Wappner Funeral Directors & Crematory

Wappner Funeral Directors & Crematory in Ontario, Ohio, is a distinguished funeral home with a rich history dating back to 1872. Originally founded as a partnership in furniture and undertaking by Peter J. Faust and Philip Wappner Sr. in Mansfield, the business evolved into Wappner Brothers and became a charter member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association in 1879. Over generations, the Wappner family expanded, with Philip's son Charles taking over in 1919 and his wife Irilla making history as the first female funeral director in the county after Charles's death in 1925. The funeral home's Mansfield location sits on land once owned by John Chapman, the legendary Johnny Appleseed. In 2021, Wappner joined the Dignity Memorial network, bringing additional resources and benefits to the families it serves. Today, Wappner Funeral Directors & Crematory operates locations in Mansfield, Ashland, and Ontario, offering a full range of funeral, cremation, and burial services.

At the Ontario location, situated near the corner of Park Avenue West and South Lexington-Springmill Road, the funeral home provides a warm, welcoming environment for families to honor their loved ones. The dedicated and compassionate staff understands that every life is unique, and they work closely with families to create personalized memorials that truly reflect the individual. Services range from traditional funerals to modern celebrations of life, with options for large gatherings or intimate ceremonies. The team handles every detail, from floral arrangements and music to decor and mementos, ensuring a meaningful experience.

Cremation services are also available, with the Ashland location featuring an onsite crematory to ensure loved ones remain in the care of the Wappner team. The funeral home offers a variety of cremation choices, from simple cremation without a memorial to full funeral services with catered receptions. Pre-planning is a key focus, allowing individuals to make arrangements in advance, lock in today's prices, and relieve families of emotional and financial burdens. Virtual and in-person consultations are available, along with a free personal planning guide.

Wappner also specializes in honoring veterans and public servants, providing tailored services and a free veterans planning guide. The funeral home is open 24/7, and families can expect a real person on the phone whenever they call. As part of the Dignity Memorial network, Wappner offers unique benefits such as national transferability of prepaid plans, lifetime flexibility to make changes, purchase protection for cemetery property, and a 100% service guarantee. Bereavement support includes complimentary grief counseling by phone for 13 months after services and access to an extensive grief library. The Ontario location features free parking, wheelchair accessibility, and an onsite chapel. A charming tradition is the presence of large grandfather clocks in each location, remnants of the family's early days trading hospital beds for clocks. Wappner Funeral Directors & Crematory is dedicated to providing compassionate, professional care to the Ontario community and beyond.