Jacob Schoen immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1859. He became involved in a number of businesses, including a partnership with a fellow German immigrant, Henry Frantz. On March 4, 1874, Schoen and Frantz entered the funeral business, purchasing the business of undertaker, Jacob Klees.

Jacob Schoen later bought the interest of his retiring partner, and made his son, Phillip, his partner. From the start, the funeral home had a policy of “The highest standard of service to all, regardless of financial circumstance.” Through the years, this policy has proven to be a foundation of great significance for Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home by building an institution of broad community service. The policy was perpetuated by the son of Jacob Schoen, Philip J. Schoen, Sr., and continued by his sons, grandsons and great-grandsons.

Since 1874, each decade has been marked by advancements inaugurated by Jacob Schoen & Son in providing better service and facilities for people in the community where families come to pay respect to loved ones, and discuss options, such as advance planning for a traditional, memorial or cremation service.

In 1935, the Schoen family acquired the beautifully landscaped Canal Street funeral home, which has come to be a New Orleans landmark. The building was originally built as a family home. It was converted for use as a funeral home by four businessmen, who thought the price of funerals had gotten too high and were convinced that they could operate a funeral home that could charge more reasonable prices.

Eighteen months later, they sold the building to the Ranson Funeral Home, who operated it for a short time before selling the building to the Schoen family.

During the 20th century, two major expansions transformed the original building into the impressive facility that it is today. The main lobby and additional parlors were added in 1957, followed by the addition of the chapel ten years later. The building was carefully restored following Hurricane Katrina to retain that historic look and feel that so many New Orleans families have come to expect in their time of loss.

The Schoen Family sold the funeral home in 1986. Jacob’s great grandson, Thomas J. Schoen, is still active as a funeral director. In 2006, it was purchased by an affiliate of Service Corporation International.

Today, we’re proud to be a member of the Dignity Memorial® network of funeral, cremation and cemetery service providers. We understand losing a loved one is an emotional and difficult experience, and we are committed to assisting families with compassionate, professional and personal service. The staff of Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home strives to continue to provide the high standard of service that New Orleans families have come to expect in their time of loss, and we are committed to exceeding expectations and delivering a standard of service that is 100 percent guaranteed.