oUR hISTORY
Our Story
The "Dan Macken Company" was founded in 1909 in Rochester by Daniel Macken. Born to Irish Immigrant farmers in Marion Township, Olmsted County in 1877, Mr. Macken graduated from the College of Mortuary Science at Minneapolis, obtaining embalming license M-77. He subsequently served an embalming apprenticeship at Willwerscheid Mortuary in St. Paul. He began working for FJ Paine Funeral & Furniture Co. in Rochester – opening his own firm 9 months later.
The Dan Macken Company included a furniture store that was located at 325 South Broadway (NW corner). Later, the business moved to 220 First Avenue SW and the furniture store was discontinued. The "China Hall" company later occupied this building. Dan Macken’s siblings Michael and Cyril both worked for Dan during these early years.
In August of 1931, the business bought and moved into the Schuster Brewery family house located at 223 Fourth Street SW. The Dan Macken Company name eventually was changed to Macken Funeral Home and run solely by Dan Macken. The second generation, Daniel D. Macken, joined the firm after returning from military service in 1950 and graduating from the University of MN Mortuary Science program at Minneapolis. Daniel D. moved the business to its current location on the "Beltline" (1105 12th Street SE) in 1963. His father, founder Dan Macken, passed away that same year.
In 1977, 3rd Generation Daniel K. Macken and Timothy J. Macken joined their father after graduating from the University of MN Mortuary Science Program at Minneapolis. The brothers are responsible for building additions and adding a crematory at the 11th Ave SE location, and in 2010, built the River Park Chapel that resides on the current Macken Funeral Home campus. Over the years, Dolores Macken, spouse to 2nd Generation Dan D., worked in the office, and later sisters Ann Macken Nigon (retired) and Mary Macken Garry (retired) acted as office administrators since the 1990’s. Daniel K. retired in 2017, and Timothy in 2019. Peter Macken, fourth-generation funeral director, joined the firm in 2006 after graduating from the University of MN Mortuary Science Program at Minneapolis and will continue the proud tradition of taking the Macken Funeral Home into the future along with his partner, Chris Bronte, who joined the firm in 2004. Together with their staff, Peter and Chris are responsible for the 2023 addition of the large reception hall and kitchen space connected to the River Park Chapel.
It has been a privilege for Macken Funeral Home to serve the Rochester community since 1909. Our dedicated service will continue into the future with the same family-centered values passed down from the original founder, Dan Macken. A special thank-you is extended to Rochester and its surrounding communities for their patronage for so many years.
Why Choose Macken Funeral Home
At Macken Funeral Home, we believe every life deserves to be honored with care, dignity, and respect for all faiths. During one of life’s most difficult moments, our role is to guide, support, and listen—so families can focus on what matters most.
What sets us apart:
Deep Roots in the Rochester Community
We are proud to serve Rochester and the surrounding area with a strong commitment to our neighbors. We understand the traditions, values, and needs of the families we serve, because this is our community too. Macken has been part of the Rochester community since 1909.
Compassionate, Personal Guidance
No two lives are the same, and no service should be either. We take the time to listen and help families create meaningful services that reflect their loved one’s life, values, and wishes—whether traditional, contemporary, or something uniquely personal.
Experienced, Professional Care
Our team brings knowledge, professionalism, and attention to detail to every aspect of the funeral process. From planning and coordination to after-care support, families can trust that every detail will be handled with respect and precision. We would like to add something to the fact that the directors bring over 120 years of combined experience.
Support Before, During, and After
Our care doesn’t end when services conclude. We are here to answer questions, offer resources, and provide ongoing support—whether you are planning ahead or navigating a recent loss.
A Commitment to Honoring Life
Above all, we are dedicated to helping families remember, celebrate, and honor life in a way that feels right for them.
