Kesling Funeral Home In Mobridge South Dakota

Alright, picture this: You're cruising down the winding roads of Mobridge, South Dakota, a town so small it's like a whisper in the wind. Suddenly, you spot a building that's equal parts historic, equal parts... quirky. Welcome to Kesling Funeral Home, folks! Now, before you start thinking I'm about to tell you a ghost story, let me assure you, this is no ordinary funeral home. It's a blast from the past, a laugh riot, and a testament to the fact that even in the most unexpected places, there's room for a good chuckle.

Once Upon a Time in Mobridge

Let's rewind to the 1920s. Mobridge is just a speck on the map, but it's got big dreams. Enter Earl Kesling, a man with a vision. He's not just any man, mind you. He's a mortician, a builder, and, as we'll soon find out, a bit of an artist. He decides Mobridge needs a funeral home, and not just any funeral home - it needs the funeral home. So, he builds this grand, imposing structure, right in the heart of town. Talk about making an entrance!

Meet the Kesling Family: The Original Reality TV Stars

Now, here's where things get interesting. Earl's not just running the show; he's got his whole family involved. His wife, Mabel, is the brains behind the operation. She's the one who makes sure everything runs smoothly, from the funerals to the finances. Then there's their son, Bob. Bob's not your average funeral director. He's a character, a local legend. He's the one who, legend has it, once drove a hearse to the top of a nearby hill, just for the view. Now that's what I call living life to the fullest!

Funeral Home by Day, Mansion by Night

But here's the kicker. This isn't just a funeral home. Oh no, that would be too simple. It's also the Kesling family home. That's right, folks. They lived there. Can you imagine coming home from a long day of, well, funeral directing, and kicking off your shoes in the grand foyer? Or having to tiptoe around caskets to get to the kitchen? Talk about a unique living situation!

When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade (Or, You Know, Funeral Cakes)

Now, you might be thinking, "This all sounds great, but what about the funerals? How do they pull off such a somber event in such an... unconventional setting?" Well, let me tell you, the Keslings were nothing if not resourceful. They'd set up the funerals in the living room, complete with a makeshift altar and a piano for hymns. And get this, they'd serve funeral cakes - yes, you heard it right - to the mourners. Now that's a twist on the traditional wake I hadn't seen coming!

From the Keskings to the Keystone Cops

But the real pièce de résistance, the cherry on top of this peculiar sundae, is the Kesling family's involvement in the Keystone Cops. That's right, folks. The Keskings, as they were locally known, were so beloved that they were featured in a silent film series. Talk about a rags-to-riches-to-funeral-home story!

And They All Lived (Sort of) Happily Ever After

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. The Kesling Funeral Home closed its doors in the 1970s, and the family moved on. But their legacy lives on. The building still stands, a testament to a time when funeral homes were more than just businesses - they were family homes, community hubs, and even silent film stars. So, the next time you're in Mobridge, South Dakota, do yourself a favor and take a moment to appreciate the Kesling Funeral Home. It's not just a building; it's a story. And what a story it is!

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