us and it was a nice funeral and all went very well. The Martin Family thanks you as we appreciate the awesome services that you provided to us. Highly recommend!

I contacted Cranston when my mother in law needed extended care as we wanted to have her end of life service preplanned. Jeremy walked us through the process of pre planning and covered all areas. When her death came Cranston was there to support us and ensure all necessary processes were covered. Jeremy guided us with writing the obituary and even assisted with notifying the pastor since we were not local. On the day of the burial Jeremy was there to ensure our sad/stressful day was made as comfortable as possible. The service provided by Cranston goes beyond just a business, they make it their mission to take away some of your worries after losing a loved one.

Ryan at Pedricks Funeral Home was outstanding in helping me with preparing for my husband Alan Van Gorkoms Services. He helped with the Memorial Pamphlet, Thank Yous, and Registry Book. He personalized it with pictures and thoughts. Ryan made it very easy to organize everything. The thing I admire most was they had nothing to do with the Cremation or Services, yet I was treated with total respect and kindness. He took my families wishes and honored my husband and their father. He also helped me to choose a monument that is totally personalized with a picture of our pond and overlooking our farm. Absolutely amazing. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH

5 hearts is not a high enough rating for the comfort and ease he provided our family with the recent passing of my mom! I cannot imagine how her service could have gone any smoother and his suggestions were most welcomed when we got hung up on something. His care and compassion for our wants and needs was above and beyond. Even with other friends and family that attended! Jeremy and staff - I am forever grateful! ❤️ I can’t help but smile about the day of her funeral - from start to finish. Graphic content: Because my mom had been so sick, I was not wanting an open casket. My heart absolutely exploded when I saw her at our private viewing! So much, that we quickly changed our minds and had an open viewing for her service after all. (Many - MANY thanks for this, Jeremy!)

Jeremy made the most painful life experience so easy and comforting. He met with us while mom was in Hospice to give us time to consider various options and types service available. Anything that came up he responded quickly and professionally. He demonstrated a very caring and sincere personality that makes him great at his job. He also has a great sense of humor which my family hides behind in difficult situations so he readily adapted to us. Lisa and I decided prior to service we would have a closed casket, but after seeing the great job Jeremy and his staff did for caring for our mom we left the casket open for viewing during visitation. I hope we don’t need his services again for awhile but it’s reassuring to know there are people that have found their true calling and are passionate about the service they provide. Carla Waller Curtis

Jeremy does such a fantastic job. He truly cares about the families he takes care of. My husband passed away in a different country and Jeremy was so helpful. I was in uncharted territory and he really helped ease confusion. My husband's service was warm and you could tell Jeremy poured his heart into every detail. He answered every phone call, text and question quickly and never left me questioning. I can't sing his praises enough. Jeremy is truly doing what God called him to do. Thank you for everything.

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