Our Story
Learn our story, from the beginning and into the future.
Ever since we opened our gates we have approached life (and death) differently. While some just see the end of a loved one’s life as a time for grief and mourning, we prefer to think of it as a time for reflection, appreciation and even celebration. This is evident in everything we do, from the way we conduct our services to the amenities we choose to offer. We are not a burial ground. We are a close knit community dedicated to honoring, sharing and preserving the amazing and inspirational stories that are life.
Why Us?
In a nutshell? Experience, professionalism, compassion, and empathy.
We've learned a lot over many years. Like how to present options without overwhelming. And how to meet the needs of many caring parties. People come to us in difficult times, and we respond with kindness, calmness and expertise. Our goal is to create a beautiful occasion and make you feel welcome, always. We spend our days planning with families. We stay up to date with industry developments. And we make hard times a little easier.
In 1937 Francis and Alice Lockwood purchased the residence at 301 East Michigan Ave. and converted it to a funeral home. At that time, most funeral services had been conducted in the family's home or the family's church. The first level of the residence was used as the Lockwood's own home. When needed, it served as a funeral home. In September of 1951 they remodeled the building, adding pillars to the south facing front entry, the chapel to the west, and a two car garage to the rear, on the north side. The Lockwoods moved to the upstairs apartment, which allowed the main ground level to be used solely for funeral business. In February of 1961, they offered Gerald and Mildred Bahnmiller the opportunity to purchase the entire property and business, and the Bahnmillers took ownership on July 1, 1961. At that time, the population of Saline was about 2200. From 1961 forward, approximately 40 to 48 funerals were conducted each year.
Gerry and Mildred worked 7 days a week, 365 days a year, earning a deserved reputation for devotion to their community, professionalism with a small town personal touch, unerring integrity, and respect for the folks who came through their doors. When they eventually decided to retire, both wanted to ensure that the “right” individual would succeed them; someone (not a corporation) who would demonstrate the same personal and business qualities, someone willing to shepherd the business and serve folks whenever and wherever the need came, and one who would honor both the Bahnmillers’ and Lockwoods’ legacies. Their successor was Jim Robison, whom Gerry had worked with at Meuhlig Chapel in Ann Arbor, MI.
In April 1983, the apartment above Bahnmiller Funeral Home became home to Jim, his wife Alison, son Stephen (age 4) and newborn daughter Emily. The Robisons had sold their modest house in Ann Arbor and decided the move to Saline, and the offer from the Bahnmillers, were both a timely challenge and a gift. Ownership was transferred to Jim and Alison on January 1, 1984.
Over the next 30 years, the number of families served each year rose. Jim added the Monuments & Markers business, and using his art and architecture skills, it thrived from the start. Steve Robison then joined the firm. With the physical property stretched to its limits, the Robisons decided that renovation, expansion, remodeling and refurbishing were necessary, in order to accommodate families and guests more comfortably, more efficiently, and with greater attention to their individual needs.
Every aspect of the project was the work of local contractors, craftsmen, and laborers – a tangible way to support the community that relied on us. All while the “pardon our dust” was in progress, Steve and Jim kept the business running well, with the help of churches and the American Legion which offered their facilities for funeral services. The Grand Opening ceremonies were held in the Spring of 2017. Steve Robison has also expanded the services offered at the funeral home, as the industry evolves.
Explore Our Location
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Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home & Cremation Services
