History & Staff
We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
Our History
Harry W. Mealy and Dena (Hoppe) Mealy began serving families of Waterford from our Main Street location in 1923.
Over the years, Harry W. and Dena, along with sons Harry Jr. and
Thomas "Spud", and daughter Ione (Mealy) Kojis have been involved with
offering compassion and comfort to those in need.
Spud Mealy reached out to the community and beyond, lending a
helping hand to anyone in need. Spud and Ione ran the funeral home
until Spud's untimely death in 1978 at the age of 49. Harry "Dudu" Mealy
Jr. passed away in 1996. Ione Kojis continued working with families
until August of 2000.
Ione M. Kojis passed away peacefully on May 16, 2005 with family by her side, at age 78.
Currently John E. Kojis, son of Ione M.(Mealy) Kojis, Funeral
Director and President of Mealy Funeral Home is the third generation of
the Mealy Family to operate the Funeral Home.
John states: "Our primary focus is the family and their needs. We strive to help them plan a service that is personalized and memorable for their special loved one."
Our Valued Staff
John E. Kojis, President/Licensed Director
John graduated from MATC Mortuary College in June of 2002. He is a third generation licensed funeral director and former owner of Mealy Funeral Home. As his Grandpa Mealy always said, "Take care of families needs, it is a great reward to comfort others!" John brings a great sense of caring and compassion to his work, striving to make the hardest time in one's life just a little easier.
John has been married to Barbara since 2002. John enjoy's part-time farming, collecting antique snowmobile's and the Packers .
Ted Hegeman, Licensed Director
Ted has over 45 years of funeral experience in the Waterford and Burlington area's. For many years he worked along side John's mother Ione at Mealy Funeral Home. He is a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Burlington where he lives with his wife Gayle, Ted and Gayle enjoy spending time in Iowa with there daughter and son-in-law and granddaughter..
Ted brings experience and knowledge to our firm. Ted enjoys a good walk or bike ride around the city of Burlington!