Our Company History
For the past 30 years, Wilson’s Funeral Chapel has been and continues to be an independent family owned company serving family's needs in Central Alberta with locations in Lacombe and Rimbey.
In 1962, Glen Fenton and Max Kirkman built a funeral chapel facility at the corner of 51 Avenue and C&E Trail in Lacombe. In 1976, Bruce and Mary Lou Wilson purchased the company and one year later, Steve Maetche, Mary Lou’s eldest son joined the company. The company name was changed to Wilson’s Funeral Chapel in 1978 and continued to operate at the C&E Trail location for another 20 years.
During that time, Wilson’s Funeral Chapel also operated a branch office in Rimbey until 1994 when upon securing property, began construction on Rimbey’s first and only full service funeral chapel facility to better serve the needs of the community.
In 1998, construction began on Wilson’s Funeral Chapel’s present facility in Lacombe which was opened in October of that year.
Steve and his wife Terry have since purchased the company while Bruce and Mary Lou embark on enjoying much deserved retirement.
Facilities
From the moment you enter either of Wilson’s chapel facilities, one can see there is an obvious attention to detail.
Both locations boast a warm homey foyer and atmosphere. The Lacombe Chapel seats 280 with overflow areas which can accommodate up to 400. The Rimbey Chapel can comfortably accommodate 150 . Both chapels make use of natural lighting and feature plaster artwork by local artist Peter Levijoke. Bordering the chapel is a family/toddlers lounge where families can meet and parents with small children can remain while still seeing and hearing the service in a totally soundproof and comfortable environment.
With both facilities being totally on ground level, access for the elderly or handicapped is very convenient with off street parking available as well.
For those families choosing cremation, Wilson’s Funeral Chapel offers a Remembrance Room for the safe and secure placement of urns. This option allows families time to consider what their ultimate wishes may be for the final disposition of the cremated remains of their loved one.
Testimonials for Wilson’s Funeral Chapel
"At the most difficult time in our lives, somehow we know who to call. I am grateful taht you were on the other end of the phone line. Your compassion and professionalism made that week much easier for all of us. While I hope it's a long time before we need your services again, I am comforted knowing you'll be there if I do."
The Maddox & Olive Families
"Thank you for all the services you provided to us at this time in the loss of our mother Elsie Holmen.
Thank you Rebekah for the help you were to us in organizing all that needed to be done. We were all so grateful for the celebration of our mom's life that it turned out to be. Your professionalism was very much appreciated."
Sincerely, from the family of Elsie Holmen
"Our mother, Dorothy Howarth, was 98 when she passed away. Although we'd been preparing for this, we were like everyone else...in shock. Mom had kindly written us a letter years ago and had instructed us regarding hymns, etc. and one of the first things she'd told us to do was to call you. Steve, I found you to be extremely sympathetic, very professional, and most comforting. You assured us that you would take care of all aspects of mom's funeral and you truly did. My sister and I were most impressed by your efficiency and concern. Karla and Rebekah, we thank you for your kindness and assistance during our meeting. We felt comforted having you there as we knew you would guide us through everything.
We thank you all for being there to assist us at such a difficult time and for taking care of everything. It was incredible that ONE phone call gave us the love, support, and expertise we needed"
With sincere appreciation, Judy Salamandick and Mary Jo Gibbons
"Thank you so much for all you and the staff has done for us. You made it easy for us to make decisions as we planned Mom's service and burial. We received great care from Wilson's many years ago when our Dad passed away; Wilson's was our immediate choice with Mom. The care we received has been exceptional."
The Besuijen Family
"On behalf of the Creasey family, our sincerest thanks. The service we received from your entire 'family' was outstanding. All aspects of final services were presented in a very professional and hassle-free manner. Your attention to detail and extra efforts did not go unnoticed, and were greatly appreciated. Thank you."
Grant Creasey - Lacombe
“When you are at one of the lowest points of your life, you need people who are going to provide compassion, support, understanding and availability. I was able to receive all these attributes from Wilson’s Funeral Chapel when it came to providing services for my husband Constable Anthony F.O. Gordon. Their thoughtfulness won’t be forgotten.”
Mrs. Kim Gordon- Mayerthorpe
“The staff at Wilson’s Funeral Chapel was caring, unbelievably patient, and sincere in their efforts to make everything easier for me. I sincerely hope that such professional help will always be available to my family.”
Mrs. Corrine Lembicz- Lacombe
“After recently experiencing the sudden loss of a loved one, I turned to Steve
at Wilson’s Funeral Chapel for direction. I had never had to deal with any kind of funeral arrangements before in my life. I now know that there is no kinder, more empathetic person than I found in Steve. I never felt rushed, pressured, or coerced. Steve was there from the very first phone call and followed through with amazing patience to the final paperwork. I feel that he is an amazing director and stand strong in knowing that he guided me to making what I still feel were all the right decisions concerning my daughter. Thank you Steve.”
Kathleen Jones- Red Deer
“We really appreciate how caring, compassionate and understanding you were during the whole process. We were very comfortable asking questions and raising our concerns. That really states that your character & integrity are truly amazing and such an asset when helping families like ours through a difficult time. We cannot thank you enough.”
The Dayday Family.- Lacombe
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