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
In 1883 Edward G. O'Donnell purchased Utah Undertaking Company which became O'Donnell Mortuary Chapel and was located at 32 South 4th East in Salt Lake City. The O'Donnell family has been well known throughout the Salt Lake Valley predominately serving the Catholic Community. Edward's sons, Neil and Jack, joined him in the family business and they eventually became partners carrying forth their family service. In 1931 Neil and Jack split their partnership, Jack O'Donnell remained at the O'Donnell Mortuary Chapel and Neil purchased a home located at 372 East 100 South which became Neil O'Donnell Mortuary. Neil's wife, Stella Devine O'Donnell became the first woman to be licensed as a Funeral Director and Embalmer in the State of Utah. In December, 1939, Neil O'Donnell Mortuary held a formal opening of their newly added funeral chapel. Their son, Neil Devine O'Donnell Jr., followed in the footsteps of his parents carrying the family business forward. In 1957 a modernization of the building was completed which included the addition of an office where funeral arrangements are made, a solarium was incorporated through the main entrance and a large covered porch was added. Neil Devine O'Donnell Jr. was joined in the business by his sons, Mike and Casey, and the Mortuary became known as Neil O'Donnell & Sons Mortuary. Casey stepped away from the business in 1997 and his brother Mike continued the legacy of their family. In 2005, Mike was pleased to have his daughter, Katherine O'Donnell Nilson, join him and together they carried forth the same kindness and compassion in serving so many wonderful families.
In April 2020 Neil O'Donnell and Sons Mortuary was purchased by Shawn Wiscombe and Matthew Medford and has become known as Neil O'Donnell Funeral Home. A very important facet of the transition of ownership is that Shawn and Matthew recognize the tremendous heritage of the O'Donnell family and are committed to providing honor their legacy. The Funeral Home has undergone significant renovations that include a room displaying the history of the O'Donnell family. Much attention was given to accentuate the beautiful architecture of the building and to create a bright and inviting atmosphere for all those who enter. The design of the building allows for more intimate services and can also open up to accommodate very large gatherings, the large chapel will comfortably seat 130 for a traditional funeral service, it is easily transformed for those desiring a more casual setting or Celebration of Life, some prefer a service with catered food and the chapel will comfortably seat 120 for a sit down meal, some request a service with appetizers and bar service. The new design allows many options to serve all families. We believe that each life lived is unique and that services we offer should reflect upon and honor the individuals we are so honored to care for.
We invite all to be valued and respected in our space and we are so honored to continue the incredible legacy of the O'Donnell family.
Our Valued Staff
Shawn Wiscombe, Funeral Director/Owner
Raised in St. George, UT and graduated from Cypress College of Mortuary Science in 1990. Shawn worked as an apprentice at Brown Colonial Mortuary, a Catholic Mortuary, located in Santa Ana California throughout his education where he remained as a Funeral Director and Embalmer for a year following his education. On his 25th birthday, Shawn purchased his first funeral home in 1991 located in Caliente, Nevada where he became very involved and connected with the communities he served sharing his talent of music and theatre, serving on numerous boards, he became a partner in opening Virgin Valley Mortuary located in Mesquite, Nevada, served as a Lincoln County Commissioner, in 1999 he was asked to serve as the Administrator of the Lincoln County Hospital District where he oversaw the construction of two out-patient clinics and a complete renovation of the hospital, he remained in this position until the sale of his funeral home in 2005. He purchased Davis Funeral Chapel located in Davis, California and in 2009 he opened a location in the neighboring community of Winters, California. After relocating to Salt Lake City, Utah Shawn and Matthew recognized the important role they can share in offering a funeral establishment that has been built on years of trust and commitment. Shawn was raised with a strong understanding of respecting the opinions and beliefs held by others, this led him to gain a deep understanding of various faiths and customs in addition to those who hold no religious affiliation, he has dedicated his life to serving with genuine care and compassion and believes strongly that the most important part of his service is the lifelong friendships he has been privileged to develop. He has always believed in the importance of treating each family with complete honesty and full respect of their personal needs and beliefs. His profession has taught him to value life and the wonderful relationships developed along the way, especially the relationships with family, Shawn has always treasured every moment spent with his four amazing children along with all of his family members.
Matthew Medford, Owner
Born and raised in Salt Lake City, UT. Licensed in Medical Esthetics for over 12 years. Following several years working in the field of Event Planning and Customer Service have provided the knowledge to lead our Concierge Services. Matthew has a unique ability to recognize details in making each event beautiful and memorable. When Matthew is not in the office working hard for families, you will find him playing with his three beautiful French Bulldogs, traveling or eating some delicious food!
Chaplain Shantel McBride, Director of Community Cares
