We live in a society that stigmatizes even the mere mention of death. Reasons include it being too sad, too morbid, too depressing — to the point that few will talk about or even plan for it. That is where the Co-op Funeral Home of the People’s Memorial Association comes in. Through education, advocacy, and fundraising for affordable deathcare, it pushes back against the stigma, bringing death into the conversation.

Managing funeral director Chris Ronk has been with the organization since its opening in 2007, and takes pride in the Co-op continuing to prioritize affordable deathcare while other funeral homes across the nation continue to double their prices. 

“We are all here because we feel very strongly that access to affordable, dignified deathcare is a social justice issue,” Ronk said.

What people don’t realize at first about this particular home is how much of a safe space it is for Queer people. While it has a range of clients, there is an affinity with the LGBTQIA+ community, as many of the staff members are a part of it. 

Brendan Dieffenbach is the office manager for the home, and one of the first people that families meet. 
“I can frequently see a relief, a [lowering] of the shoulders,” Dieffenbach said. “We’ve got the Pride flags up, and then there’s me being visibly Queer — it's relaxing there.”

At Trans Pride, the funeral home makes it a point to educate members of the Queer community and show how easy it is to fill out important documents when it comes to making arrangements. What a lot of people do not think about is who takes care of their remains after they pass. For those without have children or spouses, the responsibility passes to the closest blood relative unless otherwise designated. 

“I think when straight people call to ask if they can prearrange, they typically say it’s so their kids don’t have to worry about anything. Which feels like a privilege,” Ronk said. “When Queer people want to preplan, it’s for their safety and for their peace of mind.”