Questions for me personally about what I have experienced as a funeral director 

I had a customer that was a funeral director, and when he would vacation and would be asked the question " what do you do for a living " his answer was "I run a little body shop in Michigan"

Hi Kari, You mentooned tattos. We once had a retiree who had a tatoo on his inner thigh. The tattoo was a straight, dotted line across his femoral artery. The words beneath it said, "Cut here." He was a funeral director and embalmer.

Your gentle descriptions are very appreciated. My Mom passed away on 10/31/20, and she was very adamant about what she wanted. After she was embalmed, she looked "fuller" somehow, and it was calming somehow to my family to see her less frail. I'm a nurse, so we'd had lots of discussions about things, but the family didn't know what to expect. I knew, but when I took a private moment before her funeral, she looked so natural and wonderful! My biggest fear was that she'd look like she did just after she'd passed: sunken, frail, pale...she was beautiful. Thank you for what you do. You make it easier to transition from here to not here.

All Funeral Directors should be this compassionate and caring.

You are one of the most interesting lady’s that I have ever listened to. Total respect to you for sharing such experiences. Thank you.

I want my dog's ashes mixed with mine when I go. I'm putting it in writing & keeping copies with my will and other estate documents. And I don't care how weird that is, she was my baby.

Kari, you seem like a wonderful person. You are very caring and very knowledgeable!

I watched this all the way through. You are an absolutely amazing person. This sounds completely insane, but I wish I could die and be taken care of by you!!! Lol. Seriously, I sense, through all of your stories, that you have such a deep and abiding respect for each one of your clients, and that you approach each one as utterly unique. You have that heightened spiritual understanding that must be so indispensable to your profession. I just have the most respect for you. Xxoo.

Ok when your tripod broke I jumped out of my skin 😂

I'm sitting in the dark, totally intrigued by the stories, and the tripod broke, camera fell, and I almost had a heart attack! 😳

I commend you for your work. You have a very compassionate heart. Blessings to you. Thank you for being there for us during our moment of deepest sorrow.

I buried my grandma in a pair of leopard print thongs. No one knows but me (and the funeral director) and to this day it makes me giggle to think about.

Hi Kari, You are lovely, caring and genuine. I understand the problem that your profession might have caused some when dating, but your attributes override all of that. I'm commenting to say that I'm impressed with the phrase you use for the process when you say "taking care" of the deceased. Taking care........... because you have compassion and also work ethic. All of it, from transport to embalming, dressing, preparation for viewing, etc, is "taking care." That is actually a very tender approach. My father recently passed away at age 82 so I came to view these videos to fill in some of the blanks on some questions I had. It has been a pleasure to "meet" you. Your efforts are appreciated.

Kari, I love your service so much. My parents died within a week 50 years ago. There was a dog in the house that went to live with my brother's home. That dog died on the highway trying to go back to my parent's home. (Which was my home also but I was in training in the Army) I didn't cry at any time during that time until the other night when I viewed your video on the effect of death on pets and your interview with the psychiatric veterinarian. Thank you, Kari!

I've stumbled over your channel and I am very impressed with your comments and feelings. I'm just thankful for people who can do your job and have compassion like you. Thanks

Thankyou for this video. Even being in the industry, your perspective has helped me.

My aunt Eva gave her nieces and nephews quarters all the time when we were little (back when you could buy something for a quarter), as we got older it became a dollar (inflation lol). Day of her funeral I went to the bank and got a roll of quarters and passed them out to all my cousins when we were walking by the coffin for the last goodbye before exiting the funeral home we all placed the quarters in her coffin with her so she could pass out the quarters in heaven to those who passed before her.

I’ve worked in healthcare a long time, Long term care. I understand where you’re coming from with taking yourself out of the equation and being there for the family. You truly are an amazing person and truly are in your calling. I’m new to your channel, where are you from? I hear Midwest/Chicago as that’s where I lived for a long time. You truly have a gift for answering these questions with class! I wanted to add, I put powdered sugar raspberry filled donuts in my grandpa’s casket, because we ate them while out salmon fishing, grandma never let him have sugar (he wasn’t diabetic) thank you for making these videos, it has put my mind at ease. 🙏💜

I enjoyed this SOOO MUCH 😌 laying down in my cozy couch sipping on some hot chocolate in a cold night and watching this lady talk about her experiences at the funeral home 💛 I can’t wait to start Mortuary Science school!

I told my wife to do nothing crazy when I die. My body is just a shell. Do whatever is cheapest. Losing a loved one is hard enough, why have a huge funeral bill to worry about? You have a tough job and I am glad you share it with us. Great video!

You are such an exceptional person, Kari. You have a heart of gold. ❤

OMG !! That nut on the phone would have made me pee !! He was crazy !! I wonder what ever happened ?? You are awesome! Kari, you make the whole funeral experience so much more real and not so Scarry . Thank You!!

Hi Kari, enjoying your videos. I buried 10 pair of baby shoes tied together with my oldest brother; representing his siblings. My mom wanted the shoes kept together ranging from 1932 to 1956. Now as the youngest sibling of the 6 yet surviving, I bury a picture of the 10 of us with them.

I came back to add a little something to your first topic. When I was in the funeral industry (21 years until recent retirement,) it was ok when people asked what I do for a living. I always tried to have it be understood that my job was "an opportunity of service." I was a widower for 17 years. I have had other losses. I can relate to most people who come to my mortuary for help. I listen well, I am glad to give answers and I participate in a very good grief support group. I invite people in bereavement to visit our group. It is very common to hear that visiting the group has helped that person's grief. Let me state clearly now that grief doesn't go away. It gets better. By talking with other grieving people grief can take on a manageable form. It does not need to rule your life any longer. Something else that applied to my case when my Daisy was suddenly taken with an aneurysm. Remember in the movie, Second Hand Lions, the manly speech on the lakeshore? He was right. "True love never dies." I believe that when time has passed and a bereaved person remarries, it is important for grieving people to marry another grieving person. Then you are both on the same page. My new wife and I have an understanding. It is alright to talk about our late spouses. We understand that the pain and prior love are still in the heart. We do love eachother and are glad to be married again. The human heart can do both. For my part I just try to be thoughtful. And I NEVER COMPARE! My new wife is a different individual with her own gifts. She will never be a clone to my Daisy. Nor will I ever be like her late hubby. We just take it a day at a time and work on our own marriage. I am blest to have her. And I remember that.

I’m in bed, in the dark watching this video. Then your tripod broke and I about jumped out of my skin! 😂

I just want to say “ MANY THANKS TO YOU” for taking so long of your time to answer so many questions that I and so many other must have had about each of these subjects!! 🤔🙏🏻 I have lost a son in a car accident at 33 years ol age and my second son at age 56 to depression because of a divorce and 2 daughter that totally isolated themselves from him!!! Now they are having a terrible time dealing with decisions!! I had begged both to talk with their dad!!

I'm a newbie, but I can tell this is gonna be one of my fav channels. I've always had so many questions about what happens after we pass, but I don't know anyone personally that has this much info...thanks!

Hun, you have beautiful eyes and seem to be a honest sincere person. Thanks for sharing.

Just popped up into my feed, and now I’m hooked. You are such a lovely woman, inside and out. I’m confident that you are in the correct line of work. You have such compassion. Thank you!

I know a person in the industry and he told me that it wasn't the dead that creeped him out but it was the living that creeps him out.

I hope that when I go I am fortunate enough to run into someone like you. Your caring and compassion for your "guests" is obvious. A final act of love. Thank you for doing this, and for what you do.

Kari northey has great videos, she has helped me understand the importance of dying a lot more,she cares for the living and the dying even more,she makes sure she tells her clients the up front costs and all costs ,she tells the truth, there should be more like her.

It's so interesting hearing your stories. The part about identical twins...I've never even thought about that!

Oh, my goodness, you had just been talking about ghosts, and a few minutes later your tripod toppled. I about had a great attack!😂. I LOVE your videos. You describe things so gently but to the point.

Your profession takes a special type of person. It is truly a calling. Thank you and those that work in the funeral home profession.

I am intrigued and in awe listening to you describe your feelings and emotions when you have embalmed your family members. It's an honor to you to do that last caring act for them. You are truly a caring person. You are a sweet person with a good heart ❤

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND YOUR SINCERE LOVEING HEART HUGS CIAO Im 65 so really im looking at what will come

Kari, 1st let me just say, you are my hero. Why? Some 39 years ago I was earmarked to enter into your industry. I chose military service instead. Fast forward to 1999. Again,( in 1980 and 1999) I was tested and marked for the same industry. My (now ex) wife proclaimed "divorce" if you enter this. She divorced me anyway. So I finished a USAF career instead. So, Kari, I've viewed your clips in and am in admiration of you for what you have endured Having said that, I've done over 100 Military burials , as a flag folder. My job was routine and simple yours was not. I sure do regret not going into the industry though. Thank you for what you endure and are teaching me through the videos. TSG Gary P Marquis. USAF RET.

22:54 is when the tripod falls. Be aware. Don't jump like alot of commenters did including myself. I saw other ppl warn about it, but wasn't sure when it would happen. It still got me. Hope the timestamp helps.

I have to say, my older brother may have chosen to take his own life, but he also knows what he's done to us as the family. Because it has just torn us up. I was the last one to talk with my brother& my twin brother found him dead in the canyon. THE SUICIDE CLUB IS ONE OF THOSE CLUBS THAT YOU NEVER WANT TO BE A PART OF.

I've learned a lot watching your videos. I've always had lots of questions about your business and career and you've answered a lot of my questions. Thank you for what you do.

You’re very special for being able to do this. Love you and little miss and Caitlin

I just about peed in my pants when the camera fell. Don’t watch this video at 2am, alone in the dark....

Thank you for sharing. I was in the industry for two years. I gave it up because I could not deal with the drama from families. They would be mad at me for the death. I was there to comfort and be empathic. Seeing wakes after wakes got me sick and depressed. I had to throw the towel and walk. Again thank you for sharing

Okay, so I really like this person...honest and real, beauty runs deep in this one.

So interesting! Again, love how you always teach us something. Thank you!

You are in the right profession, bless you for the respect you give the dead. We have been using the same funeral in NY for 3 generation. You remind me of them, they do a woderful job. Respectful and have never made us feel like they where takeing advantage of our grief.

Hi Kari! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and work with us. You seem to be a kind and caring person and you do what most people couldn't do. I find it interesting what happens at a funeral home. Your expertise is enlightening. It is somewhat unnerving to me but at the same time it's good to know that the care you give is commendable and you show dignity and love for the deceased. I like listening to you as opposed to another mortician on you tube who comes across as being too witty and creepy. Lol. God bless you !!!!

This video was a good idea. You got scads of personal stuff out of the way. Good job. Q. Why is it so difficult to get information out of a cemetery worker? A. All they will say is, "We will fill you in later."

I'm a musician. Onr of the first services outside our regular church services I played for was the memorial for a friends whose son died shortly after birth. The parents themselves officiated. They would smile and chuckle and expressed the awe and wonder of any new parent. One of the other worship musicians asked me to duet with him and pay filler music. It was a biittersweet event like no other I've been part of. We were asked to sing worship music. From that time, I quickly found myself dwarn to taking part in memorials. There are very few things in life that equal the honor of celebrating the life of someone's loved-one. I feel in we of God's presence every time, whether it's in a faith-based setting or a purely secular one. I find a bond with every family I have worked with. There is nothing morbid about it. I have a small part in helping comfort these people. I never ask for pay of any kind.

I agree wholeheartedly! They're not disposing of a body, they're supposed to be caring for a deceased person's remains, which is a direct reflection of that person's life on Earth. It's supposed to be all about sensitivity, care & trust.... Too many funeral businesses and the people who that person left behind, forget or neglect this important point! Thankfully, that's not you, you're truly a shining example and a huge credit to your industry! Dare I say, you're the very best I've ever come across in the industry! Much love to you & yours, you're truly an angel! 👼 😊

I am a retired nurse and have had plenty of experience with colostomies, both taking care of them and also teaching patients how to care for them. I am curious how you handle a colostomy when caring for a person? Do you just cover the stoma with dressings or do you have to push the intestine back in and suture the outer skin closed?

Your energy is so lovely and real❤ I enjoy learning from your experience ! Thank you

I love listening to you talk!! I wish I lived where you are, it would be so comforting to have you! God forbid I don't need to for a long time

Well I think you can be called a teacher because of what you have taught us. I have learned so much from you and the other ladies, little miss funeral, the grave woman and Kaitlyn. I wish I had known the things you have talked about before my dad died. Good for you and thanks.

You're such a good decent person. God bless you.

My husband's niece died I was with her at her last breath. She was taken in a bag zipped up. The man grabbed her fast and that bothered me, then he said she's dead, she won't know plus after being on stretcher, her head showed in view my mother in law it upset her. We wanted her treated gently. Was sad.

I hope you are safe and well during this pandemic! Very informative. You made it all seem less gruesome than I imagined. Thank you!

Thank you for this video. A wonderful array!!....You had a very interesting insight on identical twins. I read once, whether true or not, that identical twins share part of the same soul. I would like to think that this must be true and would account for the weird and strange feelings when the other twin walked into the room. (my take anyway) ... and yes, I have seen a few casket climbers as well! God bless!

I’m currently in school to be a mortician, and I’d love to see how you cope with the busy schedule while being a mother. Making time for your babies. I’d also like to say, that there’s so many points you make that I myself feel the exact same way!

Kari, I really appreciate your honesty in answering the questions people ask you. What is your relationship with God? You seem like a very caring person.

Hi Kari, I'm not sure if you read comments that are posted on your older videos but I had to comment how crazy it was that you talked about teenagers going to funerals for classmates that they were not close to. This hits so close to home for me. My husband and I dated all through high school and a month after they graduated his best friend was in a car accident and died. When we went to his funeral there were so many kids there that did not give him the time of day when he was alive. It really upset my husband and all of their friends seeing those people who didn't care about him when he was alive treat it as some kind of social scene. Of course we didn't have social media then (1995) but I never understood why they felt the need to be there. Thank you for all your videos, I have been binge watching them the last few days and I really love them.

Thank you for your honesty. I’ve seen a couple of your videos and I think you’re a unique and precious person. God bless you.

It is an honorable carrier the word Undertaker has a real meaning it was given to the person who would Undertake the job of handling the departed

I can add something to why a spouse may be cold about their spouse dying. A friend of mine was married to a woman who was a horrible wife. She cheated on him more times than I can count. She would stay gone weeks at a time leaving him with their small children until she decided to come home. Towards the end it was only his strict beliefs in marriage that kept him from divorcing her. She broke him financially and spiritually. By the end he felt nothing for her. She got killed in a car accident. A guy she was out cheating with ran off the road after a night out drinking and killed both of them. He made her funeral arrangements according to her family’s wishes. He paid for it and kept up appearances for his kids. I spoke with him at the visitation and he said that she finally did something good for him and his kids. Sometimes people have wronged someone so much that they are unable to feel any grief or even compassion for the deceased. His life as well as his kids are much better now without her.

My husband had a gift, in which he could feel and sense spirits, and sometimes interact with them. He said they don't tend to hang out in funeral homes or cemeteries. They hang out amongst the living.

My father was an identical twin and was fairly young (I was 17 and he was 49) and I took alot criticism for asking him to walk me down the aisle at my wedding but it wasn't because he looked like my father it was because I loved him very much and he was there for me for many different situations after my father died. There were many times when they were young that they played jokes on people and it was funny but after my father died most people were uncomfortable around my uncle and I think it it was very sad for him. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us you are very committed and compassionate to help us all deal with death and its ramifications Bless you

Thank you for bringing the human side to your profession. As a vocal coach and speech writer, I'd like to give you an insight on your presentation. Like many people who I've worked for, you may not realize how many times you use the words "um' and "you know" in your presentation. I would suggest that you do a search for "disfluency" and "uptalk". I think it would add to your presentations. Keep up with your great posts!

Kari: I'm trying to understand if you work at just one particular funeral home now, or do you sort of "free lance" (for lack of a better word) on an as needed basis at various places ? Either way, your compassion and CARE for the deceased and their families is undoubtedly valued beyond measure. God bless you !

Thanks for Sharing those personal experiences. I jumped when your tripod fell.

Kari, I would think when it comes to your Loved ones ... Friends or Family that you may really want to be that person to ready the person...the details that you want perfect for that person, you would be the one to make sure everything is exactly like that soul would have wanted it or to look a certain way. I am glad I found your platform because this really interest me...I am strange that way. Just a me thing. Thank you for explaining this process in such detail.

I used to work for a plumbing supply company. We had a husband and wife come to buy PVC Pipe and fittings for body parts that were missing or removed.. that was a very interesting couple.

When my Father died, a friend who I had known earlier told me he went and picked him up. That was comforting to me. Little things count.

there soul leaves. and the vessel ( body is left) and the body is there visual self ❤❤❤ you handle your job very well ❤

The creepy guy on the phone had me in hysterics. 😂😂😂

Thank you for the way you are!!! You are in the right job!!!!!!!!!

You are so interesting to listen to and I can agree about the colostomy bags being "the worst" for me with hospice work, I don't know why I have such a problem with that more than anything else but I do. Thanks for sharing what you do.

I have an old Hippie from the 60s aunt, who asked me when she goes she wants a vibrator and a pile of batteries put in. Now don’t think bad of her, she is like me and approaches every aspect of life with a warped sense of humor, even death. So that was her thing for me to do to lighten things up!

You are an incredible woman Kari, I appreciate the work and care you give so many families.

Thanks for the stories Kari, very interesting. 👍

Hi Kari 💕 - I love this video/vlog. I love how you ALWAYS say, "care" for Xyz. I find myself thinking, how could this or that, and you seem to come through with, " when I care for ".. I again, think that's what makes you so special. Thanks for sharing your GIFT of sincerity. Xoxo

I could watch your videos all day. Thank you for showing such honesty.

You seem like a loving and caring woman!! It has to be hard to separate your feelings when it comes to dealing with the dead. I think it's neat however how you love your job and have a fascination with your field of work. I may have posted this before but my great niece and her five year old little boy was murdered here in Kalamazoo by the father of the child and he also killed himself. I was sooo scared to walk into the funeral home knowing I would see a mom and her child lying in a casket. I have to say I never saw anything so heartbreaking but beautiful. Whoever took care of them did an awesome job. They both looked so natural. My great niece was beautiful and her baby was so adorable. I never saw anything so touching. It was done at your place of work and I don't know know if you had a hand in it but I want to thank whomever took care of them very much. Such an awesome job. Kari, you make death a little easier to comprehend and you explain it so well. I love some of your stories. Please keep them coming!!! ❤

The hate or rude comments probably stems from not really understanding or know anything about the business. They don’t know the correct words to say it appropriately.

Thank you for doing this video ...I have lost 3 of my children and my sister and my mother and father..our funeral home that we go to have so much kindness and love for families...and you sound the same way..

Good questions and answers. Thanks for your honesty.

How could ppl want to just get rid of them? That is so sad. That happened to my best friend. Her husband was awful. I miss my husband so much! He was my Cupcake. We had them put a plastic cupcake in his outer burial container. I would give anything to have him back. I believe he is in Heaven, but I miss him! 💔 Your videos are very informative and professional. Thank you for the love and respect you show. 💙 Lubbock, Texas

what a nice person

"Capitive Crawlers" & unballanced people calling on the phone??? You deserve a huge increase in pay young lady, no doubt about it! These are but a few reasons why I'd be unable to handle the profession! I've got nothing but the deepest respect for you going through all that & still working in the industry! 💕 Whew, I can see I'd have nightmares about those things!

Just think of that colostomy bag as the result of a life saving operation . It was a major adjustment for them, however it was part of what extended their lives. People that wear them are not gross. They are just people that have a useful medical device.

Kari...I just love listening to you speak of your stories and knowledge. You seem to be so kind and compassionate...you are obviously in the right business. I would definitely recommend your funeral home if I lived near you 😉 You are a class act...bless you🙏😁

Your tripod broke! I was almost your next client!!! Lol!!!

Hardest job on earth is helping people who have to say goodbye to their loved ones. God Bless You...

I had a bad experience when my father passed away. My dad was laying on a metal table covered with nothing more than a sheet and I’m telling the owner no worries that he will get his money while he had a jacked up hummer parked out front. Then the guy who was showing me caskets was acting like he was emotional while I asked him questions. You could tell he was full of it

Love your videos. Please keep them coming. I always felt being a funeral director was my calling and I still feel that way however life took me other paths but I admire what you do.

this is good relatable content that i can relate to, i was critical of some of your content but i hope you see what i am saying, some details should not be shared, but...........i relate to all you said in this video

I have worked in funeral business about 12 years and was told that when I lose all my emotions that it was time to quit.

I’m curious after watching both your presentations on cremation and embalming... which do you plan to have?

Kari you are so kind.

Kari, I too am a Christian who has seen a ghost, as well as experienced other paranormal things, I also have a hard time reconciling my Christian beliefs and the paranormal.