MONTE VISTA — Approximately 50 people attended the ribbon cutting for Mountain Valley Mortuary on Friday, Jan. 26, at 504 4th Ave.
Heather Hillin of the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce along with the OptiMystics Citizens Action Network hosted the ribbon cutting event at 504 4th Ave.
Owner and operator of Mountain Valley Mortuary, Stephen Hunzeker spoke to the crowd before cutting the ribbon.
Hunzeker said, “I am honored to be able to have the opportunity to be here and help families suffering loss, and grief, and walk through this with them, and alongside them, as an advocate for families.”
Hunzeker then raised the pair of scissors and cut through the red ribbon in front of his new business. The crowd cheered and clapped.
Hunzeker spoke about his new business, and his compassion for people.
“I am really excited. I had the opportunity to spread my wings and make a change,” he said “I am really looking forward to being able to focus on serving Rio Grande County and the rest of the San Luis Valley. I am looking forward to focusing on community involvement and giving back to the community. I am excited about the future, and excited to see what comes next. I feel good about providing compassionate services to families that need that compassion in a difficult time.”
Hunzeker is no stranger to the business, he has been a funeral director for a long time.
“I have been a funeral director for about 20 years,” he said. “I am also currently the Rio Grande County Coroner, that is certainly another hat I wear from time to time. I have my life insurance license as well. I am working on my pre-need license as well. Once I have that we will be able to provide preplanned services to families in the Valley. There will be opportunities for families to prepay for services, and lock in the cost for services and merchandise. As funeral costs increase, hopefully we can help people get more prepared. Unfortunately, death touches all of us, so to be able to have the opportunity to help a family prepare is such a blessing. Helping to educate people, and see what a family’s needs are, and help them accommodate those needs, is what we feel strongly about.”
Hunzeker said that when he speaks with families that he can certainly discuss all the aspects of funerals, including cemetery plots, cremations, anything that the family may need.
“We can touch on all these things. We can certainly help families prepare for these things, and figure out what their wishes are, in the best manner possible for their families and loved ones. There are a lot of things that correlate with funeral expenses. We try to help and guide families as much as possible. As we grieve, we go through a lot of emotions, so during these times, things can be difficult, but we try to help the best way we know how by educating and showing compassion,” he said.
For more information on Mountain Valley Mortuary, call 719-490-8197.
