According to Northern Lancaster County historical records, Elias Weitzel, Sr., relocated to Reamstown with his family in the 1830's from Weitzeltown (near Montello Road & Fritztown Road), Spring Township, Berks County. The first reference of him as an undertaker in Reamstown appeared in 1846, thus the date used for the origin of this longtime family tradition. Berks County records hint at the possibility that there was an earlier Weitzel generation of funeral service, however, this has not been verified.  

Weitzel Undertaker & Carriage Manufacturer  c. 1875  

               

Elias Sr. was a carriage and furniture maker by main trade and crafted the coffins required by the town folk when a death occurred, thereby assuming the role of an undertaker. His son, Elias Jr., followed in these roles until his death in 1898.                                

The "Good" name arrived on the scene when Harry H. Good married Hallie Weitzel, Elias Jr.'s daughter, in 1893. A cigar maker by trade, Harry also took on the family's undertaking business upon the death of his father-in-law. In an effort to keep up with trends, Harry attended a 4-day seminar in 1900 in Harrisburg, PA,, conducted by Prof. Charles A. Renouard of NYC, to learn a revolutionary new practice, the art of arterial embalming. Over the next 20 years, embalming was slowly introduced to this section of rural Pennsylvania, as it became a standard throughout the growing nation.

Harry’s son, Clarence Weitzel Good (1900-1969), worked in a family general merchandise store and the town post office, as well as serving as Reamstown's Funeral Director for 40 years. Clarence had been a school teacher prior to joining the family trade.  He was educated at  Millersville University, then a State Normal School, and Eckel's College of Embalming and Sanitary Science, Philadelphia, PA. It was during this time that the business was renamed H. H. Good & Son. The firm kept this name until Harry’s death in 1960. Working along with Clarence, were his wife, Miriam Buch Good (1906-1993) and his son, Ronald B. Good (1935- ).  Ronald was educated at Franklin & Marshal College, Lancaster, as well as Eckel's in Philadelphia.

Ronald's son, Michael Tod Good, the current owner, received his license in 1978 and worked with his grandmother and father. In 1982, he became sole proprietor, and the sixth generation to direct this family business.  He attended college at Catawba College, Salisbury, North Carolina, and American Academy McAllister Institute of Mortuary Science, New York City. The growing business was incorporated in 1998 as Good Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, Inc., a name which reflects the full service operations offered to the public.

                                                       Location until 1941    

Funeral homes as separate businesses weren’t as prevalent  in rural areas in early years, so the business was operated from the Good Family home in Reamstown until 1941, when it moved in to a small section of the current building. This building has undergone expansion four times, the latest completed on the Good Funeral Home’s 150th Anniversary in May 1996. Although it is Michael's desire that his unique, comfortable atmosphere is an ongoing work of art, each year provides numerous projects for improvement and refurbishment.  A new parking area to the rear of the property was added for larger viewings and services.

  

Good Funeral Home 1961 & 1974 

Michael believes funeral homes must get away from "cookie cutter funerals" and tend to the unique needs and desires of each family they serve. Michael does so with a progressive, dignified yet relaxed manner evident throughout the Home and in the services he provides.  An addition to the facility in the past few years has been a private family room with powder room, refrigerator and private closet.  Also, the selection room has been enhanced with new lighting, expanded areas for cremation items and personalization features to allow a family to personalize their merchandise choices.  

The most recent project has been the purchase of two adjacent properties south   of the funeral home.  The houses have been razed, a new parking entrance created,, enhanced parking area and scenic landscaping has been added.  The new parking area brings our total parking availability to 61 off-street spaces.

Funeral Home 2005

Michael attends conventions and seminars on a regular basis to continue his education and awareness of the funeral industry.  A way to constantly bring new ideas for service and merchandise to the families he serves.  Most recently he attended  the NFDA Convention in Las Vegas, NV (October 2007), the New Jersey Funeral Directors Association convention in Atlantic City, NJ (September 2006), the Mortuary Management Seminar in Reno, Nevada (March 2006),the National Funeral Directors Association convention in Philadelphia, PA (October 2006) and the CANA Convention in New York City, New York (August 2005).  He has membership with the National Funeral Directors Association and the Cremation Association of North America. 

For more information regarding the funeral profession and related topics please follow the links to their websites on our resource page.