When it comes to planning a funeral or memorial service, finding the right words can be one of the most challenging parts of the process. Whether you're honoring a loved one’s life or preparing your own final wishes, the power of a meaningful quote, song, or reading can bring comfort, spark memories, and help express emotions that words alone may not fully capture.
In our years of serving families throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest, we've seen how these carefully chosen elements can create a truly personal and heartfelt service. If you're searching for inspiration, here are some of the most beloved funeral quotes, songs, and readings that have resonated with families in our community.
A thoughtful quote can offer a sense of peace and perspective during a difficult time. Whether it's from literature, poetry, or a religious text, the right words can help convey what a loved one meant to those around them.
Some of the most requested funeral quotes we've seen include:
· "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." – Helen Keller
· "There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart." – Mahatma Gandhi
· "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." – Thomas Campbell
For those seeking a touch of humor or lightness, we've also heard families use gentle, uplifting quotes like "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." – Unknown
Music has a unique way of connecting us to memories and emotions. The songs chosen for a service often reflect the personality of the loved one or offer comfort to those grieving. In the Midwest, we often see a blend of traditional hymns, classic favorites, and even modern songs that hold special meaning.
Popular choices include:
Whether it's a soft instrumental melody or a song with heartfelt lyrics, music can be a powerful way to honor someone's life and bring people together.
Readings are often a central part of funeral and memorial services, offering comfort, wisdom, and reflection. Families often choose passages from religious texts, poems, or even excerpts from a loved one's favorite book.
Some of the most meaningful readings we've heard include:
These readings can offer a sense of peace, helping families find meaning in their loss while celebrating a life well-lived.
Every life is unique, and the songs, readings, and quotes chosen should reflect the individual being honored. Whether your loved one found comfort in their faith, a favorite song, or a beloved poem, these choices can bring a deeply personal touch to the service.
At Seland Funeral Home, we're here to guide families through these decisions with care and compassion. If you're unsure where to start, we're always available to offer suggestions or help craft a ceremony that truly honors your loved one’s life.
The right words, music, or reading can remind us that even in loss, love endures—and the memories we hold close will always keep those we've lost with us.
365 Days of Grief Support
Sign up for one year of grief messages designed to offer hope and healing during the difficult first year after a loss
Verifying your email address
Unsubscribing your email address
You will no longer receive messages from our email mailing list.
Your email address has successfully been added to our mailing list.
There was an error verifying your email address. Please try again later, or re-subscribe.