Our History & Staff
Vigen Memorial Home has been serving Keokuk, IA and Kahoka, MO area families for years. We are honored to be a part of the rich history of this community and plan to be a part of it for many years to come.
Staff members of Vigen Funeral Home are caring and experienced professionals who understand that each family is unique and has personal requests and traditions. These requests and traditions are of utmost importance to our staff of licensed funeral directors.
Our Beginnings
The Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk was constructed in 1929 and was one of the first buildings in the state of Iowa to be built for use strictly as a funeral home. It was known then as the Cunningham Funeral home. In 1978, Marcus Vigen acquired the business, known as the Schmidt Memorial Home. Through the years, several remodeling projects have brought this building to it's present condition, offering a warm, comfortable atmosphere and ample room for visitations and funerals.
In 1994, Vigen Memorial Home expanded to include a branch in Kahoka, Missouri, and acquired the Shaffer Funeral Home. Originally founded in 1873 as the Karle Funeral Home, it has roots deep in the history of Kahoka. A major remodeling project in 1996 updated the facility and created a welcoming environment for the community.
Marcus grew up in Northeast Iowa in St. Olaf, IA, and graduated from the Elkader High School, Elkader, IA in 1972. He moved to Cedar Rapids, IA and attended and graduated from the Kirkwood Community College in 1975. He then moved to Chicago to attend the Worsham Mortuary College and graduated in 1976, Moving back to Iowa to serve his internship at the Hayden Funeral Home in Wyoming, IA. After receiving his funeral director license moved back to Cedar Rapids to work at the John B. Turner & Sons Funeral Home.
Marcus purchased the Schmidt Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA in 1978 and this is where he has made his home ever since. Being on the Illinois and Missouri border he obtained his Illinois and Missouri Funeral director and Embalmers License.
In 1994 he purchased the former Shaffer and Sons Funeral Home in Kahoka, MO, now named, Vigen Memorial Home. In 2018, the opportunity arose to purchase a building in Montrose, IA and the Vigen Memorial Home Chapel of Montrose was established.
Marcus and Sarah were married in 2005 and together they strive to help families create a personalized tribute to their loved ones.
Marcus and Sarah are members of the First Christian Church in Keokuk.
Sarah has lived in Keokuk since 1970 when her family moved here from southern Illinois. She graduated from Keokuk High School and then attended Lincoln Christian College for one year. She returned to Keokuk and graduated from Southeastern Community College and furthered her education at George Williams College in Downers Grove, IL where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree.
Sarah began her employment with Vigen Memorial Home in 1995. In 2001, she decided to return to school to further her education in funeral service. Sarah graduated from Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, CO in August of 2003 with a degree in Mortuary Science. She has received her funeral directors licenses for Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.
Sarah and Marcus Vigen were married in 2005 and together they strive to help families create a personalized tribute to their loved ones.
Sarah and Marcus are members of the First Christian Church in Keokuk.
Sarah is an active member of the Great River Players Community Theater, voluntering in various ways as well as appearing on stage from time to time. Music is a big part of her life and she currently is the organist at All Saints Catholic Church and St. Johns Episcopal Church in Keokuk.
Melissa was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and at the age of three, relocated to Keokuk with her parents, where she spent her formative years. She graduated from Keokuk High School in 1994. She pursued her education at Carl Sandburg College, graduating from the Mortuary Science Department in 2002.
As a second-generation funeral director, Melissa Vigen continues a proud family tradition of compassionate service to her community. Building upon the legacy established by her family, Melissa brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the importance of honoring and celebrating the lives of those who have passed.
Licensed in Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, Melissa is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and care in her role. With a strong commitment to providing comfort and support to grieving families during their time of need, Melissa approaches her work with empathy, integrity, and respect.
In addition to her responsibilities as a funeral director and embalmer, Melissa also serves as the Clark County Public Administrator, further demonstrating her dedication to assisting and advocating for individuals and families in her community.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Melissa finds joy in exploring new destinations and cultures through travel, enriching her life with diverse experiences and perspectives.
Melissa is supported in her journey by her husband, Jason, and her two sons, Brent and Ryan.