History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

Our History

Our History

Peter Van Henkelum, a Funeral Director/Embalmer who has been licensed since 1975, is the son and grandson of Funeral Directors. Coming from a long line of Funeral Directors who took pride in their occupation, he was raised with his father and mother who owned funeral homes in Chicago and Palos Heights. His grandmother was the former owner of the Walsh Funeral Home in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago for many years. Believing in the value of funeral and memorial services to fit the individual at Van Henkelum Funeral Home, Peter prides himself on helping to provide the best possible service for your loved ones and demands a level of excellence in all facets of services provided so as to uphold the standards he learned from his parents and grandparents.

Peter was born and raised in Palos Heights having attended St. Michaels and St. Alexander Grammar schools, Carl Sandburg High School, Moraine Valley Community College and is a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago. In his spare time, Peter enjoys Bowling, Golf and riding his bicycle on the many trails throughout the forest preserves. Peter is a certified crematory operator, member of the Cremation Association of North America, National Funeral Directors Association, Illinois Funeral Directors Association recently joined a national group of cremation specialists Cremation-with-Care to access better ways to help families that choose cremation and other simplified services.

Call to book an appointment today (708) 448-3530

Our Valued Staff