History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

The Fremont Funeral Chapel was founded in 1929 with the sole purpose of offering service to the communities in the area.

Service is of the utmost importance, not only to the staff and board members of the Fremont Funeral Chapel, but to those we serve. Our intention is to treat each family with the utmost respect, dignity, and confidentiality that we, ourselves, would expect.

Our funeral chapel is constructed on one level with no stairs or ramps. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated and capable of serving large families.

We are a full service funeral chapel. We have expertise in traditional services as well as "alternative" services, which include cremation, immediate burials, or simple graveside services. Our facility also has a lending library, which includes books, tapes and pamphlets regarding death, dying and grief recovery.


Our Valued Staff

Joseph F. Bates,  CFSP, CPC

Joseph F. Bates, CFSP, CPC

A 1971 graduate of Westmar College in LeMars, Iowa, and a graduate of the Kentucky School of Mortuary Science in Louisville, Kentucky, Joe has been a licensed funeral director since 1973. He is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and the Iowa Funeral Directors Association, and was President of IFDA 2006-2007. He is recognized as a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner (CFSP) by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice and has also attained the Certified Preplanning Consultant (CPC) designation from the Funeral Service Educational Foundation. He has presented many in-service training programs to nursing homes and hospice staff and volunteers, as well as conducting tours for church, school, and other interested organizations.


Michael L.  Sytsma, CFSP

Michael L. Sytsma, CFSP

Mike graduated from Oskaloosa Senior High School in 1998, and attended Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa. Mike graduated cum laude from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in Cincinnati, Ohio in March of 2001; became a licensed Funeral Director in 2002. Mike is married to the former Stacey Staton. He is also recognized by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice as a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner. He, too, gives talks to church and school groups, and is a member of IFDA and NFDA.