Our History
Goes Funeral Care was born in 1996. We were told it was a pie in the sky pipe dream, but we were determined to become the first full-service funeral firm in Northern Colorado designed to address changing funeral customs and keep that small-town feel. We saw a growing trend toward cremation, simplified services, and unique celebrations as well as families wanting to be more involved.
Prior to our opening, we watched as funeral service got bigger and the idea grew that big was better. Cost went up, and family involvement went down as the funeral home insisted, they could take care of everything. Funeral services became a package deal – choose A, B or C. That wasn’t how we thought funeral service should be.
Our dream was to start a business based on the old-fashioned principles of funeral service – families saying goodbye to loved ones in a way consistent with their lifestyles whatever that meant; having the funeral director be a trusted friend - someone you could proudly introduce as “your funeral director”. We listened to what people really wanted, however simple, however crazy. And it worked! At Goes Funeral Care, we have created an environment of love and care, going back to the basics of funeral service the way it was meant to be.
In the 25 years since we opened, we have stayed true to our values:
Our Pledge
· We believe that the loving memory of a life lived is most important and that our compassionate guidance to help honor that memory is our ministry.
· We vow to work with the highest standards of integrity and to always treat families and their loved ones in our care with the utmost respect and dignity.
· We are committed to helping create the most meaningful tribute to a person’s life at a sensible price because it is the right thing to do.
· We promise to serve each family with overall superior service, focusing on their needs first with the greatest attention to detail.
· We are committed to educating families to make informed choices and choices best for them.
Our Philosophy
· Encouraging funeral preferences to be known in advance.
· Offering family-directed funeral service which fosters participation.
· Revitalizing discussion and healing among families.
· Honoring a life lived consistent with their lifestyle.
· Striving to offer options and to keep costs contained.
· Seeing our business as a ministerial extension of our personal values.
· Serving all faiths.
Goes Funeral Care started small as a way for us to contain our overhead. We utilized facilities, churches, parks, event centers, cemetery chapels within our community for services to reduce the cost of maintaining a large facility on site. We did not have a casket show room and we leased limos and hearses as needed. In 2001, we added an on-site crematory to ensure that every part of a person’s care would be provided personally by our staff. Since then, we have grown in size and in staffing, but we are still a small funeral home that can provide personalized, expert care to every family. All this said, we are proud to say we are the little funeral home in town. It makes sense to us and perhaps to you as well.
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Chris Goes Funeral Director/Owner
Hi. My name is Chris Goes and I am co-owner of Goes Funeral Care and a member of our team of death care providers and support staff who serve the Northern Colorado community. We are honored and proud to say that we have served this community for 25 years with our level of compassionate care. I feel blessed that I found a satisfying career where I have been able to help people and minister to their needs when faced with a death.
I grew up in my family’s funeral home in southern New Jersey. Wanting to follow in my father’s footsteps, I pursued Mortuary School, National Board Certification and Licensure. I worked with my parents for ten years before making the decision to part company and embark on a new adventure here in Fort Collins. After a short stint with a local mortuary, we opened Goes Funeral Care in late 1996 creating a funeral care establishment rooted in service and not sales.
I have been involved in all sorts of organizations within the community and committees within my church. I believe it is important to participate in community, church and family-oriented activities. Not just to give back from my own blessings, but to remain closer to and stay aware of what is going on to help our community.
Please reach out to me if you have concerns that I might be able to help you with. -
Stephanie Goes Chief Financial Officer & Business Manager
Hello. I am Stephanie Goes and have owned Goes Funeral Care, with my husband Chris, since 1996. A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, I got a degree in Business Administration - marketing and economics and worked in sales, marketing and customer service for several large companies. Chris and I worked in funeral service at his parents’ funeral home in New Jersey for a while before venturing west with kids and cats in tow. At GFC, I am the chief financial officer/business manager and wear an assortment of other hats depending upon who is calling. I also have an insurance license with the State of Colorado to be able to pre-fund final expenses.
In my free time, I am involved with my church and sing in the choir and in the shower and in the car. I listen to jazz and classical music. Organic gardening and working towards sustainable living in our home is something that is important to me. I enjoy cooking and eating what I have grown and spend time researching nutrition as a complimentary interest to my gardening - I do this as a cancer survivor. In my free time, my old horse Lady and I have walks and conversations. And we have a Sheltie, named Percy, who keeps us on our toes. I’ll round this out by saying we have three sons who have flown the nest.
We created Goes Funeral Care because we felt there was a need in our community to offer funeral service in a different way - where a family could feel more in control, where they could be better educated to make informed decisions best for them, where they wouldn't be taken advantage of in their vulnerable state and where the cost is not so great and there is no pressure or guilt to buy. We want to be your funeral directors in that you can pick up the phone, give us a call and tell us what you are thinking regarding funeral service for your family and we make that happen. We think that is refreshing and helps makes a positive experience in a very difficult and challenging time. Please reach out to me if there is anything I can help you with or address concerns you might have. -
Rachel Metzgar Funeral Director / General Manager
My name is Rachel and I am a Funeral Director and the General Manager at Goes. Born and raised in Texas, I moved to Colorado to attend CSU. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Music Therapy and English in 2007 and went on to work in hospice care, where I found my life’s work, supporting individuals and families through one of the most difficult times in their lives. After working in hospice for several years, I returned to school and earned my associate degree in Mortuary Science from Arapahoe Community College. I have also earned designation as a Certified Mortuary Science Practitioner through the Colorado Funeral Service Board.
Outside of work, I enjoy time with friends and family, and the usual Colorado stuff – hiking, camping, snowboarding and being in the mountains. I am an ambassador for the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce Red Carpet Committee and a member of the Fort Collins Lions Club, where our motto is “we serve”. I love being part of this community where we care for each other and embrace all that life has to offer.
My approach to funeral care comes from my time spent serving people on both sides of their journey through death and dying. In hospice care, I learned not only how important these final moments are, but also the days, weeks and months that follow. I am honored to have found Goes Funeral Care where I work alongside others whose mission aligns with my own. We believe that each individual experience of life and death is unique, and no matter how you choose to approach it, we are here to support you. Through thoughtful planning, caring conversations, listening and brainstorming, we can help you and your family find meaning and comfort, in your own way. -
Will Benich Funeral Director & Advance Planning Specialist
Hello! My name is Will Benich, a Colorado native and I am thrilled to be a part of the Goes Funeral Care team. I began my journey in the funeral profession in high school, 2008, helping the funeral directors with services. After graduating, I attended Arapahoe Community College and received my Associates in Mortuary Science. For me, funeral directing is a labor of love. My favorite part of the day is being able to help families by giving answers to endless questions – because there are so many unknowns! Death is unavoidable but still a taboo stage for many families to ever talk about, let alone plan for. Whether families choose to lean on the pillar of their Catholic faith or want a potluck in the park, I am honored to help arrange the moving parts so that families can celebrate their loved ones and start their healing process.
In my free time, I am a part of the Greeley Garage Sale Theatre, the only non-profit theatre group in Greeley. I also enjoy tabletop games with my friends, amateur gardening, and afternoon naps. -
Ashley Schultz Administrative Coordinator
Hello, my name is Ashley Schultz, and I am the Administrative Coordinator at Goes Funeral Care. I moved to Colorado in the midst of 2020 from Pittsburgh, PA. Because of my compassionate, empathetic, helpful nature, I went onto college to graduate with an Associate Degree in Human Services from Lackawanna College, where I also played soccer. After graduation, I continued my studies in psychology and worked in the field for 3 years, where I found assisting people and families during complicated times a true passion in life. I have always been interested in working in the funeral industry and someday, would like to further my education in the field.
I love adventuring in my free time, exploring different places and experiencing new things, especially outside when nature permits. One of my favorite take-aways from visiting one place to the next, is meeting new people and listening to their stories. I really enjoy learning from and about others. Creating those special moments or lifetime bonds has really helped shape me into the person I am today. I love listening to music at every moment possible, attending concerts and sports games (particularly soccer and football), rooting for the Buffalo Bills on game day, and being surrounded by my best friends and family.
Goes Funeral Care embodies love and kindness, which is why I felt right at home from my first day. Life is tough and hands us moments we are never ready for, especially when it comes to death. Let us be there for you, to support, and make things manageable and peaceful. -
Jesse Albertson Funeral Arranger & Community Outreach Coordinator
Hello, I’m Jesse Albertson and I’m a Funeral Arranger and the Community Outreach Coordinator at Goes Funeral Care. I come from experience in social work, concerts, events and service industry settings. Working in the funeral care industry was a very serendipitous step in my life. My wife is an RN at an area hospital and our household is dedicated to helping those in need. It’s been my goal each day to make the world just a little easier to navigate for those in grief. If given the task, I’ll do everything I can to assist you and your family.
I’m originally from South Dakota and have lived in Colorado for 14 years. I’m an avid fly-angler. When I’m not working, you’ll find me waist deep in a river or lounging with my dogs. I have a passion for making a difference in the world and aim to do so every day through outreach, conservation and connection. -
John B. Farrell Funeral Assistant & Certified Crematory Operator
Hello. My name is John B. Farrell, IV, but just call me John. I am a funeral assistant and crematory operator for Goes Funeral Care. I had been the Facility Supervisor for Security at Poudre Valley Hospital before retiring and also completed a stint at Kodak years before that. But I was only retired for a short time before the opportunity to work in the funeral industry came up - something I always wanted to do. I came knocking at Goes and they warmly opened the door for me.
Originally hailing from Oklahoma, I left my home state to serve my country in the US Air Force/Security Police during the Vietnam War. I married my lovely wife, Jean, in 2006 and we try to spend time with our blended families when we can. I enjoy traveling around our beautiful state of Colorado and spending time outdoors fishing and hunting.
Working for Goes Funeral Care and serving people with compassion and respect through their dark times is a great personal achievement for me. It has made me a better person. -
Rod Pentico Funeral Assistant
Hi there. My name is Rod and I am a funeral assistant at Goes. I am also a professional Photographer – Pentico Photography and dabble in bus driving for the Poudre School District and chauffeuring party minded folks around town with NoCo Party Bus. I originally met the Goes family when they first opened their doors and was asked to help out at a funeral or two. That has, over the years, transitioned into greater responsibilities with my flexible schedule to help our families at very difficult times.
I have lived in Fort Collins since 1993 with my wife Lorrie and having raised our kids here. In my free time, I cheer on anything from Nebraska and keep up with my son’s family – twin grandchildren and my daughter just starting college. I have a black belt in Taekwondo and teach martial arts when I can. -
Paige Chartier Funeral Assistant & Certified Crematory Operator
My name is Paige and I am a Funeral Assistant here at Goes. I have lived my whole life here in Colorado; I grew up in Colorado Springs and moved to Fort Collins in 2014 to attend CSU. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and English at CSU in 2017, and spent several years volunteering at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science where I helped the Anthropology department rehouse their entire collection. After some years of thought and research I decided to go back to school, and instead of going for my master’s in Anthropology I decided the right path for me was something new: the funeral industry. I am currently enrolled at Arapahoe Community College in the Mortuary Science program, and am close to finishing and receiving my degree.
I am looking forward to helping others more than I ever have before here at Goes. I am excited to be in a field dedicated to caring for others, and being a compassionate caretaker for my community here in Fort Collins. My focus is to help families through their loss, and celebrate and honor life in a fulfilling way. Goes’ cornerstone attitude of service before sales is what especially drew me to them, and working alongside this team of immensely devoted individuals is more than rewarding.
Aside from work, I am something of a homebody; I enjoy reading, writing, cross stitching, and above all else, cooking (my favorites are savory dishes, but sometimes I try something sweeter). I am also especially interested in science and technology, so you can likely find me on my computer, or of course, frequenting museums in Denver and the Northern Colorado area. -
Delaney Allen Funeral Assistant
My name is Delaney Allen and I am a funeral assistant here at Goes. I moved from Utah to Colorado in 2018 to attend Colorado State University, and graduated with my Bachelors in Criminology and interdisciplinary legal studies in 2021. After doing some deep thinking and deciding that law school was not for me, I enrolled at Arapahoe Community College, where I plan to enroll in the Mortuary Science program in the fall.
My favorite part about working at Goes is taking as much weight as possible off a family’s shoulders. The death of a loved one is hard enough, even without having to deal with any added stress, and I am honored to have found a place of like-minded individuals where compassionate service is our top priority.
In my spare time, I enjoy reading, the outdoors, baking, and caring for my many potted plants. I also enjoy candle making when I have the free time and am always experimenting with new scents throughout the seasons. -
Frank Albertson The Care Bear
Hi, I’m Frank. My hobbies are ball, snuggles and skateboard. I’m 2 years old and desperately trying to figure out, “who’s a good boy.” I’ll be here to help.
