Powell Funeral Homes buys back Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel

MT. PLEASANT - Jim Olson, owner of Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel, is handing off the reins of the funeral home to new owner Charles Yoder.

The Powell group, which runs six other funeral homes in the southeast Iowa area, decided to buy back the business when Olson began looking to slow down.

But the funeral home, started in July of 1998 by Jerry Powell and Olson - a partnership that lasted 10 years before Olson assumed full ownership - won't see a complete departure from the former owner.

'I'm going to keep working and helping. I'm not leaving. I'm going to continue working,” the 40-year funeral services veteran said.

Olson added that Yoder was his top choice for taking over the local business and is excited to be handing off the funeral home to someone with extensive experience in the industry.

Yoder recently concluded his term as the president of the Iowa Funeral Directors Association and has been with the Powell group for 28 years.

'We're excited about being in Mt. Pleasant. It's a great opportunity. Tim has built a great tradition, and we hope to keep up the same quality of service. We're excited to meet the families of Mt. Pleasant,” Yoder said.