Duker & Haugh Funeral Home has a rich history of serving families in the Quincy area. The Duker family started their business in 1848 at 721 Maine St. In 1937, the business relocated to 823 Broadway. Haugh & Sons was established in 1946 when Francis and Alma Haugh purchased the Freiburg Funeral Home at 805 Spring St. In 1983, their sons, Pat Haugh and Rick Haugh had the opportunity to purchase the Duker Funeral Home, and the two businesses – located only a block from each other – merged into the 823 Broadway location.
“The exterior of our building is very familiar to most Quincy residents,” said Ann Haugh. “The original building was destroyed by fire in 1988 – and although the exterior of the new building is a replica of the old building, the interior was designed specifically to meet the needs of a modern funeral home.”
Duker & Haugh offers a full range of professional funeral services and products, from traditional visitations and funeral services to pre-arranged services and cremation.
“We have seen many changes over the years,” said Haugh, “While the basic components of a funeral service has remained the same, the level of personalization of services has increased. Whether the service takes place at the funeral home or in a church, each service is unique, much more so than in the past. Families include more personal effects now, from music to displays and photos. There is more use of technology, including DVD slide shows and Power Point presentations – and more contemporary songs, often downloaded from iTunes instead of traditional organ music. We have displayed motorcycles and all types of items that uniquely represent the person.”
“Although technology has changed our business, allowing us to communicate more efficiently with families and add more personalization of services, we continue to focus on honoring and remembering life in a way the family will appreciate and experience it as a positive way of accepting loss.”
Duker & Haugh Funeral Home has six licensed funeral directors/embalmers on staff, all of whom have completed mortuary school and an apprenticeship, passed the national board examination, and committed to regular continuing education.
“The curriculum in mortuary school includes the practical, technical aspects of the career – such as embalming and restorative arts – as well as courses in business management and psychology,” said Haugh. “Most funeral directors chose this career because they have had some type of direct exposure to the business – it is not a career you would normally aspire to do without that connection. The situations funeral directors have to deal with are not always easy, and the hours can be long. Students considering a career as a funeral director must have the right spirit and the right mentality.”
At Duker & Haugh, part of that spirit must include a sincere commitment to serving families who have lost loved ones.
“Our professional staff listens carefully to the ideas and suggestions of the family. We do our best not only to accommodate the wishes of the family, but to always be mindful of the cost of the items we carry, such as caskets.”
According to Haugh, pre-planned services are becoming more common – but pre-planned does not necessarily have to mean pre-paid.
“It is very important to think - and talk - about what you want,” said Haugh. “People don't like thinking about it, but death is inevitable and planning for it should be handled just like any other planning you do in life. It is essential to have an honest conversation about your wishes with your family or spouse. It is sometimes easier for people to mention it in a humorous manner, and that is fine, but the conversation also needs to be sincere.”
Duker & Haugh Funeral Home will help individuals with any level of planning, from simple conversations about the type of service to more complex plans, including payment in advance through a Funeral Trust Agreement. Funeral Trust Agreements spell out exactly what is to be provided and guarantees the patron that the funeral arrangements they have selected will be provided at the time of death, regardless of how long they live.
“Any level of pre-planning really helps the family when it is time to decide on funeral arrangements,” said Haugh. “When services are pre-planned, the experience for the family is much easier because they don't have the weight of big decisions during an emotional time.”
Despite changes that have taken place in the 163 years since Frank Duker established what has since become Duker & Haugh Funeral Home, Ann Haugh believes funeral services will always be a necessary part of life.
“Families need to have that time - and service - to transition into life without their loved one,” said Haugh. “Designating time for grieving and to have the support of family and friends is an essential way to heal. Even though funeral services are not something you imagine as a good experience, they really are invaluable. It is much more difficult to cope with loss without that process.”
To learn more about Duker & Haugh Funeral Home, or for more information about pre-arranged services, call (217) 222-1011 or visit www.dukerandhaugh.com.
cousin and business partner, Jared Haugh, represent the third generation of funeral directors in the Haugh family at