About Us

About Us

Our funeral home’s legacy spans more than a century and is built on family leadership, community involvement, and a dedication to compassionate care. The story began in 1908 when Lou Crosby relocated to Avon, South Dakota, after acquiring a local furniture and undertaking business. Upon his passing in 1923, his son Clayton, known as Pat, assumed ownership and continued to grow the operation. Alongside his wife, Lillian, Pat played a major role in expanding the business, adding a casket-building facility and operating funeral services in both Avon and Springfield. Known throughout the community as “Mr. Avon,” Pat was deeply involved in local initiatives and helped establish several businesses that supported the town’s growth.

Following Pat’s passing in 1963, his son Jim Crosby carried the family tradition forward. Jim expanded the funeral home’s reach by purchasing the Kostal Funeral Home in Wagner and overseeing services in Avon, Springfield, and Wagner. During this time, the funeral home also served as the community’s ambulance provider, further demonstrating its commitment to public service. In 1977, Jim Jaeger, Jim Crosby’s stepson, joined the business and became an integral part of its continued operation.

In August of 1990, Chad Peters began his career with the Crosby-Jaeger Funeral Home, continuing the tradition of family-focused care. After decades of service, Chad and his wife Lisa purchased the funeral homes in May of 2018, carrying the legacy forward under the Peters Funeral Home name. Today, with more than 100 years of service behind it, the Wagner location serves as the main office, while Peters Funeral Home remains committed to honoring lives, supporting families, and upholding the values that have guided generations before them.