About Us

Celebrating life
As a proud member of the Independence community, 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
As one of the oldest and most recognizable landmarks in the area, Vodrazka Funeral Home is a stately ode to Independence history. Established in 1942 by John R. & Helen C. Vodrazka, our funeral home and cemetery has evolved greatly over the years to accommodate the evolving needs of our community. Yet our commitment to service remains the same. Even as we modernize our services and facilities, we stay true to our belief that honoring and celebrating life is deeply sacred and personal.
300K+
Legacies Honored
82
Years in Business
5M+
Moments Remembered
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.
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Jack and Dottie Vodrazka
Funeral Director
I grew up living above my parents’ funeral home. I was inspired by their willingness to give of themselves and help others in their time of difficulty.
We have been told by many of the families we have served, that it is a comfort to them to know that when they call upon us in their time of need, that they will meet with a professional staff, who will provide them with a variety of options when making funeral arrangements, and that carrying out the arrangements with attention to detail is our prime concern.

April Harrigal
General Manager/ Funeral Director
April B. Harrigal, Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer and Pre-Need Counselor
A native of Ohio, April was born and raised in the South-Eastern part of the state in rural Cadiz, Ohio. She studied Psychology at the University of Akron, and later received her Bachelor’s Degree in Mortuary Science from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. After graduation, April relocated to the Cleveland area to begin her career in funeral service. Thirty years later, April continues to humbly minister to the families of our community.
Widowed at a young age, April’s husband George, was also a funeral director for 30 years. Together, they have 3 children, whom are now young adults; David, Samantha and Brian.
April is a 30-year member of the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, The National Funeral Directors Association, the Embalmers Association of Cleveland, where she currently sits on the board as 1st Vice President, and is also an active member of The Independence Kiwanis. She has been a member of St. John Bosco Catholic Church for over 25 years, and enjoys being a Eucharistic Minister and visiting with, and taking Communion to the residents in the area nursing homes and the home-bound.
April is very passionate about our military veterans. Her father was an Army Veteran, serving in WWII. He participated in the Allied Invasion of Europe, swarming Utah Beach, with the men of the 4th Division, on D Day, Tuesday, 6 June 1944. Among many decorations, he received a Purple Heart for the 'wound' he received that day, feeling fortunate to only have lost his left arm in battle.

Dan Barfell
Funeral Director
Prior to joining the staff at Vodrazka, Dan was a Pastor for over 30 years in Florida and Ohio. While serving in that capacity, he developed a genuine care and concern for people who were going through the loss of a loved one. He then got his certification as a Life Tribute Professional so he could better serve families who didn’t have a pastor or priest, by conducting their funeral service. He believes every life is worth remembering, honoring and celebrating.
Today, Dan is continuing that compassion for families as a funeral director by serving them in the difficult time of a loss. Dan has been married to his wife Elena for over 35 years and they enjoy biking and walking in the Metro Parks.

Walt Fuge
Pre-Need Specialist
I am Walt I have been a pre-need specialist going on 20 years. I enjoy helping families looking to plan ahead for loved ones or themselvs. Helping families prepare their pre-need plans is my passion. Being able to give families a sense of relief that everything will be taken care of when the time comes is a great feeling, families are able to then focus on being there for eachothere while we take care of the rest.
I have met with many-a-family who share my common interests; favorite movie line's “You’re killin’ me, Smalls.” – Ham, The Sandlot, to activities (Ice fishing, poker, and my family) and life advice I have always lived by; The Golden Rule: “Treat others as you want to be treated.”

Jason Jardine
Funeral Director
My name is Jason Jardine. I have lived in Strongsville my whole life except for some of my college years. I have been licensed Director for 20 years and worked with my father at our family funeral home 'Jardine' for 23 years. It is an honor to continue my career as a funeral director at Vodrazka; another Family owned and operated business, known for its outstanding service and attention to detail.
I understand Independence as a unique and great place to be ! I'm proud of our presence in this community as everyone seems to be as well.
I truly enjoy honoring the Veterans in our area; The stories and experiences they share with everyone in our office and I are priceless.

Jonathan Obodean
Funeral Director & Crematory Operator
My name is Jonathan Obodean. I began working at Jardine Funeral Home in 2019. I am a licensed funeral director and certified crematory operator. In addition to my career in funeral care, I'm also a musician and Eucharistic Minister at several churches in the Cleveland area, being mostly self-taught at playing the piano and pipe organ.
I'm honored and blessed to be part of the Vodrazka team in helping families through what may be one of the most difficult situations they may face and to help them honor and celebrate their loved one in the most distinguished way possible.
A place of healing
We welcome you to explore the Vodrazka Funeral Home facilities, and invite you to discover a comforting and peaceful place to honor your loved one.
A time to honor, comfort and heal
We help create unique and meaningful memorial services to celebrate your loved one and begin the healing process for families and friends left behind.

We’ll take care of every detail

Unique Funerals and Tributes

Compassionate customer care
“I was out of state for an extended period of time for work when my mother passed away and April and the rest of the Vodrazka staff was wonderful in helping me make arrangements. Compassionate, excellent communication. Made a difficult time a little easier.”
Author:— Lisa Darrow rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Our family had an excellent experience with Vodrazka Funeral Home in Independence. The staff were very accommodating, compassionate,and professional. Also, they followed up several times after the funeral to offer support. Very kind.”
Author:— Brian Smith rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“My Grandfather's service in 1993 was at Vodrazka funeral care. Wonderful service from what I remember. My father, during his last days I asked who do you want me to contact? He said Vodrazka. And just like before, it was a wonderful service.”
Author:— Bob Evans rated with 5 stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
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We're hiring
Beyond the opportunity to truly make a difference, Vodrazka Funeral Home offers competitive pay, a healthy work-life balance, and many opportunities for growth.















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