Our History

Eastgate Funeral Service was founded in 1981 by Chuck Eastgate, who had a vision to provide families with compassionate care in their time of need. Over the years, our commitment to the community has led to two major building expansions—first in 1989, and again in 1998—to better serve the growing needs of our neighbors.

In 1982, Chuck’s son, Bob Eastgate, joined the family business. He worked alongside his father, and in December of 2000, Bob purchased the business in partnership with Tom Vertin, funeral director, and continued the Eastgate tradition of care and compassion.

In 2001, Parkway Funeral & Cremation Service was founded and constructed to serve the families of Bismarck. By 2005, Parkway became part of the Eastgate family, further enhancing our ability to meet the needs of area families. The Parkway location also became home to the Center for Loss and Healing, a welcoming space for grieving families and individuals to find support, healing, and comfort through support groups and grief education.

For many years, Bob Eastgate was at the heart of our funeral home, offering compassionate care to the families of our community. After selling his partnership interest to Vertin, Bob continued to work as a dedicated funeral director, always putting families first, until his retirement.

Today, the funeral professionals at Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Service and Parkway Funeral & Cremation Service continue the proud tradition of caring for Bismarck and the surrounding communities. We remain guided by one simple principle: “Serve every family as if they were a member of our own.”