Filbrandt Family Funeral Home

The history of the Filbrandt Funeral Home stretches back many years into the history of South Haven, when the Ayers Funeral Home operated at 321 Michigan Avenue. Over the years the South Haven has been served by several Funeral Homes including the Ayers, Everson, Frost, and the Calvin & Starks Funeral Home.This business changed hands, changed names, and changed locations throughout the 20th century, finally arriving at its current place of business, 1076 South Bailey Avenue. The owner, Jeff Filbrandt, opened the Filbrandt Funeral Home five years ago, with the intention of establishing a locally-owned, community minded business.

This is a clear departure from how the funeral business had been handled in South Haven during the past twenty years. Since 1982, funeral homes in this community have been operated by major corporations, with no significant ties to the people of the area. Having been a funeral director in the South Haven area since 1985, Jeff had seen the level of service decline while the cost of services rose, and he discovered within himself the deep desire to provide his community with the best that his vocation had to offer. That meant striking out on his own, with integrity and purpose.

You can rest assured that Jeff and his attentive staff will provide you and your family with the best possible funeral and cremation services, at reasonable prices. The business exists on the premise that “every family deserves quality attention”.

Jeff Filbrandt
Jeff along with his wife Annie are the owners of the funeral home. Jeff is a 1985 graduate of Wayne State University’s Mortuary Science Program. He also has a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in 1992. He enjoys exercising and spending time off with his children – Maggie, Jack and Peter. Jeff and family are members of St. Basils Catholic Church.

Ralph Frost
Ralph is the senior funeral director on our staff. He and his wife Ann have been in the South Haven community since 1975. Ralph and his father owned the Frost Funeral Home. Ralph is a 1965 graduate of Wayne State University 's Mortuary Science Program. Ralph enjoys working in his yard, fixing his tractors and playing with grand children.

Wendy Heiser
Wendy has been a part of South Haven all of her life. She was a 1989 graduate of South Haven's LC Mohr High School. Wendy has been a part of our team since 1996. Wendy handles all of the funeral homes computer operations along with many office responsibilities. Wendy is a great supporter of the Al-Van Human Society and the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

Debbie Keebler
Debbie has been a part of our team since 2002. She works as a funeral assistant and also helps out in the office area. Debbie is also responsible for all of our after service care. Debbie and her husband Kurt have lived in South Haven their entire lives. They have two children, Meg and Jennifer. Debbie is a member at St. Basils Catholic Church.

Annette Rahrig
Annette has been our office person and receptionist since 2000. She has lived in the South Haven community since 1978. She and her husband Steve have four children – Regina, Cynthia, Luke and Kathleen. Annette enjoys working on the Miss South Haven Pagent and visiting her four grand children. Annette and family are members of St. Peters Catholic Church.

Dave Rutlin
Dave is a licensed funeral director with over 40 years of experience. Dave was raised in Wisconsin and graduated from the Milwaukee School of Mortuary Science in 1967. Since then he has live in St. Joseph. Dave's wife is Clare and they have three children, Dan, Bobbie and Marni. They also have four grand children. Dave and Clare are members the First United Methodist Church in St. Joseph.