Our History

Wabash Memorial Chapel is a family-owned and operated business. Hackett Funeral Home was started by Fred N. Hackett, Sr. in 1951. Mr. Hackett established the ideals and quality service recognized by everyone in Southwest Iowa. That tradition was carried on by his son, Fred Hackett, Jr., and later by Vaughn Livingston, who joined the firm in 1983. Vaughn and his wife, Joan, bought the funeral home in 2002.

In January 2020, Marty & Kristy Rieken purchased the funeral home. Marty and Kristy currently also own Rieken-Vieth Funeral Home in Oakland and Rieken-Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold.

Marty is currently serving on the Iowa Board for Mortuary Science. Marty and Kristy have five children: Kyler, Keaten, Kort, Kasper, and Maelie. They enjoy living in Oakland and look forward to serving the area for many years to come.

On January 1, 2023, Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home underwent a name change. Wabash Memorial Chapel, which was the new name chosen, signifies our constant commitment to the area of Southwest Iowa that we serve. The beautiful Wabash Trace provides a place of peace and tranquility for many people in our area. While walking, biking, or running on this trail, many are mesmerized by its lush trees, various wildflowers, and the peaceful river that runs below. It was during one of these walks that the name Wabash Memorial Chapel was born. For the past 72 years, it has been our passion and commitment to walk alongside our families during their grief journey. That is why at Wabash Memorial Chapel, "You Will Not Walk This Journey Alone."  While the ownership at the funeral home changed in the past three years, you will still see the familiar faces of Staci L. Shearer, Richard Robinson, and Judy Lundgren. Dedicated to serving you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.