About Us
Celebrating life since 1953
As a proud member of the Hanover community since 1953, we're honored to help families celebrate their loved ones. We pledge to ensure that every funeral and memorial service is deeply personal, fostering healing and remembrance.
Our promise
Today, tomorrow, and forever, our commitment to you stays the same.
Dignity
Every life is unique, and we promise to honor and respect each journey, crafting ceremonies that reflect each individual.
Guidance
Navigating grief can be overwhelming; we stand by you, providing direction and solace every step of the way.
Legacy
Beyond a service, we're committed to helping families create lasting tributes that transcend generations.
Our story
Constructed in 1853 as a private residence, the Panebaker Funeral Home has served the families of the Hanover area since 1954. In 1953, Paul W. and Geraldine P. Panebaker purchased the home and along with Mr. Panebaker’s brother, renovated it to become the funeral home which opened in 1954.
The Panebakers operated the funeral home until 1986 when they sold their business to Craig and Renate Johnston. After more than 20 years of ownership and hard work of the Johnstons, the ownership of Panebaker Funeral Home transferred to the family of Michael and Kristin Newman. A strength of Panebaker Funeral Home has been and continues to be the role of a husband and wife serving as a team for those who have suffered a loss.
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A place of healing
We welcome you to explore the Panebaker Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, Inc. facilities, and invite you to discover a comforting and peaceful place to honor your loved one.
Our incredible staff
Helping families create lasting legacies is more than a job — it's our calling. We are here to support you in any way we can and will offer you the full attention, knowledge, and compassion you need.
C. Michael Newman
Supervisor & Funeral Director
Mike, a third generation funeral director originally from Southwestern Virginia, graduated from Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in Atlanta, GA in 1986, and has been a licensed funeral director for more than 30 years. Mike served two terms as President of the Cremation Association of North Carolina, an association dedicated to maintaining high standards for the funeral and cremation industry, served on the Board of Governors for the Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association from 2012 to 2016, and currently serves as chairman of the Hanover Area Fire & Rescue Commission. He is a member of the First Church of Hanover, Patmos Lodge #348 F&AM, and the Arcadian Social Club.
Kristin K. Newman
Funeral Director
Kristin grew up in Lancaster, PA and is the daughter of a United Methodist minister. She graduated from Taylor University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and then obtained her Associate of Applied Science degree from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1996. She is an active member at First Church of Hanover, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Hanover Area Historical Society.
Joey L. Luck
Funeral Director
Joey was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA and joined Panebaker Funeral Home in 2020. She graduated from Waynesburg University with a Masters in Criminal Investigations and then obtained her Associates in Specialized Technology degree from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 2020. Joey obtained her funeral director license in 2021 and is a Certified Crematory Operator and a Certified Celebrant. As a Certified Celebrant, Joey is able to assist families who are not a member of a church or simply do not wish to have a religious service. She works with families to create a meaningful tribute that reflects the personality and life-style of the deceased. She loves to read books, travel with her husband, Jonathan, and spend time with her five furbabies.
Jill A. Lazar
Certified Pre-Planning Consultant, Funeral Director
Jill is a 1989 graduate of Penn State University and a 1990 graduate of Northampton Community College Mortuary Services Program. She is a certified preplanning consultant and dedicates herself to helping families ease anxiety through preplanning. Her decades of experience as a License Pennsylvania Funeral Director and Preneed Counselor help her assist individuals in making meaningful arrangements. Jill is a past member of the Carlisle Comm. Toastmasters Club, Carlisle Rotary, Carlisle Chamber of Commerce, Senior Outreach Services, Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association (PFDA), National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), Internal Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association (ICCFA), Capital City Funeral Director’s Association (CCFDA), and Selected Independent Funeral Homes (SIFH). Jill is a part of and was the scholarship winner for the 2023-2025 Selected Independent Leadership Academy.
Hannah M. Drake
Funeral Service Intern
As a new resident and intern for Panebaker Funeral Home, Hannah received her Associates degree of Applied Science in Funeral Service in 2024 from Northampton Community College. She is originally from Lebanon, PA and in her spare time she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and thrifting.
Doreen C. Mummert
Administrative Assistant
Doreen was born and raised in the Hanover area and has spent the majority of her time working either in the education field or the service industry providing for the community and youth, both of which she is passionate about. Doreen and Chris, her husband of more than 39 years, share two daughters and four grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time making memories with her family and antiquing.
Jeffrey A. Spielman
Funeral Associate
Jeff graduated from St. Joseph's Paramedic Institute in 1986 and retired after 25 years of service from Hanover Hospital as Captain of the Advanced Life Support Operations. He continues to have a commitment to the Hanover community, serving on the Penn Twp. Civil Service Commission. A native of Hanover, Jeff and his wife, Shari, are members of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. He has one son, stepdaughter and a grandson. They enjoy traveling in the family motor coach and saltwater fishing.
Fred L. Sentz
Funeral Associate
Fred retired from the Borough of Hanover as a Professional Firefighter and EMT in 2015 after more more than 35 years of service and is a life member of Clearview Fire Company and Littlestown Alpha Fire Department. He is a member of The Knights of Columbus McSherrystown Council #2551 as a Third Degree Knight, where he has served on the Board of Directors for several years. He and his wife, Sandie, have a daughter and are members of St. Vincent dePaul Church. His past time is spent hunting, gardening and spending time with his grandson.
Thomas E. Wheeler
Funeral Associate
Tom was employed by Utz Quality Foods as a route salesman for 25 years and for the past several years as a mail courier. He is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Hanover Council #871. He is a life member of Penn Township Emergency Services, Penn Township Ambulance Club, and the Hanover Fire Department Station 3 at Clearview. Tom and his wife of 50 years, Joyce, have two children. He enjoys spending time with his four grandchildren and watching them play basketball and soccer.
George L. Zimmerman
Funeral Associate
George is a retired Physician Assistant (PA-C) having served the Hanover area community for over 40 years. He earned his PA credential at the Pennsylvania State University / Hershey Medical Center. He is a veteran of the US Navy where he served as a Hospital Corpsman, past president of the Penn Township Lions Club, former scout leader and a member of The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Conewago Chapel). He and his wife, Patti, are the proud parents of three children and enjoy spending time with their four grandchildren.
Maynard Becker
Funeral Associate
Maynard retired from Williams Scotsman, Inc. in Baltimore MD where he served as the Assistant Treasurer of the company. He is a member of St. David’s Lutheran Church in Hanover and is a life member of Eagle Fire Company #2, where he has served as the Treasurer of the company since 1972. Maynard and his wife, Linda, have been married 52 years and have one daughter and two grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with his family and his work with the fire department.
Benjamin P. Newman
Funeral Associate
Ben is a 2020 graduate of Hanover High School, where he played football and tennis and was active in several HHS musical productions. He recently received his bachelor of science degree in Criminal Justice and Public Administration from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Ben is a member of First Church and is an active volunteer firefighter with the Hanover Area Fire & Rescue and the Lyn-Dan Heights Volunteer Fire Department in Lynchburg.
Christopher R. Mumma
Funeral Associate
Chris, a native of Hanover, is a retired Corporal from the Pennsylvania State Police with 25 years of service. Married to Kathy, he is the father of three children, two step-children and grandfather of one. His spare time is spent golfing, fishing, traveling and spending time with family, friends and his two dogs.
Nicholas Bloschichak
Funeral Associate
Nick is retired from the Pennsylvania State Police with 25 years of service. He and his wife, Sheila, are the proud parents of two children. His spare time is spent traveling, golfing, and fishing.
Raymond A. Kinsey
Funeral Assoociate
Ray is a retired fire captain with the Baltimore County Fire Department with 35 years of service. He continues his more than 50 years of emergency services with Hanover Area Volunteer Fire & Rescue. Along with his wife, Lorraine, Ray enjoys cruising, fishing, playing golf and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Jonathan Luck
Funeral Associate
Jonathan grew up in Upstate New York, and moved to Pennsylvania in 2012. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Southern New Hampshire University and presently serves in the Army National Guard. Jonathan is married to one of our funeral directors, Joey. In his free time he enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and furbabies.
Joel Hummel
Funeral Associate
Joel grew up in Schuylkill County. He served 28 years in the Marine Corps, both active and reserve. He has served Baptist, UCC, and Lutheran congregations over the past 36 years. Joel, and his wife, Nicole, have lived in Hanover for 15 years where he continues his 18 years of fire service experience with Hanover Area Volunteer Fire & Rescue.
Mark Sweigart
Funeral Associate
Mark is a lifelong resident of the Hanover area, and retired as a Systems Analyst. He and his wife Jan have been married 45 years and raised two daughters. Both are active in their church, St. Paul's Lutheran in Littlestown. Spare time is spent with his nose in a book, or volunteering at the local food bank.
Wayne Dohler
Funeral Associate
Wayne was born and raised in Baltimore, MD and moved to Hanover more than 35 years ago. He is married to his wife of more than 39 years, Denise and together they have 4 children and, so far, 4 grandchildren. Wayne has spent over 39 years being a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The majority of his career was spent serving our military family at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Wane is an avid sports enthusiast, mainly baseball, and loves watching sports whenever possible. He also likes spending time with family as well and listening to classic rock.
We exist to serve the unique needs of every family
Seamless Arrangements
We'll help you with everything you need with a simple step-by-step process for all of your funeral, cremation and cemetery plans.
Unique Funerals and Tributes
Every individual is unique. Which is why we offer fully customizable memorial services designed just for your family.
Around the Clock Support
We're here to answer any questions and help in any way we can – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Hear from
the families
we've served
“Our funeral director, Joey Luck, was very kind and helpful.”
Author:— Clara Vanderlinden rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Very caring and professional staff.”
Author:— Roni Deitz rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Mike was awesome to work with, he provided great communication and guidance.”
Author:— Kate Conroy rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Mike and staff made the entire process easy and smooth during a difficult time”
Author:— David Rawlinson rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“We were very pleased with all of the staff at Panebaker and had a very compassionate experience. Thanks so much.”
Author:— Jamie Zartman rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Very nice. They work with you on every aspect.”
Author:— Stephen Brooks rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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Honoring excellence
We’re honored to be recognized for our dedication to excellence and genuine care. Explore the esteemed associations we're a part of, and the awards that celebrate our commitment to the communities we serve.
Talk about how you want to be remembered. It can make the difference of a lifetime.
Delivering innovative and pertinent resources, solutions and ongoing support necessary for enduring excellence to our international network of independently owned death-care providers.
To preserve, protect, and promote the independent family-owned funeral home and to help PFDA members provide meaningful ceremonies and rituals surrounding death.
We're hiring
Beyond the opportunity to truly make a difference, Panebaker Funeral Home & Cremation Care Center, Inc. offers competitive pay, a healthy work-life balance, and many opportunities for growth.