Wappner Funeral Directors and Crematory

12/21/2025

❄️ On This Cold Winter’s Night – Winter Solstice 2025 ❄️

Tonight, as the winter solstice graces us with the longest night of the year, we find ourselves wrapped in the quiet stillness of a cold winter's evening. The world seems to slow down, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight and the crisp air that fills our lungs with each breath.

This night marks not only the darkest moment but also the beginning of the return of light. From here, each day will gradually grow longer, bringing with it the promise of brighter days ahead. In the midst of the cold, we are reminded that even the darkest times give way to warmth, growth, and renewal.

As we stand on this threshold of seasons, let us take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the stillness, the calm of the night, and the hope that the coming days will bring.

May the winter solstice bring peace, reflection, and a renewed sense of wonder as we embrace the journey into the new year.

Stay warm and safe. 🌙

12/20/2025

Whether your loved one died in 2022 or decades ago, when you are grieving, New Year's does not pass by without your thinking of, and yearning for, the person you love and lost. It is normal to feel strong emotions. It is normal to not know what to do with your feelings of grief. Here are a few ideas to help you cope with grief in the new year. https://bit.ly/4avP71u

12/11/2025

“When Christmas Finds You Anyway”

(Author unknown)

Some years,
Christmas doesn’t look the way you pictured.
The house is quieter,
the table feels smaller,
and life has written chapters
you never meant to read.

But somehow…
Christmas finds you anyway.

It slips in through the soft glow of the tree,
through the smell of something warm in the oven,
through a memory that catches you off guard
and makes your eyes fill with tears.

It finds you in the people who stayed,
in the strength you didn’t know you had,
in the way your heart keeps learning
how to break
and still stay open.

It finds you in the simple things—
a mug in your hands,
a blanket over your knees,
a song you haven’t heard in years
that somehow knows your whole story.

Because Christmas isn’t always loud
or glittery
or full.

Sometimes it’s gentle.
Sometimes it’s healing.
Sometimes it’s a light
that shows up right when you needed reminding
that you’re not walking this season alone.

So if this year looks different…
If you’re grieving,
or rebuilding,
or learning how to begin again—
I hope Christmas finds you anyway.

And I hope it brings peace
to the places that still hurt,
and warmth
to the places that feel cold.

12/11/2025

Sometimes being a good memory to someone is the quietest kind of magic.
It’s not about grand gestures or perfect words—just the moments when you showed up, listened, laughed, or simply existed in a way that made someone feel lighter.

We never really know which pieces of us become someone’s favorite memory.
So live gently, love honestly, and be present.
The smallest moments often echo the longest.

12/07/2025

✨ Ashland Christmas Parade Magic! ✨

What a wonderful evening at the annual Ashland Christmas Parade! Our team had an amazing time celebrating the season with our community. We loved seeing so many smiling faces stop by for a cup of our free hot cider and a fresh sugar cookie—the perfect treat to warm up a chilly December night!

The parade was full of festive floats, holiday music, and joyful energy from beginning to end. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, the night wrapped up with a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the sky!

Thank you to everyone who came out and shared in the holiday spirit with us. ❤️🎄
We’re already looking forward to next year!

11/21/2025

✨ The Wappner Christmas Tree at Kingwood Center Gardens ✨

Today, the Wappner Christmas Tree at Kingwood Center was lovingly decorated by Sara Brucker, Suzie Massa, and Kendall Mortimer, and it’s truly a beautiful tribute to the season and to the loved ones we carry in our hearts.

This year’s theme centers around the cardinal — a symbol of comfort, hope, and the quiet reassurance that those who have passed are still with us in spirit. Many believe that “when a cardinal appears, a loved one is near,” and our tree reflects that peaceful reminder through its warm, thoughtful details.

We invite you to visit Kingwood Center throughout the entire holiday season to experience the tree for yourself. May it bring you the same sense of calm, connection, and holiday warmth that it brought us while creating it. ❤️🎄✨

11/11/2025

Today, and every day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our country with courage, integrity, and selflessness. On this Veterans Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces.

To our local veterans — thank you for the sacrifices you and your families have made to protect our freedoms and preserve the values we hold dear. Your strength and service continue to inspire our community.

We also want to give special recognition to the veterans who are part of our team. Your dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence enrich our workplace every day. We are proud to work alongside you and grateful for the example you set.

Today we honor you, we thank you, and we remember that the freedoms we enjoy are built on your courage and sacrifice.

Thank you, Veterans, for your service.

11/06/2025

Did you know? The building at 98 South Diamond Street in Mansfield — home today to the historical location of Wappner Funeral Directors — sits on land once owned by Johnny Appleseed (John Chapman). This remarkable overlap of frontier history and a long-standing local business speaks to how the land around us carries stories from many eras. Next time you pass by, you’re walking on the same soil where Chapman once planted nurseries and where generations later, the Wappner family began serving the community.

11/04/2025

Ease the emotional and financial burden for loved ones by planning your celebration of life in advance. The best gift you can give your family is peace of mind. Plan now. When you’re ready to get started, message me for more details.

11/04/2025

🗳️ It’s Election Day! 🗳️
Make your voice heard — head to the polls and cast your vote today!
Check your polling place, bring the proper ID if required, and encourage your friends and family to participate. Every vote counts!

11/03/2025

When someone we love passes, it’s not the big things we miss most. It’s all the irreplaceable little things that made them special. It’s the details that matter most.

When someone we love passes it's not the big things we miss most. It's all the irreplaceable little things that made them special. It's the detail that matte...

10/15/2025

A Special Thank You to Jim Young & Paul McFarland.

Today, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to two of our dedicated funeral service assistants, Jim Young and Paul McFarland, who are serving as parking attendants and drivers.

Jim and Paul play a vital role in ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, offering support with professionalism, kindness, and respect. Their calm presence and helpful spirit are a great comfort to the families we serve.

We’re grateful for their continued commitment and compassion regardless of the weather.

Thank you, Jim and Paul.