Long established as a family’s best and most trusted friend at an emotionally fragile time, Salem Funerals & Cremations recently reopened the Reynolda Road location that had been part of the Vogler family business since 1970.
Current company manager, Mosby Vogler, and his son, John Vogler, Jr., lead the renovation of the former Frank Vogler & Sons location at 2951 Reynolda Road, converting it into a second location of Salem Funerals & Cremations, which is still located downtown at 120 S. Main Street. The original Reynolda site was aesthetically designed as a tribute to the business’ Moravian heritage. Having recently regained ownership of the Reynolda location, Mosby and John have worked tirelessly to refine and open this additional venue which they feel will nurture even further the family ties that built their business foundation.
This past summer’s period of refurbishment included fresh paint and wallpaper, a newly paved parking lot that can accommodate several services at one time, brand new audiovisual technology that’s been tastefully incorporated to appeal to the wishes of younger generations, and a chapel that can seat over 200 guests. The Voglers have also reorganized the “living room” space to make it more functional for catering to be included as part of a visitation or family reception. Their vision for the “new” location is one of contemporary comfort, where families will feel “at home” – just as the Voglers feel at home, reclaiming their Reynolda Road address.
“We wanted to give families space so they wouldn’t have to use their own,” says John, of the expansion, adding they want families to feel comfortable expressing their needs.
Both Mosby and John agree that restoring their beloved building – which John will manage – also means taking care to reestablish and nurture the sense of familiarity that residents associate with Salem Funerals. You’ll likely see them use the phrase “Winston-Salem’s original funeral home” and with that claim, you’ll know you and your family will be afforded the same personal care and service that A.C. Vogler (Mosby’s great, great grandfather) founded the company within 1858, and continued to build on with such passion.
“Growing up in Winston-Salem, and now having young children here, I feel like community is everything,” explains John. “My work can be difficult, but knowing I am helping a neighbor or friend makes it all the more important, and sometimes a little easier for the family. Odds are we have mutual friends or experiences that we can relate to and bond over.”
Always in tune with clients’ needs, the staff of Salem Funerals is well-acquainted with all religious practices and familiar with any restrictions at all area churches. From their preciseness in preparing necessary documents to the complete planning of a traditional funeral service (including casket, vault, visitation, the actual service for family and friends, and burial afterwards), to guidance with cremations, including a wide selection of urns, this is a relationship that will ease a family’s burdens when a difficult time arises, and be a calm voice when it matters most. For families interested in a natural service – including the use of environmentally friendly materials – they are also certified by the Green Burial Council. For example, they can accommodate those wishes with urns made exclusively of hardened sand and caskets that do not contain metal.
Proud of their family’s reputation for integrity and service, both Mosby and John feel strongly their family legacy will serve the community for many years to come, with the same bond they share with the families who depend on them.
“It is so important to me that when I see a family some years later at a community event, grocery store, or anywhere in between, that we can talk and catch up like friends,” says John.
Reach both the Winston-Salem locations of Salem Funerals & Cremations: 120 S. Main Street at 336-722-6122, and 2951 Reynolda Road at 336-722-8878, visit them online at salemfh.com, or email them at salemfuneralhome@gmail.com.
