About

Kinzley Funeral Home was started in 1939 by Darrell W. Kinzley and his parents in a large two story home in North Salem. At the time he started in the funeral business there was another funeral home in Salem run by a co-op. Darrell operated the business until 1943 when he went to serve in the Army during WWII. After returning from the War in 1945 Darrell started up the funeral home again, this time in a small home on Highway 81. In 1948 Darrell's brother, Donald E. Kinzley, joined him in the business. In 1951 they purchased a large apartment building on Main Street in Salem and Kinzley Funeral Home has been at that location since. Darrell and Don also ran the ambulance service in Salem until 1973. In 1956 they purchased the Lindekugel Funeral Home in Spencer, SD and in 1958 they purchased the O'Dell Funeral Home in Montrose, SD. Darrell and Don continued to run the business themselves until 1975 when Don's son, Michael E. Kinzley, returned to join them in the business. In 1977 a major addition, a 30x40 chapel, was added to the east side of the building. On April 30, 1977 Darrell died suddenly at his home. Don and Mike ran the business until Don's sudden death on June 11, 1978. On July 1, 1978 Larry A. Knudson, a Salem native, went into business with Mike. In 1983 they added a basement under the chapel which is home to the casket selection room. In 2004 Mike's son, Andrew J. Kinzley, joined the business. In 2006 Larry was injured while trimming a tree at his home which forced him to retire from the business. In May of 2010 Laura (Kinzley) Boecker moved back to Salem to start working with her father and brother in the family business. On June 3, 2010 Mike passed away suddenly. Presently Andy and Laura operate the funeral home and are proud to carry on the tradition of caring service that Kinzley Funeral Home has offered for the past 70+ years. Andy and Laura opened a funeral chapel in Hartford, SD in the former St. George's Catholic Church in 2011 and also expanded their services to Madison, SD in 2016.

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