Our History

A St. Marys story since 1894

For generations, families in St. Marys have turned to the funeral home now known as Piper for guidance, comfort, and care. Our story began with Oscar Verschelden in 1894 and continues today under the ownership of David Pryor. Along the way, our historic stone home has become a lasting connection between the families we serve and the community we call home.

Through the years

1888 | The home on Maple Street

Amos and Matilda Pool built their limestone Queen Anne residence at Eighth and Maple in 1888. Completed that December, the home became a distinctive St. Marys landmark, known for its craftsmanship and welcoming spaces.

1894 | A tradition of care begins

Oscar Verschelden, a Belgian immigrant and local veterinarian, studied embalming and purchased an undertaking business in St. Marys. His work marked the beginning of a funeral service tradition that would continue through three generations of the Verschelden family.

1894 | A tradition of care begins

Oscar Verschelden, a Belgian immigrant and local veterinarian, studied embalming and purchased an undertaking business in St. Marys. His work marked the beginning of a funeral service tradition that would continue through three generations of the Verschelden family.

1916–1934 | From family home to funeral home

Oscar purchased the former Pool residence in 1916 and moved there with his family. On December 2, 1934, Oscar and his son George opened the building as Verschelden Funeral Home. The first floor and basement were adapted for funeral services, while the upstairs remained the family’s home.

Three generations | The Verschelden years

Oscar’s son George, followed by his grandson George Jr., continued the family’s work, with Catherine Verschelden also serving as a funeral director. Beyond caring for grieving families, the Verscheldens operated a local ambulance service and contributed to community life through church, civic organizations, and city leadership.

For much of this time, the building was both a family home and a place of comfort for neighbors experiencing loss.

Three generations | The Verschelden years

Oscar’s son George, followed by his grandson George Jr., continued the family’s work, with Catherine Verschelden also serving as a funeral director. Beyond caring for grieving families, the Verscheldens operated a local ambulance service and contributed to community life through church, civic organizations, and city leadership.

For much of this time, the building was both a family home and a place of comfort for neighbors experiencing loss.


1994 | The Piper chapter

Mike and Jami Piper purchased the funeral home in 1994, following George Jr.’s death the previous year. For the next 30 years, Mike continued serving local families while caring for the historic property. Updates brought modern comforts to the building while preserving much of its original character.


2024 | Continuing the legacy

St. Marys native and funeral director David Pryor purchased Piper Funeral Home in 2024. With his wife Jackie’s encouragement and support, David returned to his hometown to continue its long tradition of personal care.

As part of this new chapter, the Pryors undertook renovations to make the building their family home while preserving the features and history that make it special.

Preserving a community landmark

In December 2025, the property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places under its historic name, Verschelden Funeral Home.



The preservation project brought renewed attention to the building’s architecture and the Verschelden family’s generations of service. Today, caring for this historic home goes hand in hand with continuing its purpose: being here for families when they need support.

A look through the years

These historical photographs offer a glimpse of the people and place behind our story, preserving memories of a funeral home that has grown alongside St. Marys.

Here for the next generation

Our name and ownership have changed over the years, but our purpose remains rooted in listening, helping, and caring for our neighbors. We are honored to carry that tradition forward.