Why Choose Us | <span data-replace-var='Website.BusinessName' class='we-content-readonly' data-default-value='Funeral+of+Homes' data-allow-empty><span data-replace-var='Website.BusinessName' class='we-content-readonly' data-default-value='Funeral+of+Homes' data-allow-empty><span data-replace-var='Website.BusinessName' class='we-content-readonly' data-default-value='Funeral+of+Homes' data-allow-empty><span data-replace-var='Website.BusinessName' class='we-content-readonly' data-default-value='Funeral+of+Homes' data-allow-empty><span data-replace-var='Website.BusinessName' class='we-content-readonly' data-default-value='Funeral+of+Homes' data-allow-empty><span data-replace-var='Website.BusinessName' class='we-content-readonly' data-default-value='Van+Orsdel+Funeral+%26amp%3b+Cremation+Services' data-allow-empty>Van Orsdel Funeral & Cremation Services</span></span></span></span></span></span>

Trusted Care

Van Orsdel Funeral & Cremation Services	Typical Corporate Chains
No hidden fees. Transparent pricing with no surprises.	Unexpected fees may appear later.
Your loved one stays in our care. We own and operate our own crematory.	Your loved one may be transported off-site to a third-party crematory.
Realistic timeline expectations. We’re honest about timeframes and stay in touch throughout.	Timelines may shift without communication.
Cremated Remains Hand Delivered within Miami-Dade County or picked up at your convenience.	Delivery often comes with extra fees or delays.
Every service is unique. We personalize each detail to honor your loved one.	Limited packages. Personal touches may not be included.
Family-owned for 100 years. We’re part of the community we serve.	Corporate-owned. Decisions made by national offices.
Satisfaction guaranteed. We stand behind everything we do.	Satisfaction may not be guaranteed—and may be harder to resolve.

Family-Owned vs. Corporate-Owned

While some funeral homes are part of large national chains, Van Orsdel remains independently owned and operated by our family. This means decisions are made locally, with a deep understanding of our community's values and traditions.

Personalized Services

At Van Orsdel, we believe every life is unique and deserves a service that reflects that individuality. Unlike standardized packages often found in corporate settings, we work closely with families to create customized memorials that honor their loved ones' lives.

Transparent and Fair Pricing

We are committed to providing clear and honest pricing without hidden fees or pressure to purchase unnecessary services. Our goal is to offer meaningful services that fit your needs and budget.

On-Site Crematory

Van Orsdel operates its own crematory, ensuring that your loved one remains in our care throughout the entire process. Many corporate funeral homes outsource this service, which can lead to additional handling and concerns about transparency.

Deep Community Roots

Our century-long presence in Miami has allowed us to build lasting relationships with families across generations. We are not just service providers; we are your neighbors, dedicated to supporting you during life's most challenging moments.

What “Locally Owned” Really Means at Van Orsdel

At Van Orsdel Funeral & Cremation Services, being family-owned isn’t just a title—it’s a commitment. For over 100 years, we’ve served Miami families with compassion, personal attention, and care rooted in community values. We're proud to be in our fourth generation, still owned and operated by the Van Orsdel family, and still focused on one thing: doing what’s right for the families we serve.

In recent years, many long-established funeral homes in Miami have been sold to large national corporations or private equity-backed firms. These companies often continue using the original names, making it difficult for families to know who they’re really working with.

Why does this matter? Because funeral service is deeply personal, and decisions made by corporate offices in other states rarely reflect the needs of our community here in South Florida. We believe the families we serve deserve more than scripted arrangements and mass-produced care—they deserve local support, transparency, and heart.

Understanding the Difference

It's important to know who you're entrusting with your loved one's final arrangements. Some funeral homes operate under large corporate umbrellas, such as Dignity Memorial, which is owned by Service Corporation International (SCI), a publicly traded company . These entities manage numerous funeral homes and cemeteries across North America, often standardizing services to align with corporate policies and shareholder expectations.

Know Who You're Working With

Here are some Miami funeral homes that are now owned by national or corporate chains:

Caballero Rivero Funeral Homes and Cemeteries – Multiple locations in Miami, owned by Service Corporation International (SCI/Dignity Memorial)
Neptune Society – For-Profit owned by Service Corporation International (SCI)
Stanfill Funeral Homes – Owned by Carriage Services
Memorial Plan Funeral Homes – (Including San José, Miami Memorial, and Westchester), owned by North Star Memorial Group

These companies are either publicly traded or owned by private equity investors. While many still use their original names, they are no longer locally or family-owned.

Questions to Consider:

Is the funeral home family-owned or part of a national chain?
Are they Licensed and Insured in the State of Florida?
Do they own and operate their own crematory?
Will your loved one remain in their care throughout the process?
Are their pricing and services transparent and tailored to your needs?
Do they offer personalized services that honor your loved one's unique life?

At Van Orsdel, we welcome these questions and are committed to providing answers that reflect our dedication to integrity, compassion, and personalized care.

Trusted Care

Transparent. Local. Trusted.

At Van Orsdel Funeral & Cremation Services, we believe every family deserves more than a “package.” You deserve compassion, clarity, and a team who truly cares. Here’s how we compare:

Why Families ChooseVan Orsdel Funeral & Cremation Services

Celebrating 100 Years of Compassionate, Family-Owned Care in Miami