The Mentzer Family gravestone, in the Forest Home Cemetery also known as Waldheim Cemetery in Forest Park, Illinois, is a square column with a number of symbols carved into the polished red granite—oak leaves and acorns, palms leaves, and topped with a fully sculptured owl resting on a torch and sword. 

The acorn, seed of the mighty oak, is a symbol of prosperity and fruitfulness.  When the acorn is paired with oak leaves it is seen as a traditional symbol of strength.  The single acorn can represent a kernel of truth born into spiritual growth.  Two acorns can represent truth and power of the Holy Spirit. The former is revealed in the Earthly realm and the later after entering the Heavenly realm.

The palm frond is an ancient symbol of victory, dating back to Roman times when victors were presented with palm fronds. The palm fronds were also laid in the path of Jesus as He entered Jerusalem. So, for many Christians, the palm represents righteousness, resurrection, and martyrdom, symbolizing the spiritual victory over death associated with the Easter story.

The owl is often seen as wise, possibly because of its impressive bright and alert eyes, and is sometimes depicted costumed with a mortar board complete with a tassel.  Since ancient Greece, the owl was associated with Athena—the Greek Goddess of wisdom.  In funerary symbolism the owl also represents wisdom and watchfulness.  As a nocturnal bird, the owl is master of the night, and Christians regard it as a reminder that Christ has the ability to guide the soul through the darkest of times.

Here the owl is depicted with a torch seen as an instrument that illuminates the darkness representing enlightenment.  It can symbolize zeal, liberty, and immortality. Crossed with the torch is a sheathed sword.  Typically, the sheathed sword would represent temperance and restraint.  The owl sits with its watchful eyes looking straight ahead. Carved into the block below the owl is the German word “FREI” translated into English meaning “FREE.”