Padden Funeral Chapel

Padden Funeral Chapel, located at 101 East 3rd Street in Frankfort, Kansas, is a cornerstone of compassionate funeral care with a rich history dating back to 1884. The chapel serves families in Frankfort and the surrounding Marshall County area, offering a range of dignified services including traditional burial, cremation, and preplanning options. The facility is wheelchair accessible with on-site parking, ensuring comfort for all visitors.

The history of funeral service in Frankfort began with Charles Parrish in 1884, who owned the town's first funeral home and a horse-drawn hearse. Over the decades, the business passed through several hands, including the Kennedy family, L.M. Barrett, and Dave W. Shearer—who purchased Frankfort's first automobile hearse in 1916. In 1945, Paul Padden acquired the business, and it became Paul M. Padden, Inc. Under the operation of Paul and his son Wilber "Pat" Padden, the funeral home grew in prominence. The establishment of a dedicated funeral chapel allowed families to hold services in a proper setting, moving away from the tradition of home vigils.

In the 1990s, Jon Padden and Cleve Walstrom purchased the business from Pat and Lela Padden, keeping it in the Padden family for decades. Jon retired in 2007, selling his shares to longtime employee Dustin Zutterman. Cleve Walstrom retired in 2023, transferring his shares to his son V. Woody Walstrom. In 2026, Woody sold his shares to Dustin Zutterman, who now owns the business alongside his daughter Mercedes Zutterman. This continuity of local, family-operated stewardship ensures that Padden Funeral Chapel remains deeply rooted in the community.

Today, Padden Funeral Chapel is part of a network that includes Kinsley Mortuary, Hanover Mortuary, and Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home. Together, they offer personalized care, genuine compassion, and attention to detail, tailoring services to honor each life regardless of religion, culture, or budget. The chapel provides immediate assistance, preplanning consultations, and a year-long grief support program to help families through their journey. With a commitment to excellence and a legacy of trust, Padden Funeral Chapel continues to serve Frankfort with professionalism and heartfelt support.