About Us

About Us

Mariner Monument Company

Mariner Monument was established as an extension of the Downs-Lesage and Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Homes to provide families with an additional service. Families now have the option of completing all arrangements at one facility, as our funeral directors are knowledgeable in all aspects of cemetery memorials.

The various options available are upright monuments, slant markers, benches, flat markers, and cremation markers. Standard designs are available, or custom designs selected by the family may be meaningful. Cemetery memorials are made of granite and bronze, and the granite used is of the finest quality. Many granite colors are available, and design options are nearly endless.

When considering a cemetery memorial, we assist in the selection by explaining the various options, which families may not have considered. Cemetery regulations may prohibit some types of memorials; therefore, care is taken to ensure that what is selected is allowed at the gravesite.

Our cemetery memorials are competitively priced and include the memorial, installation fee, and sales tax.

When contacting us about a cemetery memorial or any other aspect of funeral service, complete information and professional service will always be provided.

Downs Generation

Z.A. Downs, founder of Downs Mortuary, was a pioneer resident of Superior, coming here from Canada. As a boy in London, Ontario, he learned the cabinet trade in conjunction with undertaking, it being the custom to combine the two in those days.


In Superior, he became associated with a firm of undertakers and later opened his own establishment in 1890 on Broadway, between Ogden and Tower Avenue. Later, the business was moved to the Minnehaha block on Ogden Avenue. As the years went on, the trend of businesses moving south on Tower caused Downs' establishment to move to 16th and Tower. In 1913, Downs Mortuary moved to 1515 Belknap Avenue. For almost 20 years, Mr. Downs held the position of County Coroner.


In 1928, Z.A. Downs transferred the responsibilities of the business to his oldest son, William Downs, where he worked as general manager and as Deputy coroner. William Downs planned the architecture and interior decorations for his new funeral home at Ogden and Nineteenth, Downs Funeral Home, which opened in 1956. William took over the Downs Funeral Home when Z.A. Downs retired after 69 years in the business, having served as Douglas County coroner. His two sons later joined the business.


In 1972, Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Homes was purchased by the Downs family. In 1983, William Downs Jr. was named president of Lenroot-Maetzold and a corporate officer. William Downs Jr. became a licensed funeral director in 1957.

Z.A. Downs, founder of Downs Mortuary, was a pioneer resident of Superior, coming here from Canada. As a boy in London, Ontario, he learned the cabinet trade in conjunction with undertaking, it being the custom to combine the two in those days.


In Superior, he became associated with a firm of undertakers and later opened his own establishment in 1890 on Broadway, between Ogden and Tower Avenue. Later, the business was moved to the Minnehaha block on Ogden Avenue. As the years went on, the trend of businesses moving south on Tower caused Downs' establishment to move to 16th and Tower. In 1913, Downs Mortuary moved to 1515 Belknap Avenue. For almost 20 years, Mr. Downs held the position of County Coroner.


In 1928, Z.A. Downs transferred the responsibilities of the business to his oldest son, William Downs, where he worked as general manager and as Deputy coroner. William Downs planned the architecture and interior decorations for his new funeral home at Ogden and Nineteenth, Downs Funeral Home, which opened in 1956. William took over the Downs Funeral Home when Z.A. Downs retired after 69 years in the business, having served as Douglas County coroner. His two sons later joined the business.


In 1972, Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Homes was purchased by the Downs family. In 1983, William Downs Jr. was named president of Lenroot-Maetzold and a corporate officer. William Downs Jr. became a licensed funeral director in 1957.

We are dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized funeral services to honor the lives of your loved ones. With years of experience, we understand the importance of creating meaningful farewells that reflect the unique stories and cherished memories of those we serve. Our team is here to guide you through every step with care, offering support and comfort during difficult times. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, ensuring that your trust in us is well-placed. At Downs Life Celebration Center, your family is our priority, and we are honored to be a part of your journey.