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A Gentle Note About Obituaries
We've had a few people ask lately why there aren't as many obituaries on our website as there used to be. We wanted to take a moment to explain.
An obituary is not required. It's a choice, and it's one that belongs entirely to each family.
More and more, families are deciding to keep things private. Some prefer to share the news personally with the people closest to them. Some feel that a public notice isn't the right fit for their loved one or their situation. Whatever the reason, it is always their decision to make, and we honor it fully.
Choosing not to publish an obituary does not make a loss any smaller or a life any less meaningful.
A quiet goodbye holds just as much love as a public one.
If your family ever has questions about your options, whether that's a full published obituary, a brief notice, or nothing at all,
we're always here to walk you through it. Our door is open, and there's no pressure either way.
Obituaries for Elizabethtown
Obituaries for families served by our Elizabethtown location will now be posted on our Au Sable Forks website at www.hzfuneralhome.com.
Obituaries for Elizabethtown published prior to May 1, 2026 will remain available at www.heidrickfuneralhome.com.
Thank you for allowing us to continue serving the families of our community.
About Elizabethtown
1829-2026
W.M. Marvin’s Sons was founded in 1829 by Jacob Allen, a nephew of Ethan Allen. In the 1800’s, and particularly after the Civil War, funeral homes were a side business of cabinet and furniture businesses. This was because cabinet makers were skilled with woodworking, and therefore had the knowledge to build coffins, which would later become more elaborate caskets. This was true for the Marvins as well, and their undertaking business began in 1840 when Edgar Marvin married Jacob’s daughter, Susan Allen. The firm’s ownership transferred to family members over seven generations; following in Jacob’s footsteps were Walter M. Marvin and his sons Fred Marvin and Edgar Marvin II, John Marvin and Walter S. Marvin, Edgar M. Marvin IV, and Walter “Smitty” Marvin III.
It is believed that the firm was in the top ten oldest family-owned
funeral homes in the United States, and the oldest continually
operating family-owned funeral home in New York State.
As has been the trend the past couple of decades with funeral homes around the country, there were no longer any successors interested in the family business, so the Marvins sold their firm to Jay Heald.
On August 21st, 2023, Jerod and Chris Heidrick, the owners of
Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home in Au Sable Forks,
purchased the firm from Jay.
On April 22, 2025, the funeral home suffered a catastrophic fire that destroyed the facility. Over the following 12 months, Jerod and Chris invested significant time and resources in an effort to rebuild.
Regrettably, the increased construction costs made rebuilding impossible, and they were unable to move forward.
If you or a loved one made prearrangements with our
Elizabethtown location, please know that your
arrangements are safe and will be fully honored.
Your prearrangements have been transferred to our
Au Sable Forks location, where our team will
continue to care for them exactly as intended.
We remain committed to serving the families of our region through our Au Sable Forks and Plattsburgh locations,
and we are here to support you in any way we can.
About Plattsburgh
Our Plattsburgh funeral home was established by Jay Heald in 2006 and operated as Heald Funeral Home until August 21, 2023, when Jerod and Chris Heidrick were proud to make it part of their family.
They also own Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home in Au Sable Forks, and are well known throughout the region for service built on an impeccable reputation.
As a family-owned and operated firm, they believe funeral service is personal. They are, by design, a boutique funeral home. The number of families served has never been their concern; quality always has. Every family who walks through their doors receives their full attention and care.
They rely on advanced technology to streamline the arrangement process, a convenience that is especially valuable for out-of-town families who need to make arrangements from a distance. They also take particular pride in serving families who desire cremation, guiding them with the same dignity and thoughtfulness they bring to every family they serve.
Whatever your needs, it would be their honor to care for you
and those you love.
Helping You Plan
Are you looking to add a personal touch to your loved one's funeral service? Would you like to browse through our catalog of viewing merchandise? Maybe you want to learn more about planning your own funeral.
We've made all of this information — and more — available for you to explore in the comfort and privacy of your home.
Helping You Grieve
Our experience has taught us that when losing a loved one, those left behind feel lost and alone. Many do not know where to turn to or how to cope.
Our grief support programs in place are dedicated to helping you during your difficult time and making each day a little easier for you when a loved one is lost.
