News

Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park Receives Beautification Award for the fourth time
Glen Eden Memorial Park Ceremony Pays Tribute to Local Police & Firefighters
Michigan Cemetery Association Elects Thomas A. Habitz President
Habitz Selected 2008 Lutheran Layman Of The Year.
View our latest TV spot
New Entrance Landscaping Leads to Another Award for Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park
Michigan Cemetery Association Re-elects Thomas A. Habitz First Vice President
Veterans Remembered with Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Glen Eden Memorial Park’s Garden of Valor.
Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park Donates $66,000 to Lutheran Organizations
Two Livonia Boy Scout Troops to Honor Veterans at Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park
Church of the Redeemer Columbarium
St. Gabriel Dedication and Open House
View Spring 05 Newsletter
Habitz Receives CCE Designation
Glen Eden Receives Beautification Award
Glen Eden East Holds Open House
Glen Eden Donates $51000
St. Gabriel Groundbreaking
Habitz Elected to Cemetery Assoc. Post
Glen Eden Named Outstanding Company
Other Web Sites of Interest

	Despite a nibbling beetle, Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park Receives Beautification Award for the fourth time Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park has been presented with the Annual Beautification Award from The Eight Mile Boulevard Association. In the last 5 years Glen Eden has been awarded this honor 4 times by the Association. Glen Eden has been cited by the Association for its overall appearance, from the nearly 1,900 properties judged. Glen Eden’s 75 acres of lawn are fertilized four times a year and mowed every week during growing season. Hundreds of annual flowers are planted around the cemetery brightening the landscape with a multitude of colors with special attention to the front entrance. This year Glen Eden began the arduous task of replacing a number of trees that were lost due to the Emerald Ash Borer insect. Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), is an exotic beetle that nibbles on ash foliage but cause little damage. The larvae feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. EAB has killed more than 40 million ash trees in southeastern Michigan alone. Due to the significant loss of trees within Glen Eden’s grounds this replanting will continue into 2009. Other improvements this year have included new cement walkways for the Main Mausoleum and half of the cemetery’s roads were given a new asphalt seal. Tami Salisbury, Executive Director of the Eight Mile Blvd. Association, said, “Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park is a true asset to the Eight Mile corridor. We are delighted to continue to see Glen Eden enhance their overall visual appeal every year and it is a great pleasure to acknowledge them this year as one of the Eight Mile Boulevard Association Beautification award recipients.” “We are pleased to have received such a prestigious award for a fourth time,” said Thomas A. Habitz, General Manager of Glen Eden. “Our groundskeepers take great pride in enhancing the natural beauty of our grounds providing a special place to reflect on the memories of loved ones honored here.” The Eight Mile Blvd. Association was established in 1993 and began presenting the Beautification Award to encourage property owners to go above and beyond the everyday in maintaining their property appearance. Each summer a committee representing various businesses and communities located along Eight Mile Road take part in evaluating the many properties that line the 27-miles of roadway that stretches from I-94 to I-275. All properties along the route are considered -- office parks, malls, big box stores, independent shops, private residences and cemeteries.
	Glen Eden Memorial Park Ceremony Pays Tribute to Local Police & Firefighters On September 11, 2008 a ceremony was held at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia to add three names, George Bays and Roger Snow of the Michigan State Police and John Gerich of the Redford Township Fire Department, to the service memorial cenotaphs at Glen Eden’s Memorial Flag Pole Court. As each man’s name was placed on the cenotaph an Honor Guard representing the State Police and Redford Township Fire Department saluted and Redford Township Fire Chief Leslie Wedge rang the traditional firefighter memorial bell. George Bays served with the Michigan State Police for 30 years. He was an officer and founder of the Michigan State Police Command Officers Association. For almost 40 years Roger Snow served with the Michigan State Police retiring at the rank of Assistant District Commander (Inspector). John Gerich was a fireman for almost 30 years with the Redford Township Fire Department attaining the rank of Captain. State Senator Glenn S. Anderson and representatives from the Michigan State Police and Redford Township Fire Department addressed the audience of family and friends. “We are honored at Glen Eden to have the opportunity to pay tribute to these men who served our communities and to provide a place of reflection for all who will come and visit this memorial,” said Thomas Habitz, Glen Eden Memorial Park General Manager. The Memorial Flagpole Court is the centerpiece of Glen Eden’s Memorial Plaza Boulevard. Cenotaphs to honor those who served surround a majestic elevated flagpole. Each cenotaph is a bronze bas-relief depiction of police, firefighters, clergy and veterans.

MICHIGAN CEMETERY ASSOCIATION ELECTS THOMAS A. HABITZ PRESIDENT
Thomas A. Habitz, General Manager of Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park in Livonia and Macomb Township, has been elected to the office of President of the Michigan Cemetery Association for a one-year term. Mr. Habitz has been a member of the Michigan Cemetery Association for nine years, and has served on the board of Directors for seven years, serving as an officer for four years.

Leading the executive committee, Mr. Habitz will direct the association’s legislative policy recommendations on laws affecting cemeteries and burials in Michigan. The key 2008 legislative goal is to accomplish positive legislation to ensure that every cemetery doing business in Michigan is held to the highest ethical standards. His responsibilities also include providing rules, regulations and industry updates to all municipal, private and religiously owned cemeteries.

Other members of the Board of Directors also elected to one-year terms are First Vice President Curt Clemens of Grand Rapids, Second Vice President Ken Groya of Saginaw, and Secretary/Treasurer Barbara Bisbee of Fenton.

Since its founding in 1945, the Michigan Cemetery Association has represented cemetery managers and suppliers to cemeteries, uniting them in their goal of enhancing the quality of cemetery services throughout Michigan. The association, with approximately 100 members, has established high ethical standards and practices for its members, and provides educational opportunities and proactive leadership on legislative and regulatory issues. It also encourages membership participation in association activities, promotes cooperative relationships with industry related organizations and provides members with relevant information. The association informs consumers about the value of preplanning, the importance of memorialization and the tradition of remembrance.

“Election to lead the association’s important work as President is very gratifying.” Mr. Habitz said. “One of my most important efforts will be to communicate to the families of Michigan that when they work with a Michigan Cemetery Association member they can have complete confidence they are receiving the highest standards of service, products and integrity – the very same level of excellence that we at Glen Eden always strive to deliver.

HABITZ SELECTED 2008 LUTHERAN LAYMAN OF THE YEAR.
Thomas A. Habitz has been selected as the 2008 Lutheran Layman of the Year by the Lutheran Luncheon Club of Metro Detroit.

A celebratory banquet to honor Mr. Habitz will be held April 27, 2008 at 4:00pm at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Warren, MI.

Mr. Habitz is the General Manager of Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia, MI, and Glen Eden East in Macomb Township, MI. He has served in that capacity since 1998. Under his management, the cemeteries have performed over 8,000 interments, have received numerous awards for beautification, and have been able to gift over $500,000 to various Lutheran organizations, including our Lutheran Seminaries, the Lutheran High School Association, Concordia University in Ann Arbor, the Lutheran Center Association, POBLO, the Lutheran Heritage Foundation, Lutheran Special Education Ministries, Lutheran Child and Family Services, and many others.

Born on June 22, 1949 to Arthur and Cornelia (nee Deye) Habitz, Tom was the fourth of five children. Tom’s older siblings are Judy Brown, Arthur Jr. (Butch), and Dennis, and his younger sister Diane Houren. Tom was baptized in July, 1949 by Rev. Kenneth Runge at Zion Lutheran Church in Detroit, and was confirmed by Rev. John Gagern on April 7, 1963 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Dearborn.

Tom is a graduate of Emmanuel Lutheran School, Lutheran High School West, Valparaiso University, and Wayne State University’s College of Mortuary Science. He became a licensed Funeral Director and has literally served thousands of families through their period of grief with professional and compassionate assistance for over 28 years.

He is currently a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Redford, where he serves on the Board of Elders and as a Communion Assistant and Lay Reader. He has also been selected as a Lay Delegate to the Synodical Convention of the LCMS. Previously, as a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Northville, he served as Chairman of its Board of Education and as a member of the Ushers Club.

In 2004, Tom was honored by the International Cemetery and Funeral Association and received its prestigious Certified Cemetery Executive designation. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Michigan Cemetery Association and is currently serving in his first term as its president. He is also a member of the Greater Southeast Michigan Cemetery Association, the Livonia Chamber of Commerce and the Macomb Chamber of Commerce.
 
Sharing his celebration will be his wife Linda, sons Tom Jr. and Brent, stepchildren Gordie, Brandon and Meagan Engel and many other relatives, co-workers and friends. Included as a speaker will be Rev. Dr. Victor F. Halboth, Jr. of Grace Lutheran Church, Redford.

Preplanning	Cremation
View our Latest TV spots on YouTube

MICHIGAN CEMETERY ASSOCIATION RE-ELECTS THOMAS A. HABITZ FIRST VICE PRESIDENT.
Thomas A. Habitz, General Manager of Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park in Livonia and Macomb Township, has been re-elected to the office of First Vice President of the Michigan Cemetery Association for a second one-year term. Mr. Habitz has been a member of the Michigan Cemetery Association for eight years, has served on the board of Directors for six years and prior to his election to First Vice President in 2006, served for two years as Second Vice President.

With this re-election, Mr. Habitz will continue to provide legislative input as a member of the association’s executive committee, which recommends policy decisions on laws affecting cemeteries and burials in Michigan. His responsibilities also include providing rules, regulations and industry updates to all municipal, private and religiously owned cemeteries.

Other members of the Board of Directors also re-elected to one-year terms are President Bert Edquist of Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles, Second Vice President Curt Clemens of Blythfield Memory Gardens in Grand Rapids, and Secretary/Treasurer Barbara Bisbee of Crestwood Cemetery in Grand Blanc.

Since its founding in 1945, the Michigan Cemetery Association has represented cemetery managers and suppliers to cemeteries, uniting them in their goal of enhancing the quality of cemetery services throughout Michigan. The association, with approximately 100 members, has established high ethical standards and practices for its members, and provides educational opportunities and proactive leadership on legislative and regulatory issues. It also encourages membership participation in association activities, promotes cooperative relationships with industry related organizations and provides members with relevant information. The association informs consumers about the value of preplanning, the importance of memorialization and the tradition of remembrance.

“Re-election to the association’s post of First Vice President is very gratifying,” Mr. Habitz said. “I appreciate the opportunity to keep promoting the highest standards of service and products to all our members – the very same level of excellence that we at Glen Eden always strive to deliver.”

Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park, founded in 1929, is a non-profit cemetery, owned and operated by a community of Lutheran Churches. Glen Eden has two cemetery locations, in Livonia on Eight-Mile Road and in Macomb Township on 26-Mile Road. Glen Eden also administers The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Columbarium in Birmingham. Glen Eden takes great pride in providing families of all Christian faiths with individual care and understanding, holding to the highest standard of excellence. Glen Eden is strongly endowed and funded for perpetual maintenance. For more information on Glen Eden, contact Mr. Habitz at 248-477-4460.

Veterans Remembered with Wreath-Laying Ceremony at Glen Eden Memorial Park’s Garden of Valor.
To commemorate Veterans Day and to honor the more than 5,000 veterans buried at Glen Eden Memorial Park, General Manager Thomas Habitz and Board of Directors Member Roy R. Houser (pictured right) laid a wreath at the cemetery’s Veterans’ Memorial in Livonia.

“We’re honored to continue a tradition of commemorating the sacrifices of our local comrades who served in the armed forces and whose final resting place is here at Glen Eden,” said Mr. Houser, himself a Navy veteran of World War II. He was a 3rd class petty officer in the Pacific theater.

In June of 1962, Glen Eden’s Veteran’s Monument, now the centerpiece of the Garden of Valor, was dedicated by Lutheran War Veterans Auxiliary, Gold Star Mothers and Blue Star Mothers, as a special place to honor veterans. More recently, A cenotaph memorial around the massive flagpole in the Memorial Plaza Boulevard also commemorates veterans who are buried elsewhere. And at Glen Eden’s Macomb Township location, a specially commissioned massive bronze sculpture of an American eagle stands guard over that location’s Garden of Valor.

The special sections at both Glen Eden locations are reserved exclusively for veterans and their spouses.
More pictures and information about Glen Eden’s special tributes to and services for veterans can be found on the web site at www.glenedenmemorialpark.org. or call Mr. Habitz directly at 248-477-4460.

Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park Donates $66,000 to Lutheran Organizations
At their annual meeting of church delegates on Friday, April 28, Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park presented $66,000 in donations to Lutheran organizations. A committee, appointed by Glen Eden’s Board of Directors, selected fourteen Lutheran organizations in the Missouri and Wisconsin Synods to receive cash donations. Thirteen of the organizations are past recipients of Glen Eden awards. Project Compassion Foundation of South Lyon was selected this year for the first time to receive a donation of $2000.

For the past decade, Glen Eden has provided aid to Lutheran organizations to help fund programs and missions throughout the community and the world. All of the organizations selected serve the Lutheran community by providing education, family and social support, or missionary work.

“These fourteen organizations are each very deserving of our support, “ says Thomas A. Habitz, General Manager of Glen Eden. “They all have strong ties to the Lutheran communities they serve, and each has a strong track record of providing top quality service in their area of expertise.”

In 2005, Glen Eden was unexpectedly and very generously remembered in the will of a friend of the Memorial Park. In her memory, the Board of Directors added her total bequest to this year’s charitable giving.

Donations to the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod organizations will go to the following: Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, Ind., the Lutheran High School Association of Greater Detroit, Mi., Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Mi., People of the Book - Lutheran Outreach (POBLO), the Lutheran Center Association of Greater Detroit, Mi., Lutheran Heritage Foundation, Lutheran Special Education Ministries of Detroit, Mi., and the Lutheran Child & Family Services of Michigan and the Project Compassion Foundation, South Lyon. Mi.

The Wisconsin Synod donations will go to the Michigan Lutheran Seminary Foundation, Huron Valley Lutheran High School of Westland Michigan, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary of Mequon, Wis. and the Wisconsin Lutheran Radio Hour.

“We our very proud of our Lutheran heritage.” says Mr. Habitz, “Our donations are intended to support the vitality of these fine Lutheran organizations that benefit all families in their communities.

Two Livonia Boy Scout Troops to Honor Veterans at Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park
In preparation for the annual Memorial Day observance, members of Boy Scout Troop 740 in Garden City and Troop 889 in Livonia, have volunteered to place an American Flag at each military veteran’s grave at Glen Eden Memorial Park.

As part of Glen Eden’s annual tradition, this year the scouts will distribute the flags on May 20 in preparation for the observance of Memorial Day 2006 on Monday, May 29.

Church of the Redeemer Columbarium
Birmingham’s Lutheran Church of the Redeemer planned its new Columbarium with the aim of restoring the age-old practice of burial of church members on church property. The increased preference for cremation has made it possible to bring back that tradition for churches which construct columbaria – an arrangement of niches into which an urn, containing cremated remains, is permanently placed.
The Church’s Columbarium was dedicated in the fall of 2005, and has proved to be a popular addition.

According to Pastor Randy Schlak, the Columbarium has been welcomed by the congregation with great enthusiasm. “Whenever they’re at the church, people feel a real connection to their loved ones,” Schlak said. “And when the congregation is at worship, many take comfort in knowing that now, their loved ones are part of our community in actuality as well as in spirit.”

With its red brick façade, the Redeemer Columbarium complements the church building, which was modeled after the Martha-Mary Chapel at Greenfield Village.
Placed in walls around a contemplative garden area whose centerpiece is an impressive bronze sculpture of Christ the Redeemer, the niches are faced with rich, red granite affixed with bronze plaques engraved with the inscriptions of each loved one. Most of the spaces are companion niches, designed for the placement of two urns, the remainder being individual niches for single purchasers.

Even members whose final resting place is elsewhere can be memorialized in the Columbarium Garden cenotaphs – bronze plaques, cast with family and individual names.

The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Columbarium was built by and is administered by Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park of Livonia and Macomb Township. Principally for church members, the Columbarium is also open to all Christians, as is Glen Eden.

The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer is at 1800 West Maple Road, Birmingham and is on the web at redeemerbirmingham.org. For information on securing space in the Columbarium, contact Mary Anne Bittner at Glen Eden East, 586-677-5400 or on the web at www.glenedenmemorialpark.org.

GLEN EDEN LUTHERAN MEMORIAL PARK ANNOUNCES DEDICATION OF NEW ST. GABRIEL MAUSOLEUM IN LIVONIA
Open House To Follow 3 p.m. Ceremony On Sunday, June 26
 
The Board of Directors and officials from Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park invite the public to attend the dedication of the new St. Gabriel Mausoleum at Glen Eden in Livonia at 35667 West Eight Mile Road.  The ceremony will begin at 3 pm, and will feature remarks by the Rev. Dr. Thomas Ahlersmeyer, president of Concordia University, Ann Arbor, and music by the Lutheran Choralaires.
 
An open house reception will immediately follow the dedication, along with tours of St. Gabriel, which continues the striking architectural design that abounds throughout Glen Eden’s property. Created to be an everlasting memorial, it has been built with the finest Italian marble and granite. Exquisitely carved bronze archangels create a dramatic and unique centerpiece highlighted by several skylights to bring in natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for year round visitation. An array of placement options are available including over 650 marble fronted crypts in individual, deluxe, and true companion styles. For those choosing cremation, approximately 650 stained glass or marble fronted niches are available
 
“There is a consistent and increasing demand for above ground burial options,” says Thomas A. Habitz, CCE, General Manager of Glen Eden. “With our Chapel Mausoleum near full capacity it is time for a second mausoleum so that we can continue to offer families throughout southeast Michigan every option to meet their needs.”
 
The mausoleum was designed by the architectural firm of J. Stuart Todd of Dallas, Texas, an international firm with over 1,500 completed cemetery projects to their credit. St. Gabriel mausoleum was built by McCarthy & Smith, Inc. of Farmington Hills, Michigan, providers of construction services to cemeteries throughout southeast Michigan for over thirty years. Both of these firms developed Glen Eden’s new property, Glen Eden East, in Macomb Township as well.
 
With almost 75 years of experience, Glen Eden is a long established and well-respected cemetery, known for its superior service and immaculately maintained buildings and grounds that blend the beauty of the natural environment with modern facilities in a peaceful, religious setting. Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park offers a full range of burial choices including traditional in-ground burial, aboveground mausoleum entombment and cremation niches. Spaces are available for purchase at special pre-planning prices.
 
By putting the needs of families first, Glen Eden has earned their reputation for trust and integrity. “Personal attention is the foundation of our business and families are our first priority,” says Mr. Habitz. “Our Memorial Advisors are experienced and caring. Their goal is to provide families with complete and accurate information on the many options available and to guide them through the selection process. We want families to be completely comfortable with the choices they make.”
 
“We offer the experience of working with virtually every type of family preference and individual situation,” adds Mr. Habitz. “We cater to the needs of the area’s large Christian community. We observe Christian traditions and beliefs and provide a peaceful and lasting memorial that honors both families and their Christian heritage.”
 
Mr. Habitz recommends that families pre-plan their memorialization. Just like writing a will or taking out life insurance, it is an essential aspect of sound estate planning that many families overlook. “By pre-planning you take a huge emotional and financial burden off your family. You also help them avoid emotional overspending, an expensive situation that many families face when they need to make immediate decisions at a highly stressful time,” says Mr. Habitz.
 
As a non-profit cemetery, Glen Eden is owned and operated by a community of Lutheran churches. Financially secure, an endowment fund provides for Glen Eden’s perpetual beauty, care and maintenance. A portion of each grave, crypt and niche purchase is placed in an endowment trust fund and the full purchase of interment services is placed in an escrow account to be accessed at the time of need, ensuring the investment of families that pre-plan with Glen Eden.
 
For more information on Glen Eden contact Thomas A. Habitz at 248-477-4460 or visit the website at www.glenedenmemorialpark.org.

THOMAS A. HABITZ JOINS ONLY 201 WORLDWIDE TO RECEIVE CCE DESIGNATION
The International Cemetery and Funeral Association has awarded Thomas Habitz, Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park’s General Manager, the coveted Certified Cemetery Executive designation (CCE). He will be formally recognized at the ICFA annual convention in Las Vegas this March.

After an extensive review process, only a handful of the top cemetery and funeral executives are selected each year to receive the CCE designation. Based on the individual’s experience, professional expertise, education, references and community involvement, a committee determines if the candidate has met the high standards of management set by the ICFA. As of March 2004, only 201 people worldwide have been awarded the CCE designation.

“This is a very distinguished certification and I am honored and proud to have received it,” says Mr. Habitz.

The ICFA Certification Program was established to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high degree of competence and a high level of management experience and skills in the cemetery and funeral industry. The certification is intended to raise the standards of those engaged in cemetery and funeral management, to encourage individuals to participate in a program of continuing education and development, and to encourage self-assessment through guidelines for achievement. The International Cemetery and Funeral Association designation program also assists in identifying people with expansive knowledge of the principles and practices of cemetery and funeral management, of related disciplines and of laws governing the industry.

Mr. Habitz has been the General Manager of Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park since April of 1998. Prior to that he worked as a funeral home director for over 28 years, most recently with McCabe Funeral Home in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Mr. Habitz is a graduate of Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana and received his degree in Mortuary Science from Wayne State in Detroit and currently resides in Novi, Michigan.

FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, GLEN EDEN LUTHERAN MEMORIAL PARK RECEIVES BEAUTIFICATION AWARD
The Eight Mile Boulevard Association has once again selected Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park as a top recipient of their Annual Beautification Award. Nearly 1,900 properties were judged with awards presented to those achieving best overall site appearance.

To visitors it’s obvious, the management and grounds crew of Glen Eden take special pride in the property and spend a tremendous amount of time on the appearance of the park, and the attention they pay to the smallest details has not gone unnoticed by the Eight Mile Blvd. Association.

“Glen Eden is just a gorgeous property with an inviting entrance and well landscaped grounds,” says Tami Salisbury, Executive Director for the Eight Mile Boulevard Association. “Every year they continue to stand out and maintain the highest standards of overall appearance.”

“We at Glen Eden are truly honored to receive this award,” says Thomas A. Habitz, General Manager of Glen Eden. “We are very proud of our facility and strive to maintain its appearance to the utmost level possible.”

The Eight Mile Blvd. Association was established in 1993 and began awarding the Beautification Award nine years ago to encourage property owners to go above and beyond the everyday in maintaining their property appearance. Each summer a committee representing various businesses and communities located along Eight Mile Road, take part in evaluating the many properties that line the 27-miles of roadway that stretches from I-94 to I-275. Everything from office parks, to malls and big box stores, independent shops, private residences, and cemeteries, are considered.

“We are delighted to have Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park as one of our top winners again this year,” says Ms. Salisbury. “They are an excellent organization and we’re proud that they are a part of the Eight Mile Road community.”

Since 1929, Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park has served families of all Christian faiths. Non-profit, and owned and operated by a community of Lutheran churches, Glen Eden is strongly endowed and funded for perpetual maintenance. For more information on Glen Eden contact Thomas A. Habitz at 248-477-4460.

FIRST NEW CEMETERY IN 30 YEARS HOLDS OPEN HOUSE
With the continued growth of Macomb County, residential communities are not the only development projects being completed. On June 13th, Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park will hold a ceremony to dedicate its new 80-acre cemetery in Macomb Township. The dedication ceremony will take place at 3pm at Glen Eden East, located at 19810 26 Mile Road and is open to the public. Immediately following the ceremony there will be an open house reception with refreshments and hors d’oeuvres. Guests are invited to tour the grounds and the buildings, including the centerpiece of the new park, Our Redeemer Chapel and Mausoleum. Invited dignitaries include members of the Macomb Township Board of Trustees, the Macomb Township Planning Committee, and the Glen Eden Board of Directors. Area funeral directors, pastors and Lutheran Church members will also be in attendance.

The memorial park will be the first new cemetery in Macomb County in over three decades and the second cemetery in Michigan to carry the Glen Eden name. Since 1929, Glen Eden has served families of all Christian faiths in Livonia and this second memorial park in Macomb Township answers the growing demand for more burial options within the community.

“Macomb County is growing dramatically and our central location in Macomb Township is easily accessible to all residents,” says Thomas A. Habitz, General Manager of Glen Eden. “Residents can select a final resting place in the area where they spent most of their lives and where family and friends can visit in a familiar and close-by location.”

“Residents driving by Glen Eden East have watched the construction of the chapel in particular and many have expressed great interest in getting an up-close and personal look at this magnificent structure.” says Thomas A. Habitz, general manager of Glen Eden. “We welcome all visitors and I’m sure the classic beauty of its old-world style church with steeple design will not disappoint. Memorial Advisors will be on hand to greet everyone and answer questions about Glen Eden.”

The $6 million cemetery, being developed in a series of phases, rests on 80 acres of land surrounded by naturally wooded areas and streams. The first 10-acres have been completed and are designed with meticulously groomed gardens surrounding Our Redeemer Chapel and Mausoleum which forms the centerpiece of the park. With seating for 150 people, the chapel reflects the classic beauty of an old-world style Lutheran church with steeple. Arched windows, vaulted ceilings, exposed wood beams, tiled entryways and a covered front porch provide a peaceful and comforting setting. The old-world style design is carried throughout the park and is incorporated into the design of the administrative buildings and mausoleum which features stone masonry veneers and crown molding. With easy access from the chapel through an enclosed entryway, the mausoleum allows year round visitation regardless of the weather.

Surrounding the Chapel are four traditional burial gardens, beautifully landscaped and distinguished by specific themes that reflect life and individual character. The Garden of Faith, Garden of Hope and Garden of Resurrection feature individual and family lots while two specially dedicated gardens honor our community members who have served us during their lives; Our Pastors Point Garden reserved for Lutheran pastors and their spouses, and Our Garden of Valor which provides a special setting of honor for our veterans and their spouses

The design for the cemetery was created by the architectural firm of J. Stuart Todd of Dallas Texas, an international firm with over 1,500 completed cemetery projects to their credit. Construction services were provided by the Farmington Hills company of McCarthy & Smith, Inc., which has been providing construction services to cemeteries throughout southeast Michigan for over thirty years.

“Our goal was to create a park like setting that enhances the existing environment,” says Steve Elliot, Project Manager with J. Stuart Todd. “We wanted to create an atmosphere that is not only pleasant to visit, but to pass by as well.”

Bordered by wooded areas, streams and farmland, the landscaping for Glen Eden flows seamlessly into its surroundings. Originally farmland, the park will remain as a permanent green space with extensive plantings including trees, ornamental bushes and flowering plants native to the area that have been added to provide a dense landscaping screen and create a natural beauty throughout the cemetery.

The township plans to build a park on the southern border of Glen Eden and to the east is a sod farm. The wooded lot to the north is vacant with no specific development plans and a single-family residential community will border Glen Eden on the west. An existing wooded area and creek between the residential community and Glen Eden has been enhanced with a dense landscape screen.
With almost 75 years of experience, Glen Eden, Livonia, is a long established and well-respected cemetery, known for its superior service and immaculately maintained buildings and grounds that blend the beauty of the natural environment with modern facilities in a peaceful, religious setting. Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park East offers a full range of burial choices including traditional in-ground burial, aboveground mausoleum entombment and cremation niches. Spaces are currently available for purchase at special pre-planning prices.

By putting the needs of families first, Glen Eden has earned their reputation for trust and integrity. “Personal attention is the foundation of our business and families are our first priority,” says Mr. Habitz. “Our Memorial Advisors are experienced and caring. Their goal is to provide families with complete and accurate information on the many options available and to guide them through the selection process. We want families to be completely comfortable with the choices they make.”

“We offer the experience of working with virtually every type of family preference and individual situation,” adds Mr. Habitz. “We cater to the needs of the area’s large Christian community. We observe Christian traditions and beliefs and provide a peaceful and lasting memorial that honors both families and their Christian heritage.”

Mr. Habitz recommends that families pre-plan their memorialization. Just like writing a will or taking out life insurance, it is an essential aspect of sound estate planning that many families overlook. “By pre-planning you take a huge emotional and financial burden off your family. You also help them avoid emotional overspending, an expensive situation that many families face when they need to make immediate decisions at a highly stressful time,” says Mr. Habitz.
As a non-profit cemetery, Glen Eden is owned and operated by a community of Lutheran Churches. Financially secure, an endowment fund provides for Glen Eden’s perpetual beauty, care and maintenance. A portion of each grave, crypt and niche purchase is placed in an endowment trust fund and the full purchase of interment services is placed in an escrow account to be accessed at the time of need, ensuring the investment of families that pre-plan with Glen Eden.

For more information on Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park East contact Thomas A. Habitz at 248-477-4460 or visit the Glen Eden website at www.glenedenmemorialpark.org.

GLEN EDEN LUTHERAN MEMORIAL PARK DONATES $51,000 TO LUTHERAN ORGANIZATIONS
At their annual meeting of church delegates on April 23rd, Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park presented over $50,000 in donations to Lutheran organizations. A committee, appointed by Glen Eden’s Board of Directors, selected thirteen Lutheran organizations in the Missouri and Wisconsin Synods to receive cash donations. Twelve of the organizations are past recipients of Glen Eden awards. Lutheran Child & Family Services of Michigan was selected this year for the first time to receive a donation of $1000.

For the past decade, Glen Eden has provided aid to Lutheran organizations to help fund programs and missions throughout the community and the world. All of the organizations selected serve the Lutheran community by providing education, family and social support, or missionary work.

“These thirteen organizations are each very deserving of our support, “ says Thomas A. Habitz, General Manager of Glen Eden. “They all have strong ties to the Lutheran communities they serve, and each has a strong track record of providing top quality service in their area of expertise.”

Donations to the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod organizations will go to the following: Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, Ind., the Lutheran High School Association of Greater Detroit, Mi., Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Mi., People of the Book - Lutheran Outreach (POBLO), the Lutheran Center Association of Greater Detroit, Mi., Lutheran Heritage Foundation, Lutheran Special Education Ministries of Detroit, Mi., and the Lutheran Child & Family Services of Michigan.
The Wisconsin Synod donations will go to the Michigan Lutheran Seminary Foundation, Huron Valley Lutheran High School of Westland Michigan, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary of Mequon , Wis. and the Wisconsin Lutheran Radio Hour.

“We our very proud of our Lutheran heritage.” says Mr. Habitz, “Our donations are intended to support the vitality of these fine Lutheran organizations that benefit all families in their communities.

GLEN EDEN LUTHERAN MEMORIAL PARK BREAKS GROUND ON NEW ST. GABRIEL MAUSOLEUM
On April 23rd, The Board of Directors joined officials from Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park to break ground for the new St. Gabriel Mausoleum at Glen Eden’s Livonia location. Construction is scheduled to begin in June. This will be the park’s second mausoleum and will include over 650 crypt locations and approximately 650 cremation niches to service the needs of families throughout southeast Michigan.

“There is a consistent and increasing demand for above ground burial options,” says Thomas A. Habitz, General Manager of Glen Eden. “With our Chapel Mausoleum near full capacity it is time to build a second mausoleum so that we can continue to offer families every option to meet their needs.”

St. Gabriel will continue the striking architectural design that abounds throughout Glen Eden’s park. Created to be an everlasting memorial, it will be built with the finest Italian marble and granite. Exquisitely carved bronze archangels will create a dramatic and unique centerpiece highlighted by several skylights to bring in natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for year round visitation. Wide arrays of placement options will be available including marble fronted crypts in individual, deluxe, and true companion styles. For those choosing cremation, stained glass or marble fronted niches will be available.

The mausoleum was designed by the architectural firm of J. Stuart Todd of Dallas, Texas, an international firm with over 1,500 completed cemetery projects to their credit. McCarthy & Smith, Inc. of Farmington Hills, Michigan providers of construction services to cemeteries throughout southeast Michigan for over thirty years will provide construction services on St. Gabriel. Both of these firms are currently involved in the development of Glen Eden’s new memorial park Glen Eden East, in Macomb Township as well. St. Gabriel is scheduled for completion in December 2004.

Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park, founded in 1929, is a non-profit cemetery, owned and operated by a community of Lutheran churches. They have two locations, in Livonia on Eight Mile Road and in Macomb Township on 26 Mile Road. Glen Eden takes great pride in providing families of all Christian faiths with individual care and understanding, holding to the highest standard of excellence. Glen Eden is strongly endowed and funded for perpetual maintenance. For more information on Glen Eden you can contact Thomas A. Habitz at 248-477-4460 or visit the website at www.glenedenmemorialpark.org.

Rev. Dr. V.F.Halboth, Chairman of Glen Eden Memorial Park’s Board of Directors at left and Thomas A. Habitz, General Manager of Glen Eden accept the Historic Trinity Outstanding Company award from Rev. Dr. David Eberhard of Historic Trinity Church.

GLEN EDEN LUTHERAN MEMORIAL PARK NAMED OUTSTANDING COMPANY BY HISTORIC TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
At Historic Trinity’s Annual Oktoberfest Dinner, Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park received The Outstanding Company Award in recognition of their long-standing efforts in enhancing and supporting the Lutheran Community. Rev. Dr. V. F. Halboth, Chairman of Glen Eden’s Board of Directors accepted the award for Glen Eden.

We are very pleased to have received this award,” says Rev. Dr. Halboth. “Our staff and board of directors are very gratified that our active participation to assist our Lutheran community has been recognized.”

Historic Trinity has been holding the annual Oktoberfest dinner for twenty years and has been giving the award for the last seven years. 150 people attended the event, which was held at the Church’s Huegli Auditorium located in downtown Detroit. In addition to the Outstanding Company award, Mr. Michael Schoenshek received the Outstanding Individual Award.

“These awards were created to recognize organizations and individuals that go above and beyond the everyday in their service to the Lutheran community,” says Rev. Dr. David Eberhard of Historic Trinity.
Since 1929, Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park has served families of all Christian faiths. Non-profit and owned and operated by a community of Lutheran churches, Glen Eden is strongly endowed and funded for perpetual maintenance. They have two locations, in Livonia on Eight-Mile Rd and in Macomb Township on 26-Mile Rd. For more information on Glen Eden contact Thomas A. Habitz at 248-477-4460 or visit the Glen Eden website at www.glenedenmemorialpark.org.

Order Perpetual Decorations Now! For a one-time charge, a seasonal silk floral tribute will honor the memories of loved ones. Tributes are changed each April, June and November. Special Occasion Floral Tributes Always Available! Commemorate Special Occasions! Commemorate special occasions like anniversaries, and birthdays by choosing from a wide selection of more than 20 varieties of fresh and silk flowers at Glen Eden’s offices. Fresh flower arrangements may be displayed in a permanent bronze vase or a disposable vase. Silk floral arrangements require a permanent bronze vase.

 Additional Web Sites of Interest

www.thrivent.com - Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation. Fortune 500 organization based in Appleton, WI. Fraternal benefit society providing insurance, financial, educational, and volunteer services, with 1.8 million members.

www.lutheransonline.com - Sponsored by AAL. General news, info, weather, stocks, etc.

www.lcfsmi.org - Lutheran Child & Family Service of Michigan. Provides counseling and social services to children and families throughout the state.

www.lcms.org - Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Actually an association of 6,145 Lutheran churches around the country.

www.lhminc.org - Lutheran Homes of Michigan, Inc. Operates non-profit assisted living homes, one of which is located in Livonia. Supported by 70+ congregations of the Missouri Synod.

www.wels.net - Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Advanced website with many links and resources. A smaller association of Lutheran churches (1,239 in the US). A few member-churches (6 - 10) are located near Glen Eden. Based in Milwaukee, WI.

www.lwr.org - Lutheran World Relief. Disaster/mission work around the world. Based in Baltimore, MD. Supported by ELCA, Missouri Synod and the Wisconsin Synod.

To Top