Coffin Cup Brings Fun and Charity to Crown Point

The inaugural Coffin Cup in Crown Point attracted a lively crowd on October 24, 2026. Geisen Funeral Home showcased its expertise with a standout coffin, clinching the first-place prize for charity. The winning team, with their coffin named ‘Corpse Bride,’ sprinted 100 yards down Main Street and secured a $2,500 donation for Golden Hope Ministries.

The team’s creativity didn’t stop there. They earned an additional $500 for impressing the audience with their costumes and inventive coffin design. Jean Lahm from the co-sponsoring First United Methodist Church played a vital role by painting and assembling the winning racer. “I assembled an awesome team,” she commented, proud of her neighbors and friends who participated.

“The group was like mad scientists, bringing our forever person back to life,” said a team member from Geisen Funeral Home.

The Crown Point PACE Shrek team humorously embraced their ‘Dead Last’ finish. Adam Draper, PACE Director, appreciated the event’s success and its ability to bring people downtown. “It’s fantastic. I think there’s about 1,000 people here,” Draper noted, while highlighting the creativity and festive atmosphere.

The Coffin Cup partnered with the city’s annual Pumpkin Walk. This collaboration attracted young, costumed spectators eager for candy and enthralled by the race. Teams participated without a registration fee, building their own coffin racers to support nonprofit causes. Key sponsors included Burns Funeral Home, Centier Bank, and Legacy Environmental Services.

Mayor Pete Land congratulated all participants, declaring Geisen Funeral Home the victor over YMCA’s Ghostbusters team in the final heat. Lincoln Geisen handed the first-place trophy to his father’s team, celebrating their craftsmanship and swift pace.

Chris Monroe from the ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ team explained their creative process. Despite being slowed by their costumes, they enjoyed the experience. “We’re big Monty Python fans, and already thinking of a ‘Cool Runnings’ theme for next year,” shared Monroe.

Video game nostalgia took center stage with the Super Mario Bros. team. Kyle Sokowicz expressed his enthusiasm for integrating Mario and Luigi into their coffin design. Attendees like Barbara Chrusciel, dressed as Snow White’s evil queen and offering ‘poisoned’ apples, added flair to the lively event. “Everyone is having a great time,” remarked Chrusciel.