Beautiful Memorials.

Made with Care & Built to Last.

Custom granite memorials handcrafted in Western Iowa.

Begin with a free design consultation

Choosing the Right Memorial Can Feel Overwhelming.

When someone you love passes, it's hard to know where to begin.

Most memorial options feel rushed, templated, or overly commercial. But your loved one’s story deserves more than that.

You want something lasting. Something meaningful. A memorial that truly reflects who they were— not just where they’re laid to rest.

We're here to help.

Owners Brent and Elizabeth Dillinger of Loess Hills Memorials in Western Iowa.

Meet your Memorial Guides

Craftspeople, companions, and caretakers of memory.

We’re the Dillinger family—and this work is deeply personal to us.

Brent's early memories include helping his mom do genealogy in rural cemeteries and writing about funeral service in college. Elizabeth has led music at funeral masses for over a decade and supported countless grieving families through parish ministry. Brent and Elizabeth are actively involved in their local Catholic Church.

We're joined by our son-in-law, Eli Karkowski, who plays an instrumental role in memorial production and installation. His precision and commitment to craftsmanship bring strength and care to every piece we create.

Together, we're building Loess Hills Memorials as a place where legacy meets craftsmanship—and where families feel truly seen, heard, and supported.

Sunset over an Iowa cemetery with gravestones in Harrison County Iowa.

Craftsmanship Rooted in Meaning

Every memorial we create is personal — designed with intention, built to last, and made to honor a story that matters.

We’re starting with a focused set of offerings that reflect our values of care, creativity, and community.

WHAT WE OFFER

  • We offer a wide range of memorial styles including flat markers, slants, bevels, uprights, and cremation memorials such as granite urns. Each piece is crafted in-house to reflect the unique life it represents—designed with personal details, meaningful symbols, and lasting materials.

    Our key design method is high-resolution laser etching on black granite and marble using an advanced Monument CO2 Laser System. This precision tool enables us to:

    • Etch photographic images and intricate artwork with unmatched clarity and contrast

    • Work on stones up to 12" thick

    • Engrave urns, memorial plaques, and custom pieces with speed and consistency

    • Produce your memorial timely in-house in Missouri Valley

  • Professional headstone cleaning and seasonal floral placement in Western Iowa. Safe D/2 cleaning for granite & marble memorials. Serving the Greater Omaha Metro area.

    We offer:

    • Safe, professional headstone cleaning

    • Seasonal flower placements for holidays or special dates

    • Optional subscription plan for ongoing care and remembrance

    Each visit includes:
    📷 A photo before and after service, texted to you — so you see the care for yourself.

    Choose a one-time tribute or enroll in a care plan that honors them all year long.

  • Honor the life of a beloved pet with a custom memorial made to last.

    Our pet remembrance stones are crafted from high-quality granite and designed to withstand all weather conditions. Perfect for home gardens, pet cemeteries, or dedicated memory spots, each piece can be personalized with:

    • Pet names, dates, and icons (paw prints, hearts, crosses, etc.)

    • Laser-etched images or custom artwork

    • Unique shapes and stone finishes

    These engraved pet memorials offer a peaceful, lasting way to remember the animals who gave us unconditional love.

    Whether you're placing a garden stone in a quiet backyard corner or commissioning a more formal pet headstone, we’ll help you create a tribute that feels just right.

    [Start Your Pet Memorial]

  • Stonework that blends beauty, utility, and lasting legacy.

    We design and produce engraved granite benches, custom donor recognition walls, and personalized address signagefor families, institutions, and public spaces. All pieces are handcrafted with precision and care — perfect for:

    • Memorial benches in cemeteries, parks, or prayer gardens

    • Donor walls and plaques for churches, schools, and nonprofit campaigns

    • Custom stone address markers for homes, farms, or estates

    Each piece is made from durable stone and can be engraved with names, dedications, logos, scripture, or custom artwork. Whether commemorating a loved one or celebrating generosity, these installations are built to last and made to be seen.

    [Inquire About Custom Stonework]

Schedule a Consult
Loess Hills Memorials representative cleaning or polishing a polished black granite memorial or gravestone.

Featured Service: Headstone Cleaning and Decoration

One of the most meaningful ways we serve families is through ongoing care of memorial sites — including gentle headstone cleaning and seasonal decoration placement.

Whether you're preparing for a holiday, honoring a special date, or simply keeping a loved one's resting place beautiful, we’re here to help with respect, care, and consistency.

We offer:

  • Professional headstone cleaning using safe, preservation-focused methods

  • Seasonal flower placement, including:

    • Christmas saddles or wreaths

    • Memorial Day tributes

    • Custom dates (birthdays, anniversaries, religious observances)

Choose from:

  • One-time service

  • Annual subscription care plan, with automatic seasonal cleanings and decor placement

Let us help you bring dignity, beauty, and peace to your loved one’s resting place — not just once, but all year long.

Get Details on our Headstone Cleaning Program

We Make It Easy to Honor a Legacy

Every project begins with a conversation — and from there, we guide you through a thoughtful, collaborative process. Whether it's a new memorial, a headstone cleaning, or a custom installation, we make sure it's handled with care from start to finish.

Our Simple 3-Step Process:

Step 1: Reach Out
Start with a call or message. We’ll meet to learn about your needs, your story, and your vision.

Step 2: Design & Prepare
We’ll walk you through materials, design options, timelines, and services— all with transparency and care.

Step 3: Install & Honor
We carefully produce and place your memorial or complete your service— always with reverence and respect.

Trusted by Families Near and Far

Honoring lives and preserving memories with Loess Hills Memorials.

You Deserve a Memorial That Tells Their Story Well

You're here because someone mattered deeply. Their memory deserves more than something generic.

We're here to help you create a memorial that feels right—one that reflects love, legacy, and the life they lived.

If you’re not sure where to begin, that’s okay. We’ll guide you with clarity, compassion, and respect.

Start the Conversation

Loess Hills Memorials, LLC

Honoring Lives. Preserving Memories.

Serving Western Iowa and Online

Visit Us

204 E. Erie Street

Missouri Valley, IA 51555

Showroom Hours
Monday–Friday
10am–4pm

Or by appointment

Phone
(712) 600-0204

Connect with Us

hello@loesshillsmemorials.com
Facebook: @LoessHillsMemorials