Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Inc.

Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Inc., operating as Bender Chapel at 207 West Main Street in North Manchester, Indiana, is a deeply rooted, family-owned funeral home that has served Wabash County with compassion and professionalism for over nine decades. The firm’s legacy began in 1933 when Lloyd and Alma Grandstaff established their first funeral home at the corner of Chippewa Road and Quincy Street in nearby Roann. For more than 25 years, they provided area families with dignified, personalized care in a comfortable, family-oriented setting. Their son, Ken Grandstaff, became the second generation to carry on the tradition after graduating from mortuary school in 1961. In 1975, Ken and his wife, Kathie, were joined by Roann native Steve Hentgen, forming the partnership that would become Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service. That same year, they expanded their commitment by purchasing the Hoover-Miner Funeral Home (formerly Main Street Chapel) in Wabash. In 1992, the partners acquired Bender Chapel in North Manchester, followed by the Garrett & Sloane Colonial Mortuary, now known as their Manchester Avenue Chapel. In 2009, Chad Maple—Lloyd and Alma’s grandson and Ken and Kathie’s nephew—became a partner, representing the third generation to uphold the family’s tradition of serving the community. Today, Grandstaff-Hentgen operates multiple locations across Roann, Wabash, and North Manchester, each staffed by a caring, professional team dedicated to the highest ideals of funeral service. At the North Manchester Bender Chapel, families find a welcoming space where every detail is handled with sensitivity and respect. The chapel offers a full range of services, including traditional funerals, cremation options, memorial ceremonies, graveside services, and veterans’ honors. Staff work closely with families to create personalized tributes that reflect the unique life of the deceased, coordinating with clergy, cemeteries, and other vendors to ease the burden during a difficult time. Pre-planning services are also available, allowing individuals to document their wishes and lock in current pricing, providing peace of mind for loved ones. The facility is wheelchair accessible with on-site parking, ensuring comfort for all visitors. While the location is currently listed as temporarily closed, the firm remains committed to serving families with the same dedication that has defined it since 1933. For immediate assistance or to discuss pre-arrangements, families are invited to call (260) 982-4393. Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service continues to be a trusted pillar of the North Manchester community, honoring lives with dignity and care.