Arlington Heights funeral home's remembrance service goes online this year

Like many events this year, operators of Glueckert Funeral Home in Arlington Heights thought they'd have to cancel their annual holiday remembrance candlelight service - normally attended by more than 400 who come to honor their loved ones.

But organizers say they re-approached the ceremony with open minds and faith in the process, evolving their 11th annual event into a virtual service they hope will provide a sense of comfort to families.

"This has been a tough year emotionally for people. There's been nothing but loss," said Matthew Bennett, the funeral home's manager. "Hopefully this can be a silver lining."

The funeral home will post the recorded ceremony on its website, glueckertfuneralhome.com, at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 - the same time it was scheduled to be held in person. Many of the elements of the usual in-person event will be part of the broadcast, from poems and prayers to short sermons from local pastors. At least 70 families have already submitted photos of their dearly departed for an "in memoriam" segment.

New this year, the service will feature video testimonials from families sharing their reflections and memories.

"I think it'll just be reassuring for other families to hear they're walking the same journey others have this year during the pandemic," Bennett said.