You’re driving through Clarkfield, Minnesota, and you see a sign that says J.H. Lynner Co. It looks like a furniture store. Then you notice the word "Funeral." It’s a bit jarring if you aren't from around here, but for the folks in Yellow Medicine County, this combination isn't weird at all. It’s actually a piece of living history that has survived since 1891.
Most people think of funeral homes as these sterile, corporate-owned buildings with interchangeable names. JH Lynner Funeral Home is the polar opposite of that. It’s one of the few remaining "furniture store and funeral home" hybrids in the country. Back in the day, this was common. The guy who built your dining table was usually the same guy who built your casket. Over a century later, the Lynner family is still doing both.
The Dual Identity of J.H. Lynner Co.
Honestly, it's pretty rare to find a place where you can buy a King Koil mattress and then walk into a consultation for a memorial service. Jens H. Lynner started the whole thing. He was a furniture maker who set up shop next to his father-in-law’s harness shop. As the population in Clarkfield grew, so did the need for professional burial services.
John Howard Lynner represents the fourth generation. That’s a massive amount of pressure to carry, but in a small town, that longevity translates to a deep, personal trust. You aren't just a "client" when you walk through those doors at 1012 10th Avenue. You're likely the grandson or granddaughter of someone they served fifty years ago.
The furniture side isn't just a side hustle. It’s actually the only remaining furniture store in the entire county. They sell:
👉 See also: Euro to Colombian Peso: What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Rate
- Ridgeway grandfather clocks
- Vinyl flooring and laminates
- Lift chairs for the elderly
- Full bedding sets
It creates this weirdly comforting environment. It’s a business that helps you live your life comfortably and then handles the end of it with dignity.
Why the Small-Town Model Still Works
Small-town funeral directing is a 24/7 grind. People don't die on a convenient 9-to-5 schedule. When someone passes away in the middle of a blizzard in western Minnesota, the Lynners are the ones answering the phone. They handle everything from transporting the deceased to filing the Social Security paperwork and notifying the Veterans Administration.
One thing people often get wrong is thinking that small-town homes can't handle modern requests. That’s just not true. While they specialize in traditional burials at places like the Clarkfield Lutheran Cemetery, they’ve adapted to the massive rise in cremation. You can have a full traditional viewing followed by cremation, or a simple memorial service without an urn present. They’re flexible because they have to be.
🔗 Read more: Why the Costco Hot Dog Price Still Defies Every Rule of Economics
Costs and Practicalities
Let’s talk money for a second because nobody likes to, but everyone needs to know. Based on recent data, a basic service at J.H. Lynner usually starts around $1,875 for the professional services of the director and staff. When you add in embalming (usually around $450), a casket (starting near $1,500), and the use of the hearse, you're looking at a total estimate of roughly $5,800 to $6,000.
That’s actually quite competitive compared to the big corporate firms in the Twin Cities.
Handling Grief in a Tight-Knit Community
In a city, you can be anonymous in your grief. In Clarkfield, everyone knows. The obituaries at JH Lynner Funeral Home read like a history of the town itself. Names like Leslie Craig, Michael Laechelt, and Ruth Sturgeon pop up—people who built the local farms and businesses.
The staff doesn't just "do" funerals; they act as the community’s keepers of memory. They write the obituaries that get sent to the local papers. They coordinate with local florists. They even help families navigate the complex world of life insurance claims.
A lot of families are now choosing to pre-plan. It sounds morbid, but it’s actually one of the kindest things you can do for your kids. You sit down with the director, pick out your preferences, and basically "lock in" the plan so your family doesn't have to make agonizing choices while they’re reeling from a loss.
What to Do Next
If you’re actually looking for help right now or just trying to get your ducks in a row, here is how you handle it:
💡 You might also like: The Brands That Built America: How Corporate Giants Actually Shaped a Superpower
- Check the Obituaries: If you are looking for a recent service, their website is the most accurate source for dates and times. Don't rely on third-party scrapers that might have the wrong church listed.
- Call Directly: For immediate needs, don't email. Call 320-669-4416. It’s a 24-hour business for a reason.
- Gather Paperwork: If you are meeting with them for a cold call or a pre-plan, bring the person's Social Security number, veteran discharge papers, and a list of immediate family. It saves hours of back-and-forth.
- Visit the Store: If you’re just looking for furniture, the showroom is open during regular business hours. It’s a great way to support a local multi-generational business that keeps the town’s economy moving.
Supporting a place like JH Lynner Funeral Home isn't just about the service they provide today. It's about maintaining a tradition that has lasted over 130 years in a world that is becoming increasingly impersonal.