About

At Garner Funeral Service, we've been providing funeral and cremation services to families in the Potsdam, New York, community since 1947. Our experienced team focuses on you and your family. From the moment you call us or walk through our doors, we'll provide the care and compassion you need during this emotionally challenging stage of life.

Personalized funeral services in Potsdam

Our team works with everyone to help create unique, memorable tributes that reflect the special qualities of the loved one we are honoring. Personalized services can include distinctive music, displays of photographs and memorabilia, military honors, unique processionals, balloon releases and more. The possibilities are truly endless. We'll work with you to discover the inspiration for the celebration and we’ll take care of the rest.

Your trusted funeral provider

We are proud to be a member of the Dignity Memorial® network of funeral and cremation service providers. If you choose Garner Funeral Service, you'll not only receive the compassionate care you expect from a Potsdam-operated establishment but also the value you deserve from the largest and most trusted network of funeral, cremation and memorialization providers in North America.

Visit us

Situated in the lovely village of Potsdam, our funeral home provides a beautiful and quiet place to honor the memory of your loved ones. We invite you to visit us at 10 Lawrence Ave. to meet our friendly team and also tour our inviting facility. Please contact us if you have an immediate need or would like more information about our funeral services.

History

Founded in 1947 by Ruth and George A. Garner, Garner Funeral Service was the first funeral business in Potsdam, New York, that was not located in a storefront, but rather in a family home. Originally, 3 rooms of the building were used for a “beauty parlor” and the rest of the rooms were used for funeral services. In 1959, as demand increased and the frequency of at-home wakes declined, additions to the building were added to provide more space for use as a funeral home. The beauty shop was then phased out as part of the business.

A family business

The Garners were both active in the Potsdam community. Mr. Garner retired in 1980 and Dean Talcott took over control. Dean continued in the same tradition as the Garner family. Cory Varney began working with the Talcotts in 1994 as an apprentice and took over as the location manager in 2000.

Upholding a tradition

Today, we’re proud to be a member of the Dignity Memorial network of funeral and cremation providers. With more than 70 years of service, we continue to uphold the traditions set forth by the Garners while responding to the evolving needs of the Potsdam community.

Celebration of Life Planning

Our planners are celebration of life experts. We plan more celebrations each year than any other provider, and we know just what to do to create a uniquely beautiful and heartfelt tribute with attention to detail like no other.

Every family who entrusts us with their loved one’s service can expect an event that includes:
  • meaningful music celebration of life
  • cherished memories celebration of life
  • a personalized message celebration of life

Start planning a celebration of life today

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Get inspired by our offerings

When planning a celebration of life, your imagination is the only limit.

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Plan a Simple Cremation

Simple can still mean exceptional. Let us show you how.

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Unable to find an obituary?

Not finding what you are looking for? Search for your loved one's obituary across any of our other locations.

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Reviews & Ratings

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Featured customer testimonials

We love hearing from the families we serve. Their feedback helps us continue creating meaningful celebrations that honor loved ones with unparalleled attention to detail.

Garner Funeral Home staff all went above and beyond to meet our needs and to give us comfort support at the time of our loved one's death. So much care and compassion was shown to us.

Verified Cremation Customer

September 2024

Everything was arranged perfectly, just as we wanted. Music and photos, even a drink and snack area. A back room for the little ones to watch TV or play games until they were ready to come out themselves. Corey, Nicole or Christopher talked to us daily and made this process much smoother. It brought us peace knowing Mom was ...

Verified Cremation Customer

August 2024

Cory helped me beyond expectations from the moment I called him ( he quickly arranged to pick up and transport my father), was clear in process so I was never left unsure what was happening or what the next steps were. He also allowed my family to personalize our service, and never trued to 'upsell'. Highly recommend. Made a ...

Verified Cremation Customer

July 2024

I would recommend Cory and everyone involved anytime. Great service and communication.

Verified Cremation & Funeral Service Customer

June 2024

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Meet Our Team

Here for you when you need us.

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