Raymer- Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Services proudly carries forward a legacy of compassionate service that began in 1845. For more than 180 years, the Kepner family has been dedicated to serving communities and families with dignity, integrity, and unwavering care — a tradition spanning over many generations, with five generations of Kepners personally devoted to this calling.

In January 1989, Almond, Raymer & McConnell Funeral Home, Inc. opened at the corner of Sam Furr Road (Hwy 73) and Old Statesville Road (Hwy 115) in Huntersville, North Carolina. Founded by Milton Almond, John Raymer, Jr., and Murray McConnell, the funeral home quickly became a trusted presence in the Lake Norman community. In 1998, John Raymer, Jr. became sole owner and faithfully served families until his passing in 2009.

On April 1, 2011, John D. Kepner and James B. Kepner — owners of Kepner Funeral Homes in Wheeling, West Virginia — purchased the funeral home, continuing its long-standing tradition of excellence. A fourth-generation funeral director, John D. Kepner and his wife, Claudia, made Lake Norman their home and became members of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Cornelius, the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club of North Mecklenburg. In January 2012, their son Jonathan Kepner joined the family business after graduating from mortuary school, representing the next generation of dedicated service.

On October 1, 2012, Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Services opened the first on-site crematory in North Mecklenburg County, providing families with the added assurance and peace of mind that their loved ones remain in trusted local care. In 2020, the Kepner family expanded their commitment to service by opening the Raymer-Kepner Life Tribute Center in Denver, North Carolina, offering families in Lincoln County a convenient and welcoming location to make arrangements and celebrate meaningful tributes.

Today, the legacy continues with Jonathan Kepner, a fifth-generation funeral director, and his wife, Lindsey, as they raise their two children in the Lake Norman community. With deep respect for the generations before him and a heartfelt commitment to those he serves today, Jonathan looks forward to continuing this sacred calling for generations to come.

Rooted in history yet focused on the future, Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home & Cremation Services remains a trusted cornerstone of the Lake Norman community — honoring every life with dignity, creating meaningful tributes, and guiding families with compassion when they need it most.