The angels represent loved ones lost.

The annual remembrance service, sponsored by Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, will be held at 1:30 p.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, 239 N 11th St.

“We recognize that grief has no timeline,” Phil Gunderson, funeral director and owner of Gunderson Funeral Home, said. “Therefore, the event is open to anyone and everyone in the community who has experienced the loss of a loved one.”

He added, “Many times it takes a year or more for people to feel comfortable attending, so we welcome them at any time. Invitations are sent to the families Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services has served in the past year. However, it is an event open to the community as well.”

-Messenger photo by Chad Thompson
The angel to be handed out during the 20th A Time For Angels remembrance service is displayed here.

During the service, names of those being remembered are read and families are presented with an angel ornament to take home as a keepsake.

The Rev. Leonard Halvorson, of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, and Monsignor Kevin McCoy, of Holy Trinity Parish, will assist with the program.

Over the years, more than 1,000 angels have been provided to the families to remember loved ones.

Each year a new angel is specifically designed for the event.

One new wrinkle is being added to this year’s service: A candle lighting will be held at the beginning of the program.

Lights will be dimmed and everyone attending will be given a candle that they will be asked to light during a special part of the reading and during the opening song.

Additional names to be remembered can be added by registering online on at Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services Facebook page.

A Christmas tree featuring all 20 years of angels is on display at Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services.