Messinger Mortuary and Chapel became Scottsdale's first funeral home on Mother's Day, May 10, 1959. Paul and Cora Messinger opened Messinger Mortuary and Chapel at 7601 E. Indian School Road on the same property where Paul Messinger grew up. Prior to this, it had been known as the Messinger dairy farm.

During their first year Messinger Mortuary and Chapel conducted 75 funerals. By 1999 the figure had increased to over 1,400 per year. In the last 40 years we have served over 28,000 families.

In the early years many funeral homes operated ambulance services. In addition to being Scottsdale's first funeral home, the Messingers operated Scottsdale's first ambulance service.

Through the years the Messinger Chapel has been used for many different occasions, such as weddings and church services. Eight Scottsdale churches can trace their beginnings to the Messinger chapel.

In 1973 the Messinger Mortuary and partners opened Paradise Memorial Gardens at 9300 E. Shea Blvd., in northern Scottsdale. Paradise Memorial Crematory was established in 1977 -- the City's first crematory. In 1992 the Mausoleum and Columbarium were opened. Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary, located at 12065 N. Saguaro Blvd. in Fountain Hills, opened in 1995.

Messinger Mortuary recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Paul and Cora are still the owners of Messinger Mortuaries along with their two sons, Ken and David. Ken is president of Messinger Mortuary and Chapel and David is president of Paradise Memorial Gardens.