T here is a long history of family ownership at Holcomb-Henry-Boom-Purcell Funeral Homes.

Our original Funeral Home began its service in 1916. Located at 536 N. Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, our firm is now in its 94th year of service to families of the St. Paul - Minneapolis area. The founder of the firm, Albert E. Henry and his wife, Vena, lived in the building, raising their family while serving families in a time of death. In those days the means of contacting the funeral home was different. Many people did not have telephones; therefore the building was never locked, open seven days a week, 24 hours a day. People would often come directly to the funeral home following the death of a loved one. Someone was always on duty to assist in making arrangements.

In 1948 Mr. Henry was ready to retire. Earl Holcomb, a St. Paul native, was working for a nearby funeral home. Holcomb, along with two others, purchased the firm from Mr. Henry in 1948. The Holcomb's like the Henry's, lived in and raised their family above the Snelling Avenue Funeral Home. In 1963, Dennis Boom began his career as a funeral director with the firm and in 1981, he and his wife, Elaine, purchased the business and the property from the Holcomb's.

To serve the people in the North Suburban area, Dennis and Elaine Boom built a second chapel in Shoreview, located at 515 Highway 96 West, in 1993. As if history has repeated itself, the Boom's have made the residence above the Shoreview Chapel their home, where they continue to live today. The traditions of Holcomb-Henry-Boom-Purcell are found in the peaceful, comforting facilities accented by a collection of antique furniture, many of which are from the childhood homes of Dennis and Elaine Boom.

Our tradition of "a caring funeral service at a reasonable cost" has made Holcomb-Henry-Boom-Purcell a familiar and respected member of our community. Our strong ties to the community are made possible by the long tenure of many of the firm's employees. Earl Holcomb, although retired, is frequently seen helping on funerals. Alvin Ahlf has spent his entire working career of 43 years with the funeral home and still works on a part-time basis. In 1982, Richard Purcell was hired, and in 1995 his wife, Sharon Purcell, a licensed funeral director, joined the staff. The Purcells purchased the business in 1999 and in 2003 they purchased the properties.

Our manager, Steven Tenney, was hired in 1988 and directors, Daniel Grubisch (1996), Lynne Schriver-Sheedy (2000), John Locke (2008). Our professional licensed funeral directors are assisted by other support staff, including Joan Powers, Marilyn Roberts and Kevin Scroggins who care for families on visitation evenings. Donna B. Dvorak, a licensed funeral directors, also assists our staff on a part-time basis.

Our firm is proud to provide all types of services for families, at time of need, or with advanced planning. From traditional funeral services to contemporary memorial and cremation services, our staff will assist families in planning a service of meaning and significance to remember and celebrate a life lived.

At Holcomb-Henry-Boom-Purcell Funeral Homes, the past is an important link to the present and serves as our commitment to quality funeral services to people of all faiths.