OUR story

Walker Mortuary & Daughenbaugh Funeral Home Story

Charles and Esther Walker started Walker Mortuary in 1923. The building that houses Walker Mortuary was the first building in Stephenson County to be used for funerals, as a “funeral home.” Before that, services were held in the home of the deceased, or in churches. Charles Walker died in 1925; leaving Mrs. Walker with a brand new building. Esther continued to own and operate Walker Mortuary, spreading her generosity and compassion throughout the community.

In 1938, Albert Turner, a second generation funeral director, started working at Walker Mortuary. Albert purchased the business from Mrs. Walker in 1970. She passed in 1972. Albert’s son, Steve Turner joined him in business in 1973, and in 1975 they formed a partnership that lasted until Albert’s passing in 1984.

Steve continued to serve the community with the same generosity and standards that his father and Esther had before him. Helping those in need was his passion. He strived to find new and better ways to help his community which led him to add an onsite crematory and pet crematory in 2007. That year he also purchased Daughenbaugh Funeral Home in Dakota, IL, adding a new community to serve.

Daughenbaugh Funeral Home was purchased from Stanley Daughenbaugh who continued to be a funeral director in the community.

In 2013, local area funeral director, Justina Hermann started working at Walkers part-time. Justina is a 5th generation funeral director who became licensed in 2009. She worked alongside her father, Bill Hermann and sister, Julia at the Hermann Funeral Homes in Stockton, Shannon and Pearl City. Justina began working at Walkers fulltime in 2015 while still helping her dad and sister.

Steve Turner passed away on September 28, 2016. For a little over a year, the funeral home continued to run under the direction of his Estate and Executor; the caring, compassionate and capable staff of the funeral home; and Justina Hermann as temporary director.

In August of 2017, Justina became the new owner of Walker Mortuary and Cremation; Friends Ever After pet crematory; and Daughenbaugh Funeral Home.

Since then, Justina and the same familiar staff of Walkers have continued to provide professional and caring services to the community with the standards set by those before them. They are extremely proud to support the local communities as a locally owned and run business.