Our team, are committed to providing the warmest and most personal service. We take care of the initial worries and you can take comfort in the knowledge that our services are provided by the guidance of qualified staff.
We can guide you through the Funeral arrangements and assist you in making a personalised and memorable service to reflect the personality of your loved one.
We’re on call
Our fully trained funeral directors are available 24 hours 7 days a week to personally answer your call
Location
Our chapel and office is located at 21 King Street, Kopeopeo.
Office hours
are 9am – 5 pm Monday – Friday
or by appointment after these hours.
100% Locally Owned & Operated
Our company has a proud history and is 100% locally owned and operated by Steve and Lisa Butler, who are born and bred in Whakatane and have two children.
Steve is a fully qualified Funeral Director and Embalmer and has been at Willetts Funeral Services for 30 years, while Lisa has worked part time over the years working in the office.
Steve Butler
OWNER & GENERAL MANAGER
Steve is the owner of Willetts Funeral Services and is a fully qualified Funeral Director and Embalmer.
Lisa Butler
OWNER & ADMINISTRATOR
Lisa is the owner of Willetts Funeral Services and co-ordinates alot of the day to day running. Lisa was born and raised in Whakatane
Christine Willetts
FUNERAL DIRECTOR & EMBALMER
Christine has been assisting families in the Eastern Bay of Plenty area since founding
Pauline VanderAa
ADMINISTRATION
Pauline joined the team at Willetts Funeral Services Ltd in 1996, and has been involved with the company ever since, in the role of office administrator.
Kylee Richardson
FUNERAL DIRECTOR & EMBALMER
Kylee joined the team at Willetts Funeral Services Ltd in 2012, she is an experienced Funeral Director and Embalmer.
Kyle Mercer
FUNERAL DIRECTOR & EMBALMER
Kyle joined the Willetts Funeral Services team after a strong calling to help people in their toughest days. He is committed to serving his community in this role, and being a born and bred Kawerau boy, brings local expertise and passion for his home town, as well as the surrounding districts.
Matthew Evans
FUNERAL DIRECTOR & EMBALMER
Matthew is an experienced and fully qualified Funeral Director. He holds a National diploma in Funeral Directing and has joined our expert team at Willetts Funeral Services Ltd.
Julie Summers
FUNERAL DIRECTOR & EMBALMER
Julie joined the team at Willetts Funeral Services Ltd in 2015, she has endeavoured to help bereaved families in any way she can at a difficult time.
Our History
Willetts Funeral Services has been in business since 1990 covering the Eastern Bay of Plenty and New Zealand.
In 1990 Brent and Christine Willetts founded the company Brent Willetts Funeral Services on the corner of Clifton Road and George Street in Whakatane.
In 1993 the business expanded and larger premises were required, Brent and Christine moved the company into what used to be the Whakatane Christian Fellowship church in King Street, Kopeopeo, Converting it into a Funeral Home where it still remains today.
In October 1993 their son-in-law Steven Butler was employed as a manager. Steve completed his National Certificate in Funeral Directing and Embalming at the Institute of technology in Upper Hutt, Wellington.
Steve was awarded his diploma in Funeral Services, which is the highest qualification available in the New Zealand Funeral industry.
In April 2013 Steve and his wife Lisa purchased the business from Brent and Christine.
1917
1925
The Methodist Church
1925
1925-26
The Church’s new home King Street, Whakatane
1925-26
Tools
1925-26
1925-26
Hall Additions
1930
Hall Additions
1930
1930-1980
Run by the Methodist Church
1980
Sold to the Whakatane Christian Fellowship
1980
1980
Renovated and new life as a Funeral Home