Should We Revive This Ancient (but Effective!) Embalming Technique?

In a remarkable discovery that bridges centuries of mortuary science, researchers have unveiled the unique embalming method used on the so-called “air-dried chaplain” of Austria. This revelation not only sheds light on historical preservation techniques but also prompts contemporary funeral directors to reconsider the evolution and potential revival of certain non-invasive and apparently effective embalming practices.

Unveiling the Past: The Air-Dried Chaplain

The mummified remains, long believed to be naturally preserved, were found in the crypt of St. Thomas am Blasenstein Church in Austria. Recent studies led by Dr. Andreas Nerlich from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich have identified the body as that of Franz Xaver Sidler von Rosenegg, an aristocratic vicar who died in 1746. Contrary to prior assumptions, the preservation was not due to environmental factors but rather a deliberate embalming process.

What sets this case apart is the method employed: the body was embalmed via the rectum, with the abdominal and pelvic cavities filled with absorbent materials such as wood chips, twigs, hemp, silk, and zinc chloride; some of the silk even boasted embroidery). This technique avoided external incisions, making it distinct from traditional practices of the time. CT scans and partial autopsies confirmed the presence of these materials, indicating a sophisticated approach to preservation aimed at minimizing infection risks or facilitating transport.

Historical Context of Embalming Practices

As you well know, embalming has a rich history. In Europe, embalming was initially reserved for royalty and high-ranking clergy, often involving evisceration and the use of aromatic herbs. Over time, the practice became more widespread, with the introduction of chemical preservatives like formaldehyde in the 19th century. However, concerns over the toxicity of formaldehyde have led to the development of alternative methods. 

Implications for Modern Funeral Practices

While the air-dried chaplain’s rectal embalming technique is unlikely to be adopted in modern funeral homes, it does highlight the importance of innovation and adaptability in the field. It also serves as a testament to human ingenuity in the face of mortality and a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of deathcare.

Eleven11 Remember Me: The Safe, Effective Gravestone Cleaner You’ve Been Waiting For

Both funeral directors and cemeterians will inevitably field one question from burial families: “What’s the best way to clean a headstone?” For years, there was no simple answer. Most of the traditional cleaning solutions, often acid-based, pose safety risks to people, the environment, and the gravestones themselves. But Kelly Magleby, founder of Eleven11 Remember Me and a 30-year funeral director, has developed a solution that changes the game, and he’s so confident that you’ll love it that he’s offering deathcare professionals an exclusive discount.

The Problem with Traditional Cleaners

No matter how inclined you are to provide advice and assistance to a family, no one wants to recommend a method or product that could potentially do more harm than good.

“Most people use hydrochloric or muriatic acid, but we never felt safe recommending that,” Magleby explains. “It can be harmful to the person using it, the stone, and the environment.”

The proof is in the ingredients, which in the case of chemicals, are clearly displayed on the label. Also on the label is a multicolored pictogram highlighting potential hazards like acidity, corrosiveness, and health or fire hazards, rated from zero to four. Unlike those products Magleby just described, Eleven11 Remember Me products boast an all-zero label (0-0-0 HMIS rating).

Traditional headstone cleaning services can also be costly, charging families anywhere from $300 to $500. 

 “Many families just want to do it themselves, but there was nothing out there that really worked—especially against tough hard water stains caused by lawn sprinklers and sun exposure,” Magleby adds.

The Birth of Eleven11 Remember Me

One problem that Magleby’s family has faced throughout their 80 years in the deathcare profession in Utah was the result of sun-baked hard water from their cemetery’s sprinklers. The company the Maglebys had contracted to clean headstones discontinued that service due to the potential liability of the dangerous chemicals their job required.

Magleby spent over a year searching for a safe, effective solution that would tackle not only hard water stains, but also calcium and scale buildup, and other monument maintenance issues like mold or lichen. He partnered with a U.S.-based company specializing in acid replacement technology, trusted by major corporations like NASA, Keurig, Dupont, Kellogg’s, and the U.S. Navy. The result? The 1111 TKO Headstone Cleaner—a powerful, low-pH cleaner with an almost zero corrosive rate.

“It’s certified safe,” Magleby says. “You can spray it on your hands, grass, or even paint without harm. It only reacts with high-pH substances like calcium build-up, making it perfect for headstones.”

Two Products for Total Care

Eleven11 Remember Me offers two specialized cleaners:

• 1111 TKO Headstone Cleaner – Designed for tough stains like hard water, calcium, and scale, it’s strong yet safe for use without protective gear.

• 1111 TKOSpray and Walk Headstone Cleaner – A neutral pH formula ideal for removing moss, mildew, algae, and lichen. Just spray it on and let nature do the work over 2–6 weeks, or for immediate results, spray, wait 15 minutes, brush and rinse.

“We wanted to provide a total solution,” Magleby explains. “Something for heavy-duty cleaning and a more passive, long-lasting option.”

Both products offer versatility beyond cemeteries. “The 1111 TKO works wonders on concrete, limestone, stucco, and even household items like bathroom tiles or boats,” Magleby shares. “And the Spray and Walk is fantastic for siding, roofs, and brick.”

Making Memorials Personal Again

Magleby emphasizes that the ease and safety of these products encourage families to make headstone cleaning a meaningful, shared experience. 

“Take your grandkids out, talk about your loved one, and make it a family event. Our cleaner is safe for all ages to use.”

For genealogists, family historians, and cemetery caretakers, the preservation of headstones is crucial. “Preservationists often worry about damaging delicate stones,” Magleby says. “But our cleaners are certified safe and designed to protect, not harm.”

Promotional Opportunities

Eleven11 Remember Me offers an up-front 18% discount for funeral homes, cemeteries, and monument companies. Use promo code FHTKO18 when ordering from the website, www.1111rememberme.com. Companies can stock the products for resale or order on-demand for families, ensuring they can offer a safe and effective cleaning solution at a reasonable price, including as a promotion.

“It’s a good idea to clean a stone a couple of times a year, but some people want it to look nice all the time, or for every holiday,” Magleby says. “We want you to be our distributors, and be ready to offer Eleven11 Remember Me products and headstone kits to every family that walks in the door.”

With Eleven11 Remember Me, families and professionals finally have a headstone cleaning solution that’s powerful, safe, and environmentally friendly—ensuring that memorials are honored and preserved for generations to come.

“Honestly, this is the very best way to clean the headstone, because it actually works just as strong as anything you can ever buy, and it’s not harmful to you,” Magleby adds. “And it’s easy to use. So easy. I feel it’s the best cleaner on the market. I don’t know, we feel pretty lucky that we found it.”

For more information and to order, visit Eleven11 Remember Me. Don’t forget to use promo code FHTKO18 for your 18% discount. For orders of 10 kits or more, you’ll receive a 25% discount with promo code FHTKO25!