Richard Poncher: The Curious Case of the Man Who Wanted to Be Buried Standing Up
The question, "Where is Richard Poncher buried now?" might seem straightforward, but for those who know his story, it carries a weight of historical curiosity and a touch of the eccentric. Richard P. Poncher was not an ordinary individual; he was a man with a rather… unconventional final request that has intrigued many over the years. His story is a fascinating glimpse into individual desires and the sometimes-unforeseen complications they can present, even in death.
Who Was Richard Poncher?
Richard P. Poncher was a wealthy businessman and philanthropist from Chicago, Illinois. He lived from 1908 to 1989. While he achieved significant success in his business ventures, it wasn't his financial achievements that would etch his name into local lore. Instead, it was his very specific, and some might say, peculiar, wishes for his own burial.
The Unconventional Burial Request
Poncher's most famous and talked-about request was that he be buried standing up. Not only standing up, but in his old business suit, holding a cigar and a glass of his favorite scotch. He reportedly wanted to be interred in this upright position at his family's plot in the historic Mount Vernon Cemetery in Lemont, Illinois. The reasoning behind this unusual demand was attributed to his desire to "meet his maker face to face," or as some accounts suggest, simply to continue looking out over his beloved city.
Why the Standing Burial?
The exact motivations behind Poncher's wish are as multifaceted as the man himself. Some sources point to a deeply religious or spiritual conviction, a desire to be presented to God in an active, upright posture. Others believe it was a manifestation of his strong personality and a desire to maintain a sense of control and individuality even after death. It was a statement, a final act of defiance against the mundane, and a testament to his unique character. He was a man who lived life on his own terms, and he intended to die that way too.
The Complications and the Public Spectacle
Naturally, a request as unorthodox as a standing burial presented significant logistical and even legal challenges. Cemeteries are designed for horizontal interment, and the mechanics of preparing a grave for an upright burial are far from simple. The desire for this unique final resting place led to a protracted legal battle and considerable media attention. The story of Richard Poncher and his standing burial request became a local sensation, with newspapers and television stations eager to cover the unfolding events.
The Final Resting Place: Mount Vernon Cemetery
Despite the complexities, Richard Poncher's wish was ultimately honored. He is indeed buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery in Lemont, Illinois. However, the nature of his burial is not exactly as he might have envisioned in the most literal sense. Due to the insurmountable practical difficulties and potential for structural issues with a completely upright burial, a compromise was reached.
How Was He Buried?
Richard Poncher was not buried in a fully vertical position. Instead, a specially constructed vault was designed to accommodate his coffin at a steep incline, approximately 85 degrees. This allowed him to be interred in a position that was very close to standing upright, fulfilling the spirit, if not the absolute letter, of his wish. His family and the cemetery staff worked to ensure his final arrangement was as close as possible to his deeply held desire.
The Legacy of the "Mummy of Mount Vernon"
Richard Poncher's burial has become a point of interest and a local legend. He is often referred to as the "Mummy of Mount Vernon," though the term is more affectionate than literal. Visitors to the cemetery sometimes seek out his grave, fascinated by the story of the man who wanted to be buried standing up. His plot, while perhaps not as dramatically upright as some might imagine, remains a testament to his unwavering resolve and the extraordinary lengths to which his loved ones went to fulfill his final request.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did they bury Richard Poncher standing up?
Richard Poncher was not buried completely upright. A special vault was constructed that allowed his coffin to be placed at a steep incline, close to a standing position. This was a compromise to fulfill the spirit of his request while addressing practical and structural concerns.
Why did Richard Poncher want to be buried standing up?
The exact reasons are a matter of speculation, but it's widely believed that he wanted to "meet his maker face to face" or to continue observing his beloved city even in death. It was a reflection of his strong personality and his desire to live and die on his own terms.
Where is Richard Poncher buried?
Richard Poncher is buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery in Lemont, Illinois. His grave is a point of interest for those familiar with his unusual burial request.
Was Richard Poncher's burial a difficult process?
Yes, the process was quite complex. His unconventional request led to legal discussions and significant planning to accommodate the inclined burial, which was not a standard practice.
Is Richard Poncher's grave visible to the public?
Yes, Mount Vernon Cemetery is generally accessible to visitors, and Richard Poncher's grave is a known point of interest within the cemetery grounds.
