Ruthven Iowa Funeral Home

Let’s talk about a funeral home. Yes, you read that right. But stick with me—this is the most fun you’ll ever have discussing mortality.

We’re heading to Ruthven, Iowa. Population: 732. Quirks: at least one epic funeral home.

The place is called the Ruthven Funeral Home. Sounds serious, but it’s anything but. Locals will tell you it’s as cozy as a living room—if your living room had a casket display.

The weirdest secret? It’s all about the front porch.

Yes, the funeral home has a front porch. And people hang out there. Porch-sitting is a Midwestern sport, even when the guest of honor is, well, inside.

You might see neighbors sipping lemonade and chatting. Meanwhile, inside, there’s a peaceful viewing. It’s like a block party, but with better flowers.

The building itself is a star.

It’s an old Victorian house. Gingerbread trim, wraparound porch, painted in cheery cream-and-green. It looks like a gingerbread house for ghosts.

Driving past, you’d never guess it’s a funeral home. You’d think, “Ooh, a bed-and-breakfast!” Nope. Just a place where you can go and… never check out.

Ruthven is tiny. That makes this place personal.

Everyone knows everyone. If you die in Ruthven, your funeral director also knows your dog’s name. And your parking habits.

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They’ll greet you (and your family) with a hug, not a handshake. That’s the Iowa way. It’s oddly heartwarming.

And the services? They get creative.

One local favorite: drive-thru visitations. Yes, like a fast-food funeral. You roll down your window, pay your respects, and grab a tissue. No need to get out of the car.

Another time, a family held a wake in the funeral home’s backyard. With a grill. And lawn chairs. The deceased loved barbecues, so they threw one final party. Talk about going out with a bang.

Fun fact: Ruthven’s funeral home is also a history museum.

They keep old hearses in the garage. One is a horse-drawn carriage from 1890. It’s black and velvet-lined, like a Victorian hearse from a horror movie. But locals just call it “Ol’ Bessie.”

Kids in town dare each other to touch it. It’s the most exciting thing to happen since the 1989 tornado.

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But here’s the real kicker.

The funeral home hosts community events. Pancake breakfasts. Craft fairs. Trivia nights. Seriously. You can win a mug while sitting next to an urn display.

Last year, they held a pumpkin-carving contest on the lawn. The winner? A jack-o-lantern that looked suspiciously like the local mayor. He took it as a compliment.

Why is this fun to talk about?

Because it breaks the rules. Death is supposed to be quiet and serious. But Ruthven says, “Nah, let’s add a front porch and trivia.”

It reminds us that even in a tiny Iowa town, you can find humor, warmth, and a really good pancake—all in one building.

So next time you drive through Ruthven, slow down. Wave at the porches. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Ol’ Bessie. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll realize that funerals don’t have to be the end of the fun.