Who We Are

Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home has years of experience caring for Defiance area families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.

Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.

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  Proud to be locally owned and operated since 1929.

  "Designed to comfort the living and a special place to        honor a loved one."

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  History of the Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home

  The tradition of quality service which began in 1929, continues today.  Clarence (Bob) Morris and H. K. Morris started the business at 830 S. Clinton St. The Morris brothers operated the funeral home until 1952, when it was sold to Fred Stick. Fred Stick became partners with Wayne Frye in 1961. During this time they also owned the funeral home in Sherwood.  Dave Lawson became the owner in 1964. He also purchased the Rupp Funeral Home, located  across from St. Mary's Catholic church in 1971. In 1976, Mike Roessner began working at the funeral home. Jayne and Mike Roessner purchased the business in 1980.  They built the new funeral home in 1993, located at 1753 S. Clinton St.  It provides ample parking and is handicapped accessible with no steps. It is designed to comfort the living and a special place to honor a loved one.   It has been family owned and operated since 1929.  We cherish the trust of families our firm has served for generations and also the new families we serve each year.



Mike Roessner, Owner

Mike began working at the funeral home in 1976. He married Jayne Christman in 1980 and they bought the funeral home that same year. Jayne was a teacher at Defiance Middle School for 32 years. They have two daughters, Lynn married to Christopher Ankney and Jessica. Mike feels honored to have served the Defiance area for over 30 years. He is thankful for the friendship, goodwill and loyalty of families he has had the privilege to serve. He is a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner and member of the District, State and National Funeral Directors Associations.

We are proud of our funeral home staff comprised of courteous and understanding people who are fully aware of the dignity, reverence and almost sacred duty entrusted in us.

We are regular folks, just like you. We attend church, belong to local clubs and are active in the community. We have homes, cut our grass, shovel our snow and pay our bills.

We have families. We have experienced the joys of a new baby and the sadness of the death of a loved one. We have laughed and cried too. We are here to help you. We are here to take care of you.

"There is no trade, no profession which stands in such a delicate balance as a funeral home. It must be solemn but not doleful; Helpful but not cheerful; Competent but not morbid; Spiritual but not hyper-religious; Cordial but not intimate; Ready to assist but not overbearing. " written by Jim Bishop

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