Ashland County Memorial Park, Ashland, OH 44805, US

The origin of Wappner Funeral Directors began back in 1872, when Peter J. Faust and Philip Wappner, Sr. formed a partnership in the "Furniture and Undertaking" business located in the Hartman Building. In the early days, the mainstay of the business was the manufacturing of fine furniture. Some area families possess this furniture as family heirlooms. In the furniture business at that time it was the custom that the firm also made the caskets and provided extra chairs for families that experience a death in the family. Most funerals were held in the homes of family. In 1883, the business moved to South Park Street where they built a new store for their furniture and undertaking business. In 1890, the partnership with Peter Faust was dissolved and Philip Wappner Sr. and his brother, Henry Wappner, continued the business as Wappner Brothers. Being progressive the firm became one of the charter members of the Ohio Funeral Directors Business Association in 1879. Philip's son, Charles Wappner, started working with his father around the turn of the century and enrolled in a class at the Cincinnati School of Embalming taught by Professor Joseph Clark. At the time, this was the first and only school of its kind. Charles rejoined the firm, which became the first funeral home in Mansfield to offer embalming which became popular following the Civil War. In 1919, Charles Wappner took over the business from his father and uncle and moved it to the southeast corner of Second Street and Diamond Streets. Both Charles and his father died in 1925 and Charles' widow, Irilla Wappner, continued in the business becoming the first female funeral director in the county. Having nine children to raise, as well as a business to run, she was joined by her brother-in-law Philip Wappner, Jr., and the firm became known as Charles L. Wappner and Brother. In 1926, to offer an alternative to having funerals in a private residence that often would be too small, the Peter Remy home at 98 South Diamond St. was acquired. It has been enlarged several times and the business is still located there today. In 1950, the two sons of Charles and Irilla, William and Richard Wappner, as well as the son of Philip Jr., James Wappner, became partners. Philip died in 1968 and Irilla in 1969 leaving their sons to continue the business. In 1973, Richard's son, Thomas Wappner joined the partnership, and his youngest son, William C. Wappner followed in 1975 representing the fourth generation. In 1974, with a need for expansion, a second location at 100 South Lexington-Springmill Road was opened becoming the first funeral home in Ontario. The 1980's brought more changes, as the third generation was lost to the firm with James Wappner dying in 1982, Richard in 1986, and William in 1987. With the loss of this generation, Thomas and William continued the business under the name of Wappner Funeral Directors. To better serve their families, a crematory facility was opened in 1988 becoming the first and only crematory in Richland County. In 1989, an insurance company was formed to allow the firm to offer insurance plans as well as trusts to families wishing to fund their preplanned funerals. Over a century and a quarter, embracing four generations through the passage of time is a valued heritage. During the early years, the pace of time allowed for the development of values. Blend this with today's generation and we have over 125 years of experience, the maturity and understanding of people's needs and feelings. The Wappner Family along with its' staff has worked diligently to keep the funeral profession a service for the living with simplicity and patience. For as long as time will allow, it will be our commitment.