Our History
Preble Memory Gardens Funeral Center & Cemetery has been serving families in Preble County with care, dignity, and compassion since 1970. What began as a peaceful cemetery founded by Robert Birt of Greenville, Ohio, has grown into a trusted funeral home, cemetery, and community center rooted in service, healing, and local commitment.
Preble Memory Gardens was thoughtfully developed to offer families more than a place of burial. From the very beginning, the vision was to create a park-like setting where remembrance, reflection, and peace could coexist. That vision continues to guide everything we do today.
Growth Guided by Service and Community
In 1978, Preble Memory Gardens entered a new chapter when Dan Appenzeller, along with partners Jerry Roberts and Douglas Rauch, acquired the property. Immediate improvements focused on long-term care and beauty, including new drainage systems, modern equipment, and the development of what became known as the Island of Memory. These early investments laid the foundation for a cemetery designed to honor life while supporting families for generations.
By
1980, Dan Appenzeller became the sole owner, expanding the grounds and continuing a commitment to thoughtful growth. Thousands of trees were planted, a mausoleum was constructed, and additional burial options were developed to meet the changing needs of families throughout Preble County.
A Leader in Funeral and Cemetery Services
During the late 1980s, Preble Memory Gardens became one of the first locations in the region to introduce a full-service funeral home and community center within a cemetery setting. Construction of the funeral home began in 1988, alongside the creation of a formal Grief Support System, reflecting a belief that care should extend well beyond the day of the service.
The funeral home officially opened in 1989, offering traditional funeral services, memorial gatherings, and grief resources in one welcoming location. A gazebo, children’s playground, and resource library were added, reinforcing the message that families of all ages are welcome and supported here.
As the facility continued to grow through the early 1990s, the Community Center, expanded funeral chapel, casket display room, and outdoor gathering spaces were completed. Today, the combined Funeral Home, Community Center, and Office Complex spans 8,900 square feet, allowing us to serve families with flexibility, comfort, and care.
Commitment to Healing, Innovation, and Tradition
Throughout the years, Preble Memory Gardens has remained dedicated to both tradition and innovation. From the Avenue of Flags honoring service members, to the Living Memorial Landscape Program, to offering a horse-drawn funeral caisson, every addition has been guided by respect, remembrance, and meaningful tribute.
Our team has grown alongside the facility. Licensed funeral directors, grief support professionals, and dedicated staff members work together to ensure families receive personalized care, whether planning ahead or navigating a recent loss. Multiple generations of the Appenzeller family have served here, reinforcing our identity as a
locally owned and operated funeral home and cemetery.
Serving Families Today and Into the Future
Today, Preble Memory Gardens is proud to be a leading provider of funeral services and cemetery services in Preble County. We continue to expand thoughtfully, maintaining beautifully landscaped grounds while reserving space for future development to serve generations to come.
Our services include:
- Traditional burial, cremation, and mausoleum options
- Pre-planning and at-need funeral services
- Grief support groups and educational programs
- A community center for family gatherings and post-funeral meals
- Memorial programs that honor life, legacy, and service
For over five decades, families have trusted Preble Memory Gardens to walk beside them during life’s most difficult moments. We consider it an honor to serve our community with compassion, integrity, and care.
