Adolf family has long history in funeral services

John Adolf's family has been handling funeral arrangements ever since his great-grandfather, John Kral, founded the business in Chicago in 1882. After many decades and just one move in the city, the business opened in 1960 as the Adolf-Berwyn Funeral Home at 2921 South Harlem Ave. in Berwyn. That location is still busy providing funeral services, while in 2005 the family opened another funeral home at 7000 South Madison Street in Willowbrook. The state-of-the-art facility offers residents of the western suburbs the same customized funeral arrangements the Adolf family has provided for so many years.

Both funeral service facilities now operate under the name Adolf Funeral & Cremation Services Ltd. John Adolf, who went to work for the business back in 1979, is funeral director for both locations.

"There's been a lot of a positive change in the industry," Adolf recalled. Most notably, he said, in how funeral services have become more personalized.

"Videos, music, memorabilia, all of that stuff is good," Adolf said of the media and other items he encourages family members to include in a funeral service. "It's about a person's whole life. It's a mourning but also a celebration."

A funeral becomes more personalized when friends and family bring in things that highlight the interests and passions of the deceased, he said.

At a recent service for a man who was an engineer with a passion for motorcycles, a 1939 Harley with a sidecar was actually rolled in to the funeral home, Adolf said.

"There are a lot of ways to remember a loved one. It all adds to the comfort level."

For information about funeral arrangements, call Adolf Funeral & Cremation Services in Willowbrook at 630-325-2300. To reach the Berwyn facility, call 708-484-4111.