Katharine K. Wagner-Elfner, Mortician

03/01/2026

Sometimes a girl just needs some kisses from her dog! 🐶

02/23/2026

Exciting news! ❤️

One thing has become very clear to us lately: there is a genuine curiosity about funeral service.

What we do every day is often seen as mysterious, sometimes even misunderstood, and for many people there simply has not been a comfortable place to ask questions and get honest, straightforward answers.

As our platforms have grown, so has the number of thoughtful questions coming our way. Last Thursday evening really confirmed what we have been feeling.

We hosted our very first Facebook Live… and wow! It exceeded every expectation we had. We answered your questions about preneed, talked through reconstructive work that happens behind the walls of the prep room, and even shared a few more personal moments so you could get to know us beyond the funeral home walls. What truly meant the most to us was this: on a Thursday night, we never dipped below 100 viewers. That means at least 100 of you chose to spend your evening, whether for a few minutes or the full two hours, right there with us when you could have been doing literally anything else.

You showed up for us, and we want you to know we are absolutely committed to showing up for you.

Because of last Thursday night, we’ve decided this is something we want to keep doing.

Many of you will remember the longtime daytime soap As the World Turns, a show that kept viewers coming back episode after episode to follow real-life moments, unexpected twists, and the human stories that connected us all. While our content might look a little different than daytime TV 😉, the heart behind it is similar. Real conversations. Real education. Real behind-the-scenes insight into a profession most people only see at life’s most difficult moments.

So, with that in mind, we are officially introducing:

✨ As the Hearse Turns ✨

We will be sharing an exciting announcement very soon 👀 but for now, go ahead and mark your calendars for the next FACEBOOK LIVE!

📅 March 12
⏰ 6:00 PM Eastern

Moving forward, we will be inviting special guests to join us, professionals from across funeral service and related fields, to answer your questions, talk about their roles, and continue pulling back the curtain on this profession we care so deeply about.

Bring your questions. Bring your curiosity. And if last week was any indication, you will not want to miss this one!

Most importantly, make sure to LIKE & FOLLOW this page so you can stay up to date with future announcements!

02/22/2026

I still remember this day almost two years ago.

It’s a reminder of just how important the little details are before a funeral service begins. Taking those extra moments to gently touch up makeup, smooth the hair, adjust clothing, and make sure everything is just right truly matters. Families notice. They may not always be able to explain why their loved one looks so peaceful and natural, but they feel it.

Every so often, I hear from people on Facebook at Wagner-Elfner and Burg Funeral Home & Cremation Services who have had less-than-ideal experiences elsewhere. They’ll sometimes share that their loved one looked okay (or in some cases, not okay at all) Maybe their coloring appeared a bit grey or bruised, or fingernails weren’t as clean as they could have been. Other times, it’s the small things that stand out: makeup that needed a softer blend, hair that could have been gently smoothed, or clothing and undergarments that were visible when they shouldn’t have been. While these details may seem minor to some, they can stay with a family for years and become part of the memory they carry forward.

That’s exactly why I intentionally build time into my schedule before every service. Those quiet final moments allow me to step back in, reassess, and make any gentle refinements needed so the individual in our care is presented with the dignity and attention they deserve.

Because in funeral service, it’s often the smallest details that leave the biggest and most lasting impression 🩷

02/18/2026

Watch & learn! ❤️

02/11/2026

Good evening ❤️ Just popping on here to remind you that the Best of York nomination period is currently up and running!  Our team was very humbled and honored to win the 2024 and 2025 award 🥇 

We would be incredibly grateful if you would take time to nominate us for 2026. You may vote once a day every day through February 25!

https://ydr.gannettcontests.com/2026-York-Hanover-Communitys-Choice-Awards/gallery?group=534548

02/09/2026

Just a girl and her new sparkly pink embalming machine from Frigid Fluid Company ✨

Give us a follow at Wagner-Elfner and Burg Funeral Home & Cremation Services where we keep you up to speed regarding anything funeral service related.

And, if you haven’t done so yet today, we would greatly appreciate you taking time to nominate us for the 2026 Best of York award: https://ydr.gannettcontests.com/2026-York-Hanover-Communitys-Choice-Awards/gallery?group=534548 🩷

02/06/2026

Working in funeral service has changed the way I see everyday life ~ especially when it comes to how I take care of my own health. This profession gives you a perspective most people don’t gain until much later.

Over the next few weeks, we’re collaborating with HH Athletic Club to share different perspectives: one from a personal trainer, and one from a funeral director, and how the two worlds intertwine more than you might think. We’re looking forward to opening up conversations about long-term health, daily habits, and the impact those choices have over time.

01/08/2026

11/29/2025

A little photo dump from the last few months ~ a season that’s been equal parts busy, beautiful, and full of change 🍁🤎