Our Staff
Marcus grew up in Northeast Iowa in St. Olaf, IA, and graduated from the Elkader High School, Elkader, IA in 1972. He moved to Cedar Rapids, IA, and attended and graduated from the Kirkwood Community College in 1975. He then moved to Chicago to attend the Worsham Mortuary College and graduated in 1976, Moving back to Iowa to serve his internship at the Hayden Funeral Home in Wyoming, IA. After receiving his funeral director license he moved back to Cedar Rapids to work at the John B. Turner & Sons Funeral Home.
Marcus purchased the Schmidt Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA in 1978 and this is where he has made his home ever since. Being on the Illinois and Missouri border he obtained his Illinois and Missouri Funeral Director and Embalmers License.
In 1994 he purchased the former Shaffer and Sons Funeral Home in Kahoka, MO, now named, Vigen Memorial Home. In 2018, the opportunity arose to purchase a building in Montrose, IA, and the Vigen Memorial Home Chapel of Montrose was established.
Marcus and Sarah were married in 2005 and together they strive to help families create a personalized tribute to their loved ones.
Marcus and Sarah are members of the First Christian Church in Keokuk.
Sarah has lived in Keokuk since 1970 when her family moved here from southern Illinois. She graduated from Keokuk High School and then attended Lincoln Christian College for one year. She returned to Keokuk and graduated from Southeastern Community College and furthered her education at George Williams College in Downers Grove, IL where she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree.
Sarah began her employment with Vigen Memorial Home in 1995. In 2001, she decided to return to school to further her education in funeral service. Sarah graduated from Arapahoe Community College in Littleton, CO in August of 2003 with a degree in Mortuary Science. She has received her funeral directors licenses for Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.
Sarah and Marcus Vigen were married in 2005 and together they strive to help families create a personalized tribute to their loved ones.
Sarah and Marcus are members of the First Christian Church in Keokuk.
Sarah is an active member of the Great River Players Community Theater voluntering in various ways as well as appearing on stage from time to time. Music is a big part of her life and she currently is the organist at All Saints Catholic Church and St. Johns Episcopal Church in Keokuk.
Melissa was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and at the age of 3 moved to Keokuk with her parents. She was a 1994 graduate of the Keokuk High School and a 2002 graduate of the Carl Sandburg College, Mortuary Science Department. Melissa received her funeral directors license in Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. She is currently working at the Vigen Memorial Home in Kahoka, MO where she resides with her husband Jason, and her two sons, Ryan and Brent.
Melissa enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching her sons in their sporting events, traveling, and helping and doing things for the community.
Jennifer’s position at Vigen Memorial Home is Secretary and office manager. Jennifer is a Keokuk native and graduated from Keokuk High School. She is married to Dustin and they have two children and one grandson.
