Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery (www.wyuka.com) is a nationally recognized historic cemetery and a vital living piece of Lincoln’s history. Joseph “Joey” Peck is the funeral director/embalmer at Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery.

Tell us a little about your business.

Our funeral home offers the families who have experienced loss a safe place to come and feel welcome. We will go to extreme lengths in order to honor their loved ones and to personalize the service specific to each family. We also offer a peaceful place for them to come and spend meaningful time with their loved ones in the cemetery.

How did you get started in the business?

I decided that if I could give a family comfort and compassion in a trying time, that’s what I would do. Ultimately, my love for people inspired this career path.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?

I look quite young, so I have to really show people how serious I take my passion and show them I have the competence to handle stressful situations. I just take everything head on.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?

Earning my license after working so hard for it. I’m proud of all the lives I’ve had the opportunity to honor as a result.

Tell us a little about your family.

I come from a single-parent household. It was just me and my father. He’s my rock and the reason I became the man I am today.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

The day my uncle passed away. He also played an integral role in my upbringing. His death is what inspired me to pursue a career path in funeral service.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?

Have a BBQ and some cold beverages with friends.

What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?

I was a clown in the Shrine Circus for a few years.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“You’ve got the world by tail with a downward pull, you’ll do well kid.” – My grandpa

If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?

Honest.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

Teleporation.

What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?

Playing the drums.

If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?

Federal prosecutor.

What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?

I’m a Freemason with aspirations of becoming a Shriner.

What is your favorite movie?

Sweeney Todd.

If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?

Mister Rogers.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?

(402) 474-3600; jpeck@wyuka.com; www.wyuka.com.