TRAVERSE CITY -- It's seems everyday we discover a new way to use the internet to connect with others....but have you heard about online funerals? It’s growing trend that is brand new to northern Michigan.
A Traverse City funeral home shows us how they're using technology to give us a long distance way to pay our respects.
Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home Director Christy Jonkhoff says, "This isn't a hug, it's not a touch, but it is a touch of the heart."
In its first month of offering webcasts, Reynolds Jonkhoff has already streamed 20 live funeral services.
Jonkhoff says this is the way of the future and by simply typing in a web address and password on a protected page, families are able to experience a loved one's memorial service live.
Webcast Operator for the funeral home Kyle Barsheff says, "With this technology it's allowed us to broadcast and reach anybody in the world."
Barsheff runs the web casts and says because unexpected traveling can be extremely hard and expensive they've already streamed to people in Spain, France, Germany, and all over the United States.
Jonkhoff says, "One was in the armed forces and he wasn't able to come home but he wanted to see his grandpa's funeral and that was really important for him. He clicked on and it was great for him and his family was so thankful!"
Jonkhoff says webcasts cost $75 dollars, which families are saying is money well spent.
Jonkhoff says, "Families are sending emails after they've watched the actual webcast and gave feedback for how important it was for them to be apart of the funeral service since they weren't able to attend.”
Barsheff says in the next month they'll add new interactive features.
He explains, "Someone can actually text, or fill in a message box and then we can read that here live at the service -- or they can call in and we can patch the phone live into the sound board."
Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home is also working on a new technology that will allow them to broadcast live from churches and cemeteries.
