About Us

Our Key Staff

 Gregory A. Vaitl

Gregory A. Vaitl

Owner, Supervisor and Funeral Director

For Gregory Vaitl, funerals weren't a family trade. Becoming a funeral director wasn't because he was following in the footsteps of a parent or because he'd experienced anything traumatic. It really was a calling.


For as long as he can remember, Greg has just been drawn to the industry—first attracted to the science aspect, then his desire to help families. He just couldn't stop thinking about it.


Why Lebanon? It's his home. Greg was born and raised in Lebanon County. He graduated from Lebanon High School in 1996 and earned an Associate's Degree in Applied Science of Funeral Service from Northampton Community College. Greg was awarded the Pennsylvania Funeral Director Student of the Year in 2007 and received his funeral director license in 2008.


While other members of his family have since moved to other parts of the state, Greg has felt compelled to stay. As the now owner and supervisor of Christman's Funeral Home, Inc., he's passionate about serving families with transparency and integrity in their time of need.


Greg is married to Alyssa Vaitl and has three daughters: Olivia, Addison and Scarlett. Active in the community, he is a member of Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lebanon, Myerstown-Elco Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club of Lebanon and on the Board of CompeerCorps.


Liza ShankarLiza Shankar

Liza Shankar

Funeral Intern

As the resident intern for Christman's Funeral Home, Inc., Liza earned her Associate's Degree in Applied Science of Funeral Service from Northampton Community College in 2024. During her mortuary education, she served as President of the Sigma Phi Sigma Funeral Service Association, and was awarded scholarships from the Eastern Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association, and Service Corporation International, respectively.


Liza is excited to announce that she became an InSight Institute certified Funeral Celebrant in her internship year. In the role of a life tribute professional, Liza is available to consult with families to design fully personalized ceremonies in honor of their loved one. Liza is a trained public speaker, grateful for the opportunity to officiate—either as an alternative to traditional clergy, or in addition to clergy for a spiritually hybridized option.


Describing herself as a collector of experiences over things, Liza in her free time engages in immersive theatre, interactive art, and other events that emphasize immediacy. She is equally passionate about holistic wellness. Liza is at her most serene under a starry sky over the ocean, or perhaps while blasting country music from her Jeep.


Liza is thankful every day for her supportive and loving partner, Taylor. Liza is an active member of Mensa. She joyfully participates in multiple Christian churches and ministries in central Pennsylvania.


Eric B. Filler, Sr.

Eric B. Filler, Sr.

Funeral Assistant

Eric B. Filler, Sr. grew up in Lebanon and is a 1983 graduate of Cedar Crest High School. Eric is married to Jennifer and has three children and three grandchildren. He is honored to be a part of Christman Funeral Home, Inc.'s team. He looks forward to serving you.

David Shollenberger

David Shollenberger

Funeral Assistant

David Shollenberger is a recently retired professional who lives with his wife Karen in Womelsdorf. From personal experience, he understands the significance of losing a loved one. Dave is honored to be of service to you, your family and your friends.

 Kelly Ortiz

Kelly Ortiz

Funeral Assistant

Kelly Ortiz grew up in Lebanon and is a 2005 graduate of Lebanon High School. She is a U.S. Navy Veteran and joined Christman's Funeral Home in 2013. Kelly and her husband, Abraham, have two daughters: Myalani and Khalia. She is an active member of Iglesia Nuevo Nacimiento. After experiencing her own loss in the family, she felt devoted to helping other families.

Julia Lunsford

Julia Lunsford

Aftercare Specialist

Julia specializes in assisting families after the services have been completed. She is compassionate and is willing to listen to any concerns or difficulties you may have during a time of loss.  

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