Nine Quirky Obituaries That Made Death a Little Less Grim

Here are nine obituaries that prove you don’t have to lose your sense of humor just because you’ve left the building.

A Wildflower Funeral Concepts blog post. Nine Quirky Obituaries That Made Death a Little Less Grim

Obituaries are often quiet, respectful, and solemn — but some are downright hilarious. Or defiant. Or weird. Or oddly poetic. These are the obituaries that broke the mold — not to make light of death, but to shine a light on the life that came before it.

At Wildflower, we believe death can be tender and funny. Serious and joyful. Here are nine obituaries that prove you don’t have to lose your sense of humor just because you’ve left the building.

1. “Doug died in his recliner, as he had threatened to do for years.”

This perfectly dry line came from a Texas man’s obit, which lovingly detailed his love for beef jerky, sarcasm, and naps.

2. “The world is a little less sparkly without her.”

The obituary for Minnesota artist Heidi Haagenson celebrated her as “a glitter enthusiast” and “unapologetically extra.” Her family encouraged mourners to wear sequins to her memorial.

3. “Captain of the ship. Commander of the remote. Keeper of bad jokes.”

Sometimes a simple format says it all. This dad’s obituary was just a list of loving roles, quirks, and one-liners. Under “survived by,” it read: “Everyone who ever laughed at his jokes. And some who didn’t.”

4. “When I die, cremate me and sprinkle me at Target so my daughter will visit.”

While this line originated as a meme, several real obituaries now include this exact sentiment — because apparently, a lot of moms feel this way. (We get it.)

5. “Waffle House lost a loyal customer today.”

That one line, in a Georgia man’s obituary, said everything his family wanted to say — and probably got him a smile from the great beyond.

6. “She left behind a full freezer, a hole in our hearts, and a suspiciously high number of unopened Amazon boxes.”

Written with honesty and humor, this obituary told the story of someone who clearly lived, loved, and online-shopped with passion.

7. “William Ziegler escaped this mortal realm on Friday, leaving behind 32 jars of Miracle Whip and an undisclosed number of cats.”

Written by Ziegler’s daughter, this obituary became an internet sensation for its humor, irreverence, and deep affection — the perfect send-off for a quirky dad.

8. “The man. The myth. The mower.”

One Ohio family summed up their father’s lawn obsession in three words — and then went on to describe his “Olympic-level grilling” and passionate dislike for squirrels.

9. “Her final wish was for her remains to be launched into space. We told her it was too expensive. So instead, we’re planting a tree in her honor — and giving her a view of the stars from the backyard.”

Sometimes, the quirkiest part of an obituary is the love it holds. This one made us tear up — and smile.

There’s no “right” way to say goodbye — and there’s definitely no rule that says your obituary has to be solemn or serious. It just has to be you.

At Wildflower Funeral Concepts, we encourage families to break the mold, tell the truth, and celebrate life in ways that feel real. If you want your obituary to make people laugh through their tears, we say: let’s write it together.

About Wildflower Funeral Concepts

Wildflower Funeral Concepts is a modern, eco-friendly funeral home located in the heart of Ferndale, Washington — proudly serving families across Whatcom County and beyond. We specialize in green burial, aquamation, terramation (natural organic reduction), and sustainable cremation services. Whether you’re seeking funeral pre-planning, compassionate grief support, or thoughtful guidance through loss, we’re here with kindness, integrity, and a deep sense of community. From veterans services to natural farewells rooted in love and ecology, Wildflower offers a new way to honor life — gently, honestly, and consciously.