When Brian Kruse moved from the funeral industry to public service as the Douglas County Election Commissioner, little did he suspect that ten years later, he would return to it. Now, as the new executive director of Forest Lawn Funeral Home (ForestLawnOmaha.com), Cemetery and Mausoleum, Kruse finds himself at one of the area’s oldest cemeteries that continues to stay in touch with the needs of the community.

“The positions I’ve held throughout my career allow me to meet people where they are and understand what’s important to them,” Kruse said. “At Forest Lawn, I am part of an entire team who shares a commitment to the people and families we serve.”

This commitment to serving the needs of area families has been at the heart of Forest Lawn since its beginning when it was established in 1885, early in Omaha’s history. It became the final resting place to families that built the city – from all backgrounds and all walks of life.

Today, Forest Lawn includes its nationally recognized cemetery, along with a funeral home and modern mausoleum, on the same campus. It allows them to provide all the options people are looking for in one place.

“Funerals today are different from 20 and even 10 years ago. People’s preferences change and Forest Lawn is always moving forward with them,” Kruse said. “You can see it in our own people. Each brings different experiences and different backgrounds, just like the people we serve and the numerous options we offer.”

For anyone who has not been to Forest Lawn, the setting is beautiful and thoughtful. The funeral home and mausoleum are located inside the entrance gates, with the cemetery’s acres of trees, flowers and rolling landscape surrounding. It is open until sunset daily. Visitors are welcome to stop at the funeral home and meet one of the funeral directors and family service counselors who are happy to visit with folks and offer a tour.

Kruse, who earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science before attending the mortuary program at the Kansas City Kansas Community College, finds himself in an ideal spot at Forest Lawn.

“Forest Lawn has been around for over 140 years. My role here allows me to combine my love of history with my commitment to serving people,” Kruse said. “It’s a special place that celebrates past history and at the same time makes us part of the future.”

Forest Lawn is located at 7909 Mormon Bridge Road in Omaha and can be reached at (402) 451-1000 or info@forestlawnomaha.com.