It began back in 1987 when James R. Postema bought the company for a whopping $2000. From that time James ran Michigan Monument, creating and installing granite and bronze headstones, out of the Walker, Michigan area until 1992.

 

Then in 1992, James married Leona Leslie and the they moved themselves and the business to Byron Center, Michigan. James ran the business with some help from Leona until he was diagnosed with dementia in 2002.

 

Leona was working for RBC Ministries at the time when James was diagnosed. She made the decision to take an early retirement from RBC to help run Michigan Monument and take care of James.

 

Joining with James, Leona made the decision to purchase Michigan Monument and make it a LLC so she could hire on staff to help run the business. Shortly after, they hired Walter Strickler Jr., Leona’s son-in-law to work full time with them. In 2006, Leona and Walter became business partners and ran the business together. This gave Leona time to take care of James at the same working in the business. During this time, it allowed Leona and Walter time to grow their great working relationship while helping families through their rough time of end of life decisions.

 

In 2015, James lost his battle with dementia. He was very much loved and cared for through the years. Leona and Walter didn’t let James’ legacy go the the wayside. They kept it going strong.

 

All the while continuing her work, Leona was diagnosed with cancer in 2022. She put up a good fight until January 2023, when cancer took her home to be with the Lord.

 

It was in June of 2023 that Malinda Strickler, Leona’s daughter, became business partners with her husband, Walter. Malinda still works as the sales person for the business while Walter continues to do the engraving and installation of the headstones as well as other special projects.

 

Being a family owned business with a small staff, we do our very best to ensure our products are high quality and keep our prices competitive. We continue to do our best to make lasting memories for our customers each and everyday.