MAINE PUBLIC • May 3, 2025
In the back woods of Industry, Maine, an intimate gathering was held to honor the life of Mark Ancker. While the ceremony marked the end of Ancker’s 77 years on earth, it also marked the start of something new — the first time a mushroom casket has been used in the United States. An artist and longtime gardener, Anker's longtime wish was to be returned to the land that he loved. The casket, made by Loop Biotech, is made entirely out of mycelium. This allows it to decompose quickly, with full decomposition occurring 45 days after burial. It is also designed to provide nutrients to the surrounding soil. This was key for Ancker-Robert, who alongside family and friends, will be turning the site into a garden.