Creating a lasting monument for a loved one who has passed away is a highly meaningful and emotional process. With nearly a century of experience behind the company, the compassionate staff of Montana Granite Industries is highly trained to help customers create uniquely beautiful memorials that will last forever.
The company got its start in the 1920s when Helena native John J. Rummel began quarrying granite from regional hills, working with the Kane Company and later going on to establish his own stone-cutting business in an old blacksmith shop on his family farmstead. Through hard work and persistence, Rummel kept the operation going through the Great Depression and subsequent war years, settling into its current Forestvale Road location around 1950.
Jack Rummel, John's son, took over the business after he returned home from military service, adding a second location in Great Falls, with grandson John Rummel, Jr. joining the team in the 1960s. Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, Montana Granite Industries continues to fabricate monuments with the same high levels of service and quality John built his reputation on when he opened the business.
“Our goal has always been to produce the finest granite memorials possible,” says current owner Daren Rummel. “The artists and craftsmen who make these memorials have decades of monument and design experience. Montana Granite Industries has the talent and product knowledge necessary to fill all monument needs, large or small.”
Although many people may not think about needing a monument for a loved one until after a death occurs, Rummel says customers are welcome to make purchases at any time.
“Sometimes preplanning and purchasing a memorial ahead really takes the stress off of the family during a difficult time,” says Rummel. “Memorializing a person’s life with a monument can actually be a pleasant and comforting experience.”
By working closely with families and keeping their wishes top of mind, Montana Granite Industries employees can help customers create customized monuments that truly reflect their loved one’s personality, hobbies and interests. For instance, designers can find ways to incorporate photos, scenes, career details, sports teams, animals, flowers, religious symbols and other details into the permanent memorial.
Honing their skills through years of stonework, Montana Granite Industries craftsmen attend national workshops and training seminars to stay up to date on trends regarding design, processes and materials.
In addition to traditional monuments, Montana Granite Industries also has the capacity to create and customize a wide selection of flower vases, urns, granite benches, birdbaths, pet memorials and other decorative stone items.
“All work is performed in our local shops by our own skilled staff,” Rummel says. “Every marker and monument is carefully checked and detailed before it’s sent out for installation across Montana.”
A memorial is meant to last forever. By consulting the kind and knowledgeable team at Montana Granite Industries and taking time to consider all the options, customers can gain a much better understanding of what’s available and create a memorable permanent tribute to their loved one.
Montana Granite Industries provides thoughtful, caring service from locations in Helena and Great Falls. For more information, visit montanagranite.com.
