Mike Heflebower with his wife, Tammy, sons Logan and Nate, parents Betty and Lee and their black lab, Sadie. The Heflebower family recently opened Heflebower Funeral Services in Highlands Ranch, providing funerals, memorials, cremations, and life celebrations.

“Our family appreciated your professionalism and the genuine warmth and caring you displayed … You comforted us, and I think back to how much that meant to us,” writes Pat P. about Heflebower Funeral Services.

Mike Heflebower, an eight year resident of Castle Pines, is a licensed and nationally board certified funeral director and embalmer – a big advantage in the state of Colorado where funeral directors are not required to be licensed. He is also a certified funeral service practitioner by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice.

Heflebower was a pre-med student at Hastings College in Nebraska when his mom suggested he check out the funeral business to use both his medical and interpersonal skills. He loved the business, mainly for the connection to people.

“Having been raised with church as part of my life, the business was a good fit,” Heflebower said. “It’s kind of a ministry in itself. When someone dies, we want to be helpful but we don’t often know what to do,” he said. “In this business, we are the first line. We pull people out of a dark place and walk with them for a day or two or three, then give them a little nudge to get back on the road of life.”

After 27 years in the funeral services profession, Heflebower and his family opened Heflebower Funeral Services (HFS) in Highlands Ranch. HFS is the only facility in Highlands Ranch providing funerals, memorials, cremations, and life celebrations.

Heflebower’s main motivation for striking out on his own was to move from “institutionalized care to personalized care.” His dedication to families runs deep and he understands “the value of a name” from lessons learned early in his career.

At 22-years-old, Heflebower was doing every part of the business, learning the importance of not only remembering everyone’s name, but the importance of honesty, integrity and trust. “Coming from a small town, we built enduring relationships in a conversation. Agreements were made with a handshake. Huge businesses miss that connection that is so important to me.”

Heflebower continues, “I’ve worked with nearly every religion and can find just the right service for every family. If you want something, I’ll get it for you. I aim for that small-town feel and am working as much as possible with local vendors, suppliers, even artists, and always seek out family-run businesses.”

HFS is truly a family-owned and operated business. Heflebower’s parents, Betty and Lee, are involved in many aspects of the business and bring experience of their own. Heflebower’s wife, Tammy, decorated the entire 2,600-square-foot space with thoughtful touches, such as water fountains, a fireplace, and comfortable meeting areas. The Heflebowers have two boys, Logan and Nate, who both attend school in Highlands Ranch.

To learn more about Heflebower Funeral Services, visit www.heflebowerfuneralservices.com or call 720-344-6087 to reach Mike 24/7.

By Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of the Heflebower Family