Our Grounds
Reflections
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Jack’s Memory Tree Lighting & Luminary Service
December 06, 2026
This year, we have decided to combine the Jack’s Memory Tree Lighting and our Annual Luminary Service into one evening filled with love and cherished memories. Luminaries will be available to be placed on graves at 5:00 PM. The story behind Jack's Memory Tree: For more than 60 years, Jack Steppleman who was known as Mr. Christmas would create an elaborate outdoor Christmas display surrounding his home for the entire community to enjoy. Since his passing, we have honored Jack's years of work by inviting you and your family to gather around Jack's Memory Tree. Some of the best memories we have in life are the times we spend together with family and friends during the holidays. Our family, along with Jack's family, started this tradition of having an outdoor memory tree in honor of those special loved ones we are missing around the holiday season. In previous years, we hosted this celebration at Houser-Millard Funeral Home by lighting a 30-foot tree. We've since moved the celebration to Hawthorn Memorial Gardens and upgraded our tree to a 60-foot pole with 72 strands of soft white lights and a seven-foot-tall blue star sitting on top. Throughout the holiday season, you and your family are invited to place a special ornament or picture in honor of a loved one on our Memory Boards. We hope you enjoy this new and improved version of Jack's Memory Tree. Special Prayers of Remembrance and the traditional reading of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" will begin at 6:00 p.m.
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Wreaths Across America Program
December 19, 2026
Each December, Hawthorn Memorial Gardens participates in the national Wreaths Across America event in conjunction with Arlington National Cemetery. We invite members of the community to join us in honoring the veterans laid to rest at our memorial gardens by sponsoring a wreath and/or by placing wreaths at veteran gravesites. To learn more about becoming a sponsor or volunteer for this event, please call our office at (573) 635-4594.
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