The first time I visited this cemetery was several years ago, and for a very specific purpose: To…read moreattend a concert in the columbarium near Halloween. That was when I first learned what a columbarium is (a place for cremains to be placed). Most often these are outdoor resting places, but this indoor one has a large chapel-like area inside. There are benches near the wall niches for one to visit their loved ones. Bohemian National Cemetery is a major graveyard in the city. Its origins lie in discrimination. After the Great Fire, a woman who was a member of Chicago's Bohemian community was refused burial at one of the Catholic cemeteries. Bohemian in the 19th century did not have the same meaning it has in 2022; the area once considered Bohemia is now Czechia. Thousands of members of this immigrant community worked to establish the cemetery, which saw its first burial in 1877. Bohemian National Cemetery is not affiliated with a specific religion. Upon arrival at this cemetery, you'll see one of its most unique features: The funeral bell that still hangs within the stone cemetery gate. Every other funeral bell in a Chicago cemetery has been removed and/or replaced. I'm not sure, however, if it still tolls when a funeral procession passes through the cemetery. There are several sculptures throughout the cemetery by the artist Albin Polasek. Amongst them is The Pilgrim, just in front of one of the family tombs, and Mother, which is directly in front of the columbarium. I was surprised to find the Beyond the Vines is really a wild monument. Made to replicate the outfield wall at Wrigley Field, major Cubs fans can be interred in this outdoor columbarium. Ivy covers the wall, and there are stadium seats on the west side of the monument for people when visiting. Lastly, this cemetery is home to a memorial for the victims of the Eastland disaster. In 1915, the Eastland was docked and ready to set off for the annual picnic of a local electric company. The ship never left the dock; rather, it capsized where it was docked near Clark Street. 844 people lost their life--and amongst those, 22 full families perished. On the 100th anniversary of this tragedy a memorial was unveiled to those who died that day. Bohemian cemetery is certainly historical and has some very interesting monuments and sculptures, and is a must-visit for any taphophile. However, it's a bit unkempt in some areas, and rumor has it they don't allow tours through here any longer because someone on a prior tour stepped into a dip and hurt themselves. So if you do visit, be careful.

The office receptionist is awful. I called to obtain information on my grandmother. I was told to…read morecall back in 15 minutes because she was using another program on her computer and couldn't look it up. I called back 20 minutes later and she hung up the call, then called again to be put on hold for 10 minutes...no joke. I called back and she asked for my information and said she'd look it up and call back. I ended up going to the cemetery about 45 minutes later and she was on a personal phone call talking loudly until she realized someone was in the office. Lack of professionalism and sensitivity to the whole situation.

I attended a wake here for an 'ol neighbor pal.  This funeral home is thee funeral home for Park…read moreRidge and it's located in the heart of Uptown Park Ridge.  They took care of the cremation service also.  I met Mike Ryan who is the GM of the place and a fine and welcoming fellow.  They have a pretty spacious parking lot in the back so no concerns there.  The facility was neat, clean, and comfortable everywhere including their lounge downstairs.  Thumbs up from what I could tell if anyone is needing their services.

No one ever wants to visit a funeral home, but the staff at Ryan-Parke made the process as painless…read moreas it could be. Robert & Rocco were phenomenal during such a difficult time for our family, providing great compassion and detail to every aspect of the service. With a whirlwind around us and essential family members missing from the wake and funeral, the staff was even kind enough to record moments for us to look back on so the loved ones missing could see what took place. We can't thank everyone at Ryan-Parke enough, and if you happen to be in search of a funeral home that goes above and beyond, this one is it.

Hi just wanted to say how the staff at Lawrence Funeral was so nice and helpful with everything…read morethey've done for the preparation for my wifey/partner Dawn Becker. Thank you so much the staff is professional and would recommend Lawrence Funeral to family and friends.

I would recommend this establishment in regards to their services. I have used them more than once,…read morethey have always helped me in my time of need. They have been very helpful during the process, as well as afterwards with anything I have needed.

Nelson Funeral Home in Park Ridge provided us with a superior environment for the memorial service…read moreof our dearest departed, with attention by Michael, Meghan and Jessica to every detail on the day of and in the planning process. Through a very rough time, starting with Eugene Cha and Stephanie, all were professional to the utmost, empathetic and caring. Our lasting memories are better because of the staff and we thank you.. God Bless. ~ Gómez Family ~

I'm so very pleased that we picked Nelson Family Mortuary for the funeral service and graveside…read moreservice of my 17-year-old granddaughter. We had the funeral service in their Provo funeral home and the graveside service in Heber City. Lance Nelson and his staff, Isabelle, Claire and Colin, were very patient and compassionate as I shed many tears each time I called the funeral home prior to my granddaughter's expected death and after. They listened each time I called and were very helpful. I called them every day during the two weeks of planning with questions I had about things, and it was great that someone was always available to help me; and if I had a question after hours, the answering service took a message, and I was contacted shortly thereafter. The rooms for the service in Provo were beautiful and had mountain views. Everything went smoothly. They provided tables with tablecloths, easels and stands for the flowers, two slideshows (for the viewing and a separate one for the funeral service), and livestreams for both services. Lance and Allison attended the funeral service and graveside service to make certain everything went smoothly. The planning meeting with them was easy. They had caskets onsite which was a surprise, and we picked the one we liked best. We expressed to them how we wanted the services to go, and they did every single thing the way we wanted. They also made my granddaughter look very beautiful in her casket for the viewing. She wore a single braid and they inserted tiny silk flowers we provided them plus matching nail polish. We received many compliments about how beautiful the funeral services were. I suggest you have the butterfly release, as it was extraordinary. If you're looking for a mortuary for a loved one, pick this place! I'm certain your experiences will be like ours: easy planning, and the most beautiful send off for your loved one. My family, friends and I will have these memories forever! I was even able to watch the service again on their website so that I remember each and every detail of it forever. Also, my sister who couldn't attend on the day of the service was able to watch it at a later date.

Seldom will I sit to write a review, but after much thought, I felt the need to write this one…read more I stepped into the office of Elm Lawn Cemetery, to speak about my sisters Headstone and met with Jacklyn Rodriguez. I had so many questions and felt that I may overwhelm her and not get the answers I needed. However, this thankfully, was not the case. Jacklyn, provided answers for all my concerns and took as much time necessary, ensuring I did not leave without being fully informed. She was really helpful in advising me of future needs as well, prior to a price increase which would go into effect within the next few days. Within my time in the office with her, we shared a few stories about family and loss. We laughed about some of our stories and helped make time go with ease. I also learned that she had a second job at a care center, giving care and compassion to patients that can't care for themselves. It takes a big heart to give that form of care. I found Jacklyn to be, personable, warm and professional, with a great understanding of ones needs in the midst of a grieving. She seemed more like family by the time we completed our business. Thank you Jacklyn, for your kindness. It was a pleasure to meet you. H Ware

When my father passed away last year, I was dreading making the funeral arrangements. What started…read moreas an unnecessarily complicated and confusing process caused by others, turned out to be a comforting experience thanks to Kenn. A LITTLE BACKGROUND: My dad was supposed to be buried in the Muslim section of the Elm Lawn cemetery. The plots in that section are assigned by the Albanian-American Mosque Foundation in Berkeley, Ill.--not Elm Lawn Cemetery. However, when my dad died, I was told that by a manager at the Mosque that the Muslim section was totally "reserved." When my mother died years earlier, I tried to reserve the spot next to hers for my father through the mosque foundation but they told me at the time that they don't allow reservations. That wouldn't be fair, they said. The Berkeley mosque decided to change that policy so they could reserve graves for their own large and extended family and friends ... and it did so without notifying ALL mosque members that they opened up reservations. (The plots were not all full, mind you ... just RESERVED for many people who likely would not die for another 30 to 50 years, maybe more; some of the reserved plots were for little kids who have very long lives ahead of them.) As a result, even though we had family members buried at Elm Lawn, we were told by a mosque official that my dad would have to go to a cemetery in Lemont, Ill., to get a reduced-rate plot that is included with membership in the mosque. So I was distraught when I called the Elm Lawn Cemetery office just to see if there was anything they could do for us. THAT'S WHEN KENN K. SAVED THE DAY!!! I spoke with Kenn and to my surprise, he told us that they actually did have some plots available in the Muslim section. I had to pay $4K for the plot but I was relieved that we didn't have to separate my dad from his family members. Dealing with Kenn K. was an absolute pleasure. I am not one who trusts people easily but with Kenn, I immediately felt at ease. Anyone can see that Kenn is honest, respectful, sincere and truly caring. He treated us like family. He's a wonderful person who goes the extra mile. I later ended up ordering a grave marker. He was wonderfully supportive during that whole process as well. In early March of this year, the day the grave marker came in, Kenn had it placed in the ground and sent me a picture of it by email with a lovely encouraging note that made me smile. From start to finish, Kenn made the process as pleasant as it could possibly be. Others at the office were very nice as well. If you find yourself in need of Elm Lawn Cemetery's services, don't hesitate to call Kenn. He is a great comfort, and you will be in great hands!

This is a very special place for our family. My grandmother has been buried here for many years. It…read moreis very lovely, peaceful, and well maintained. The memorial service was very meaningful.

Weeks before we thought we would need help I met with Ryan Geils to discuss the options and…read moreprocess. I really like family businesses and Ryan only added to my position. He was great! All questions answered and options, costs and recommendations based on my input put everything in order. Our solution in place and only a phone call away. When the time came, months later, late at night, one call and they appeared punctually at the time we requested (around 2am). Everything took place as planned, no hiccups and we were able to deal with our grief and not the details. Geils Funeral Home is totally buttoned down.

The service provided was outstanding. Our family felt at ease that all the details were taken care…read moreof to our liking. It was nice to be assisted by a respectful staff at a difficult time of our lives. The chapel was beautiful and it accommodated all of us. We highly recommend to use Geils Funeral Home in Bensenville.

In my line of work, I have had to deal with funeral homes quite a bit. Lakeview Funeral Home is by…read morefar the superior funeral home in the Chicagoland area who will treat you with the grace, sensitivity and respect that you need and the one that you lost deserves. No one's mind is in the right place when they have lost someone they love but with the staff at Lakeview (and big shout out to Willie Rodriguez who is my go to point of contact), what you forget, they will remember for you and they take care of everything so you can really focus on saying goodbye.

I am giving Andrea Estrada@ Lakeview Funeral Home a 5-star rating,…read moreThe Japanese American community has been doing business with Lakeview since Hiro Masumoto was a funeral director. They support the JA community so when I needed assistance, I went to Lakeview Funeral home. The old adage, one hand washes the other. Andrea is thorough, business minded and caring at the same time. Never dismissive. I did not choose a funeral service that was high priced. And to her credit Andrea did not try to sell me one. I believe that no matter what the funeral service price is, she would give you the same attentive, caring treatment. My phone calls are answered quickly, email questions answered promptly. I recommend Lakeview Funeral Home. When I walk into Lakeview the first person, I usually see is William Rodriguez, who always greeted me with a smile, how you doing? and directed me to where I needed to go.