Goetz Funeral Homes, Inc.

Goetz Funeral Homes, Inc., located at 205 Lincoln Avenue in Underwood, North Dakota, has been a cornerstone of compassionate funeral service in the region for decades. The business traces its roots to December 1974, when Glenn D. Goetz and his wife Ruth purchased the Henne Funeral Home from Robert Henne, the area's first local funeral home owner. In 1975, they officially founded Goetz Funeral Home, establishing a tradition of family-owned care that would serve the communities of Underwood, Washburn, Turtle Lake, and surrounding areas. Glenn and Ruth operated the business for 27 years, raising their two children while building a reputation for dignity and personalized service. After their retirement in December 2002, the funeral home was sold to Nathan P. Grubb and his wife Andrea in January 2003, who continued the legacy of quality care.

In July 2013, Paul Sannes joined the funeral home as a staff member. Paul and his wife Tammi, both graduates of the University of Minnesota (1991), brought extensive experience from Paul's 15-year tenure as manager of Myers Funeral Home in Linton, North Dakota. In September 2018, Paul and Tammi purchased Goetz Funeral Homes, becoming the third owners of this cherished institution. Under their leadership, the business has continued to evolve while honoring its heritage. In February 2026, the Sannes family officially changed the funeral home's name to Sannes Family Funeral Home, Inc., reflecting their dedication to carrying forward the mission of sincere and distinctive funeral service. Despite the name change, the business remains deeply rooted in the same values that Glenn and Ruth established nearly half a century ago.

Today, the funeral home operates multiple chapels serving Washburn, Underwood, and Turtle Lake. While all at-need funeral arrangements are made at the Washburn location, the Underwood facility at 205 Lincoln Avenue remains an important part of the community. The facility is wheelchair accessible with an accessible entrance and parking lot, ensuring that all families can comfortably attend services. The business offers a comprehensive range of services including traditional burial services, pre-need planning, United Heritage Burial Insurance, and affordable granite and bronze monuments. Financial assistance is available for those who need it, reflecting the family's commitment to serving every family with respect regardless of financial circumstances.

Goetz Funeral Homes is known for its personalized support and genuine guidance during life's most difficult moments. The staff treats every family with dignity, offering meaningful options whether planning ahead or honoring a loved one. Their approach emphasizes that true quality lies not in the size of the building but in the heartfelt, compassionate service provided. They also offer grief support resources and a year-long program of weekly messages designed to comfort the bereaved. With a history spanning nearly 50 years, Goetz Funeral Homes (now Sannes Family Funeral Home) continues to be a trusted pillar in central North Dakota, serving families with unwavering professionalism and care.