Bell Brothers Funeral Home

Personalized funerals

We understand the difficulties associated with losing a loved one—whether expected or unexpected. That's why our dedicated funeral home team works to give each family personal attention and compassion. It's our goal to provide everything you need to begin the journey to healing while honoring your loved one.

Part of our commitment is shown through our expert planning process. At Bell Brothers Funeral Home, we'll guide you while planning a service that suits your needs and budget. We offer traditional religious funerals, cremation services and contemporary celebrations, all created with personal preferences and family traditions in mind. Sit with us and share your stories and the things that made your loved one special. Little details inspire us as we write an obituary, select visitation and service times, and create custom gifts for guests. We want to ensure you can say your final goodbyes in an accepting atmosphere and create long-lasting memories.

Preparing for the future

Today, many families want to plan ahead a funeral or memorial service, which spares family and friends from making decisions during a difficult time. Bell Brothers Funeral Home offers this option, ensuring everything is planned while keeping funeral and cremation costs under control.

Commitment to Duluth

As a locally operated funeral home in Duluth, Bell Brothers Funeral Home offers the friendly care you expect. We are your neighbors, and many of our funeral directors and support personnel live in the areas we serve. Please contact us to learn more about our funeral and memorial services, and allow us the opportunity to be there for you.

History

Bell Brothers Funeral Home in Duluth, Minnesota, designs personal funeral and memorial services for grieving families. Our commitment to quality care began more than 100 years ago.

Our funeral home's founding

At the age of 21, Hugh J. Bell left his hometown of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to start a funeral business in Duluth in 1912. Hugh had a slow start, and in 1914, his brother, Thomas G. Bell Sr., joined him and created Bell Brothers Funeral Home. Thomas was a railroad engineer, astute businessman and community-oriented individual, serving in many groups and organizations including Masons, Toastmasters and the Duluth Athletic Club. He also served as president of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association and was inducted into the Duluth Hall of Fame in 1955 for his outstanding service to the Duluth community. He also assisted students in helping fund their college education.

Tradition of care

In 1921, Bell Brothers Funeral Home relocated to the corner of Cody Street and 56th Avenue West, using 2 residential homes for the business. In 1925, Hugh passed away unexpectedly. Thomas G. Bell Jr., the only child of Thomas Bell Sr., served as a Navy pilot during World War II and was community-oriented like his father. He took on many responsibilities in the funeral industry as well as the Duluth community. He eventually married Elinor Miller Spicer in Corpus Christi, Texas, and together they raised 6 children in Duluth.

Generational leadership

Three of Thomas Jr.’s sons, Thomas G. III, Frank Spicer and Charles Miller, got their start in the family funeral home by washing its fleet of cars in the summertime. After finishing college, Tom, Charlie and Frank joined their father in managing the funeral home.

Thomas III became a licensed funeral director and embalmer after a brief career teaching at Shattuck School in Faribault, Minnesota. Tom served in leadership positions in Duluth and was president of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association. After graduating from the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Frank S. Bell created Belmar, a business that sold monuments, markers and fiberglass burial vaults. He served as president of Goodwill Industries and was a president of U.S. Selected Service for the Duluth area. Charles M. Bell, the youngest of the group, joined the business after graduating from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and the University of Minnesota School of Mortuary Science. He served as a funeral director and embalmer. In 2005, Charlie was elected into the Duluth Hall of Fame, exactly 50 years after his grandfather, Thomas G. Sr. was elected.

Community service

In 1974, Tom, Frank and Charlie purchased Bell Brothers from their father. They each followed their father’s example of community involvement and were active in groups, organizations and causes, including West Duluth Businessmen’s Club, Masons, Rotary, the Boys and Girls Club of Duluth, Ordean Foundation and the Duluth Chamber of Commerce.

Innovation, relocation

Thomas G. Bell Jr. died in 1982. After developing a solid reputation in West Duluth, the remaining brothers saw the opportunity for expansion into east Duluth. In 1986, they purchased the Jarvi Dowd Funeral Home in East Hillside and successfully grew that business by 50%.

By 1993, Bell Brothers Funeral Home had grown to become one of the largest funeral service providers in Duluth, employing 15 full-time staff and serving more than 500 families a year. In 1998, the brothers sold the business but continued to remain active in its operations after the sale.

Hugh J. Bell and Thomas G. Bell Sr. began Bell Brothers Funeral Home with a commitment to a high standard of service. Throughout our history, we’ve been leaders and innovators while maintaining that high standard. Everyone at Bell Brothers Funeral Home is proud to uphold our heritage and commitment to the community.