This article originally appeared in the Summer 2026 issue of The Independent magazine. OGR members can read full versions of previous magazine editions in the OGR Digital Magazine Archive. 

OGR recently caught up with Michelle Mucico-Krise and Roy Krise, owners of Lynch-Green Funeral Home in St. Marys, Pennsylvania, to chat about their funeral home, the importance of independent funeral service, the latest trends in the profession, and much more. 

Tell us a little about how your funeral home got started and how it has evolved over the years. 

Our funeral home was opened in 1927. Next year we are looking forward to celebrating our 100th year in business! Today it operates as the flagship of three firms, operated by a husband and wife team of first generation funeral directors.

Why was it important for you to keep your funeral home independently owned and operated?

Having an independently owned funeral home is, and will always be, very important to me. Family serving families is the best form of business in my opinion, and it allows every decision we make to be based on the best interests of the families we serve. As an independently owned firm, we answer only to our community. These are our friends and neighbors, and that creates a level of accountability that we are proud to honor. Remaining independent also gives us the freedom to be innovative and offer unique tributes without having to ask permission, we simply say “let’s make it happen.”

What do you find most meaningful or rewarding about working in funeral service?

For me, the reward comes from making an impossible time just a little bit easier for the families who place their trust in us. I hope to lead with compassion and confidence, answer difficult questions, and create something deeply personal that truly reflects a life.

What do you believe distinguishes your funeral home from other funeral homes?

Our philosophy is what sets us apart. We believe every funeral should be unique and personal, which means we don’t offer cookie cutter funerals. Whether it’s bringing a motorcycle into our lobby, setting up an urn in a fishing boat, honoring a farmer with a tractor parked out front, or any other detail that tells a story, we are here for it and here to make it happen. We also believe in a strong foundation with embalming and cosmetics, and we take that responsibility very seriously and believe strongly that presentation of the deceased is of utmost importance. We also firmly believe in the importance of being transparent, and being a trusted resource for the community, therefore we maintain a strong social media presence that is dedicated to education and answering questions many have always been afraid to ask. We have created a warm and welcoming online platform to engage with our community.

What does your funeral home do in order to create a strong community presence?

We are the proud founders of our Hometown Heroes Initiative, which honors the local heroes of the communities we serve. We host veterans brunches, and appreciation events honoring our local first responders with an evening of food, live music, donation drives to support our local fire, police, and search and rescue organizations.

We also host a sock drive and crafting events for our local nursing homes, gifting handmade crafts to the residents and socks at Christmastime.

What growing trends have you noticed in the funeral service industry?

Families are moving away from buying products and moving towards creating experiences. The casket or urn is an integral part, but no longer the center of focus for most families. They want to remember how they felt, that the service reflected their loved ones life, and the details that made the service a meaningful experience to remember. We need to keep in mind that these families can set up their own memorial services and don’t necessarily need the services of a funeral director to create a meaningful service. Therefore, it’s our job as funeral professionals to show the public the value in what we do and our commitment to serving in the best way possible.

What do you value most about OGR? Why did you become a member?

I value the friendships and connections that I’ve already formed and hope to make.I became a member through a dear friend that I admire and look up to, and he shared the value he finds in the organization and thought I would enjoy being part of it as well.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you or your funeral home?

I greatly enjoy being outdoors. We love days spent out on our pontoon boat and waterskiing with our kids, and we love riding our side by side. We also love riding snowmobiles and camping! I also love flamingoes, collecting tea cups, and salt and pepper shakers. I also love funny earrings, my favorite pair is my golf cart earrings!