“I look at this business as a way to be involved with and be supportive of my community. My family and I live, work, and play here, and this is how I can offer compassion and personal attention to people when they need it most.”

-Jack Mueller

Jack has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer for over 40 years. He chose this career because he saw a way to use his gifts of compassion, eloquence, and clarity to help people heal. He knew he could make a positive difference in the lives of others and in his community.

Jack grew up in Wyoming, Ohio, and helped out with his family’s company, The John Mueller Company & Mueller Roofing Distributors, based in Lockland. These childhood experiences led Jack to understand the needs of the Cincinnati community and the level of customer service and individual attention that a small, family company can provide to clients.

He and his wife Ellen have lived in West Chester for over 30 years and raised their family here. Jack’s oldest daughter graduated from Miami University and is in the workforce, and his younger daughter has graduated from Xavier University and is working in Salt Lake City, Utah. Each day, his family’s Cincinnati roots grow stronger.

“Being in the funeral business is my ministry. It allows me to work within my community, hopefully making a difficult time a little easier. The hugs and thanks I receive from the families are irreplaceable.”

-Lori Hicks

Raised in Liberty Township, Lori graduated from Lakota High School in 1992. She earned her BMS from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, graduating with Cum Laude honors, earning the Charles O. Dhonau award, and receiving recognition as a lab assistant. 

Since the death of her husband in 2021, Lori feels as though she has a new understanding of the grieving process. Licensed for over 25 years, Lori is a Past President of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association. She is also a member of St. Susanna Catholic Church.  

When she's not serving families at the funeral home, Lori enjoys spending time with her son and discovering the world through his eyes. She has also recently discovered a new love of coaching soccer and baseball.

David Grubb is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer with more than 20 years of experience serving families with compassion, dignity, and professionalism. Throughout his career, David has been dedicated to helping families navigate difficult moments while creating meaningful and personalized services that honor the lives of those they love.

Known for his steady leadership and commitment to excellence in funeral service, David brings extensive experience in guiding families, supporting staff, and ensuring that each service reflects the unique wishes and traditions of the families served.

David is a graduate of Hamilton High School and earned his degree in Marketing from the University of Phoenix. He later completed his mortuary education at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and has remained active in professional development throughout his career.

David is a member of the National Funeral Directors Association and the Ohio Funeral Directors Association. He also serves as a board member for The Ohio Acceleration Academies, where he helps support educational opportunities for students and families throughout the community.

Outside of the funeral home, David enjoys spending time outdoors, woodworking, and cheering on the Cincinnati Bengals. Most importantly, he values the time he spends with his daughters, Makenzy and Karly.

Mika, licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer, graduated the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Sciences in 2017 with Summa Cum Laude Honors, as Class Valedictorian, recipient of the Dr. A.J. Nunnamaker Award for Highest Scholastic Standing and Exemplary Citizenship and the Joel E. Crandall Award for Excellence in the Art of Restoration. Mika is also the recipient of the “One to Watch” award from the September 2017 issue of American Funeral Director Magazine. Mika believes it is a distinct honor to work within the profession of Funeral Service and is committed to providing the highest level of excellence when it comes to working with families entrusted to her care. Mika loves spending time with her husband and family, being out in nature, and reading as often as possible. Mika is passionate about being a member of the Cincinnati Jewish community and is a member of Adath Israel Congregation. 

Emily, originally from Northeast Ohio, moved to Cincinnati in 2019 to pursue her calling in funeral service. She earned her degrees from Kent State University and the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, where she developed the knowledge and skills to thoughtfully serve families during life’s most difficult moments.

Emily believes it is a true privilege to walk alongside families as they honor and remember their loved ones. She deeply values the trust placed in her and strives to create a supportive and comforting environment where families feel heard, cared for, and never alone. Her work is grounded in empathy, respect, and a sincere dedication to helping others navigate grief with dignity and care. 

Outside of the office, Emily enjoys reading and spending time with her family, friends, and her dog, Chili.

Clint Eastman, Funeral Director/Pre-need Specialist – has a passion to help

families save time, money, and hardship by educating them on decisions they can make prior to an actual death. He stays current on Medicaid Law, saving the families he consults thousands of dollars. “When I was 13, I attended my first ever funeral service for my grandfather. I was scared and unsettled. The funeral director and my family really helped me through the difficult process, and my life was impacted in a very positive way. I decided to become a funeral director on that day because I saw how a well-thought-out funeral plan could help families during a difficult time. Today, I want to give the families I serve that same experience.”

“I have spent my entire career in the corporate world. Coming to work at a family-owned funeral home felt completely different from what I am used to. But when I saw the love and care that is provided to families here, I knew I was right where I was supposed to be.”

Karen spent her career in the insurance industry. After dedicating decades to her career, she retired in 2024. She spent a year gardening, spending time with her family, and living life off the clock. An opportunity presented itself to fill a need at Mueller Funeral Home. On her first day, she knew this was a place she wanted to be. Helping families on their worst day; providing comfort with words or a hug; is very fulfilling. Spending time comforting others is worth much more than retirement. 

Landon Canupp is a lifelong resident of Hamilton, Ohio, whose formative years were spent on his family’s farm in Reily Township. Raised in a household of first responders, he was instilled with a strong sense of duty, resilience, and community service from an early age. This upbringing shaped his values and commitment to giving back, guiding him toward a career path that blends hands-on experience with a dedication to helping others.

A 2023 graduate of Talawanda High School, Landon has been active in the profession since 2024. Licensed by the State of Ohio as a crematory operator, he is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science to become a licensed funeral director and embalmer in the State of Ohio.

Landon’s primary goal is to treat every individual he serves with the same care and attention he would show his own family. He believes that every person who walks through our doors becomes a part of our family, and he is dedicated to meeting each need with compassion and professionalism.

He retired from ministry in 2020.  With a heart to serve others, it wasn’t long before Lee was looking for another type of ministry to fill the void.  Joining the Mueller Funeral Home team in 2021, he has found that missing piece.  

Beth Gehm-Bishop, grew up in Franklin, Ohio. After serving in the United States Army and United States Air Force as a medic, Beth became a phlebotomist.  She has always had an interest in the funeral industry and joined the Mueller Hicks team in 2023.