Jack's Memory Tree Lighting

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. on Sunday, December 1, 2024.