THE STORY
Reported Haunting
Established in 1886, Iola's Sleeper Mortuary preserves much of its former funeral-home interior and is now promoted as an active haunted location where investigators report unexplained activity and a heavy atmosphere.
The Sleeper Mortuary was established by Lyman Sleeper in 1886. The business suffered major fires in 1902 and 1915 and was operating at 110 N. Washington by 1924. The site continued as a funeral home under several names until operations ended around 1999. Much of the original first-floor funeral-home layout and historic material remained intact, including a child's casket left behind from its operating years. The property was purchased in 2025 and reopened under the Sleeper Mortuary name as a bookable paranormal venue offering overnight investigations, tours and events. The owners and visitors describe the building as actively haunted, with reports centered on unexplained activity, a heavy atmosphere and possible residual energy associated with its long mortuary history. Access is available through authorized bookings and scheduled events.