Penzien and Steele Funeral Homes
608 N Madison Ave, Bay City, MI, 48708
Questions to Ask When You Call
You're not expected to know this. These questions help you compare and avoid surprises.
“Can I see your General Price List?”
Federal law (FTC Funeral Rule) requires them to give you itemized pricing. You have every right to ask.
“Do you accept insurance assignment?”
This means they bill the insurance company directly. You don't pay thousands upfront and wait to be reimbursed.
“What's included vs. what's extra?”
Packages may not include everything. Ask about the casket, embalming, transportation, facility fees, and death certificate copies.
Know Your Rights
The FTC Funeral Rule protects you. Every funeral home must provide an itemized General Price List if you ask — in person or over the phone. You are never required to buy a package and can choose services individually. You also have the right to use a casket purchased elsewhere.
Payment & Financial Options
Average in Michigan
$2,370 – $7,456
Source: NFDA 2023 · Direct cremation to traditional burial
If they had life insurance, it can cover this
Funerals in this area run $2,370–$7,456. If your loved one had a life insurance policy, the benefit can cover these costs — and we'll file the claim and handle the carrier for you, even without the policy number. $0 upfront, and nothing if it doesn't pay out.
Services Offered
Business Hours
What Families Say
“I was not working with the funeral home, but I did have a poor interaction with one of their staff members due to a misunderstanding. My father passed away on Saturday. I was having trouble finding the parking for Cremation Society of Mid Michigan and pulled into Penzien and Steele’s parking lot to reach out to the funeral home I was working with to determine parking. I was yelled at from across the parking lot by an older gentleman from Penzien and Steele. I attempted to explain my situation and he was very rude about the misunderstanding. I could not make out what he was saying, so I walked over to discuss why I found myself if their parking lot, he shut down their garage door despite the fact that it was obvious I was trying to communicate with him. I then placed a phone call and asked to speak with him directly to explain the misunderstanding and inquire why he reacted that way. He did not apologize, began talking over me, and hung up on me. Due to this interaction, I will never consider this company for my funeral needs due to the lack of empathy from one of their staff members. I am also reaching out today to make it known that if there is an ongoing issue with parking, it would be best to reach out to the cremation society directly to fix the issue rather than having your staff react poorly to another grieving family. I will follow up with management so this situation can be avoided for others. Best regards, Catherine Griffus.”
— Catherine Griffus
“Very professional staff. Jason was very compassionate, understanding and attentive with our ongoing changes. Funeral planning with a large family during this COVID pandemic was challenging. We worked together and the end result was successful and could not have been better during these trying times. I truly recommend Penzien-Steele.”
— Maria Krause
“Best funeral home in Bay City. The Steele family and their staff are professional and very warm-hearted. They make you feel like family from the moment you walk in the door...they take a difficult time in your life and help you cope like only family can. Just knowing that they have been doing business in the same location for over a hundred years is comforting as well. A reputation earned AND fostered over lifetimes and generations.”
— Uriel Cool
We can help with what comes next.
We file the life insurance claim and recover unclaimed property — the payout can help cover costs like these. $0 upfront.
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