Presenting your loved one in a beautiful way at their Visitation

When a family sees their loved one for the very last time during Visitation, the memory they treasure most is one of the person they loved to be “in peace,” and now without any Earthly burdens that may have caused hardships, however slight or severe. The person they’ve known and loved may have encountered difficult illnesses, trauma, or even difficult medical treatments in the final phase of life before being called home. 

We’ve always known this at Knollcrest and Steuerle Funeral Homes. For Bob Van Staalduinen, it meant that stating “Our Service is an Art” extended from how our client families were helped through these stressful and emotionally difficult periods and more. It means all the way through to how important the cosmetology, hairstyle, clothing selection, jewelry, etc. is in the final moments their precious loved ones are with us through the visitation and final disposition.  To the best extent possible, we want people to witness our loved ones appearing  how their families would like them to be remembered. There may be no greater satisfaction than when a family sees their loved one for the first time before a visitation and shares with us how pleased and grateful they are with the work we’ve done to ensure a beautiful life is represented by the beautiful person who lived it. The positive comments of how they appear pretty/handsome, younger, peaceful….beautiful; those are the goals we endeavor to achieve for the last comforting phase on Earth. Every one of our professional Directors are very well versed in just how important this is to our Family Funeral Services, as well as the families who offer us the privilege to help them through this time. It’s not a goal; it’s an expectation. Service is an Art here. We believe that with every fiber of our being. 

If you have any questions or need any assistance at-need, or you’re considering pre-planning, please contact us. There is no obligation in either instance. We’re here to help no matter what time of day or night you need us. For Knollcrest, phone us at 630.932.1500 or email us at knollcrest@knollcrest.net for Steuerle Chapel, phone us at  630.832.4161 or email us at steuerlefh.com

At Knollcrest Funeral Home and Steuerle Chapel, we have become part of the Filipino Community

Arsenio and Ditas are two very special people and two remarkable Ministers of Consolation in their Parish, Community and truly the entire region. They’re from a very growing community that at the same time is also very well established in our area. The Filipino community proudly has shared its cultures and its customs to the DuPage County area and beyond for many decades. Those customs include some very beautiful and elaborate traditions during the visitation portion of the funeral arrangements. Bob Van Staalduinen recognized very early on that this community and all others require an atmosphere where they can grieve and celebrate their loved ones in the manner that brings them the most comfort; the way they have been forever in their homeland, and for decades in their new homeland. 

Arsenio and Mercedita (known to her legion of friends as Ditas)  Alzona are the Ministers of Consolation at their parish and in their larger community. They are among the most compassionate ministers one might ever encounter. They understand what it takes to grieve, celebrate life and provide comfort. So, their opinion is highly valued. As Arsenio says it “Knollcrest always caters to the needs of the Filipino Community” and Ditas adds,  “That’s why the Filipino Community prefers Knollcrest. They accommodate people and welcome people.” They go even further when they pay Bob the highest compliment by stating “Bob Staalduinen is one of us. He knows us. He joins in our celebration.” The celebration includes Ditas doing some exotic food preparation, and Bob loves what she cooks! 

A time existed in our more densely populated city where every neighborhood and ethnic group had their ‘own’ funeral home to go to for their friends and relatives. As the movement to the suburbs grew and diverse groups lived much more spread out and less condensed, the choices became less obvious and funeral homes needed to welcome all faiths, all beliefs, all cultures instead of only one or two. Knollcrest and Steuerle Funeral Homes have been precise since the beginning that “All are Welcome” and the strengh of diversity makes the entire experience more rich. The Filipino community is just one of the area’s diverse ethnic cultures that has found a high level of comfort and understanding from Robert Van Staalduinen and the staff at Knollcrest Funeral Home and Steuerle Chapel.

If you have any questions or need any assistance at-need, or you’re considering pre-planning, please contact us. There is no obligation in either instance. We’re here to help no matter what time of day or night you need us. For Knollcrest, phone us at 630.932.1500 or email us at knollcrest@knollcrest.net for Steuerle Chapel, phone us at  630.832.4161 or email us at steuerlefh.com

EVEN WHEN THE FUNERAL HOME SERVICES ARE COMPLETED; THE SERVICES TO THE FAMILY CONTINUE

While one might think after the visitation, religious service, disposition; burial or cremation, are complete, all the services a family may require are over. That is often far from the case. 

Our first concern is always for the family and their comfort while they are celebrating the life of their loved ones. Much of the ‘official’ and ‘legal’ requirements are seen to by our professional Directors and very tenured staff at Knollcrest Funeral Home and Steuerle Chapel, Ltd. Families have enough to do in such a short period of time without being swallowed up in the administrative details that must be dealt with. 

Invariably, issues arise later on with estates, property, insurance, benefits, etc. where we can help and we’re very pleased to offer our assistance. We’ve seen to it that “your loved one” is taken care of and their life celebrated properly, so to us it’s only natural that we take care of “their loved ones” to help navigate the official, administrative and legal issues that come up after their formal funeral services are complete. Sometimes it’s in a few days. But it can be even weeks, months and even years! Regardless; we’re ready and very pleased to help. When your mission is to minister to families, there is no expiration date on that promise. 

If you have any questions or need any assistance at-need, or you’re considering pre-planning, please contact us. There is no obligation in either instance. We’re here to help no matter what time of day or night you need us. For Knollcrest, phone us at 630.932.1500 or email us at knollcrest@knollcrest.net for Steuerle Chapel, phone us at  630.832.4161 or email us at steuerlefh.com

WE OWE THE VETERANS; MEN & WOMEN IN UNIFORM THAT HAVE MADE SACRIFICES ON OUR BEHALF.

It wasn’t long ago that we did not have a nearby National Cemetery to offer to our veterans and their families. That all changed a relative few years ago when the Joliet Arsenal property was converted to the hallowed and sacred ground now known as Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois. 

And what a wonderful earned benefit it has been for our Veterans who demonstrated their deep rooted love for their country and her citizens. Burial expenses for a Veteran, their spouse, and dependent children are covered in full, saving thousands of dollars in burial expenses. There is also a Colombrium for the internment of cremation remains at the national cemetery. These services come with full military services to our honorably discharged veterans, almost always from their branch of the service. Veterans who have attended services there often decide right then that this will be their final resting place. 

Many Veterans and their families are not aware of all of their earned benefits, and it is the mission  of our Knollcrest/Steuerle Chapel Family to ensure they are not only aware of them, but that they receive them. It’s a responsibility we take very seriously for the men and women who have sacrificed so much on our behalf.

If a Veteran/Family chose another cemetery m Veterans are entitled to an American Flag, a headstone, and a member of their branch of the Armed Services to attend and play “Taps” to honor your Veteran loved one. Knollcrest and Steuerle  will make all of the arrangements to notify the Veterans Administration to ensure these earned benefits are carried out.

“Veterans are among the most special people among us, having made sacrifices for the benefit of all of us. It is our duty to honor theirs and make sure everything we can do to honor that service is seen to” are the words of Robert Van Staalduinen, Owner and Funeral Director at Knollcrest Funeral Home and Steeuerle Chapel, adding  “It’s an extreme Honor to serve them on their way home”.

For a full explanation and consultation on Veteran’s benefits or any funeral services, assistance at-need, or you’re considering pre-planning, please contact us. There is no obligation in either instance. We’re here to help no matter what time of day or night you need us. For Knollcrest, phone us at 630.932.1500 or email us at knollcrest@knollcrest.net , To Connect with Knollcrest Funeral Home: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Knollcrest-Funeral-Home 

Remembering Those We Loved and Lost. – December 2020

Remembering Those We Loved and Lost. 

The Lives We Celebrated in

August, 2020

https://www.knollcrest.net/

Our Continued Precautions with the COVID-19 Virus to Keep Our Families Safe.

Knollcrest Funeral Home provides funeral services, at-need, pre-planning, memorial, cremation, veterans services to Lombard, Oak Brook, Villa Park IL.

For more information, visit us at:
www.knollcrest.net

Being Sensitive to Families Making Important Decisions

Among the final steps of the funeral arrangement process is the selection of merchandise. This is often a very sensitive time for families where their loss can really be particularly personal and the profoundness of their loss is fully realized.

 

Bob Van Staalduinen relates that he was not always a funeral director, and he experienced selecting merchandise in an environment that he knew he would endeavor to change for the families he and the Knollcrest Family and Staff served. “In over 30 years I’ve never “sold” a casket, I’ve provided the options for a family that fit into their needs based on their own religious affiliation, their own taste, and their own budgetary considerations”, relates Bob. People need to feel comfortable with their choices and take whatever time they need to achieve that level of comfort.

 

“The entire arrangement process is overwhelming for families”, Bob states, adding, “this is an area where we must show the most understanding and compassion to people who are experiencing loss”.

 

For any questions about services, at need, pre-planning, memorial services or cremation, please contact us at 630-932-1500 or http://www.knollcrest.net/

 

For any questions about services; at need, pre-planning, memorial services or cremation, please contact us at 630-932-1500 or http://www.knollcrestfuneralhome.net
To Connect with Knollcrest Funeral Home:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Knollcrest-Funeral-Home

Twitter: https://twitter.com/knollfuneral

Blog: http://knollcrestfuneral.wordpress

Website: http://www.knollcrestfuneralhome.net

We are a “Ministry to People” at their most difficult time

Bob Van Staalduinen’s father was a minister. While answering the call to the vocation of Funeral Director, he did so more as moving toward a ministry than a business. Helping people in their greatest time of need is an experience of faith, comfort and understanding.

That has been their approach for over 30 years since Bob and Elaine mortgaged everything to move into their new home; an apartment above Knollcrest Funeral Home. They raised their children there. Bob’s parents lived there. His children have lived there when they became adults. In Bob’s own words, “This has been our home; a home we share with the families we serve, extending it to them to be their home in their time of need “.

The environment you greet family and friends in when sharing an intimate farewell to a loved one is of great importance. The aura and feeling of the space needs to be comfortable.  We continually strive to maintain that environment. Families have plenty on their minds during visitations and funeral arrangements to comfort their own families and dear friends. It’s up to us to take care of everything else, right down to the most minor details. Within our ministry, we understand this and pledge to ensure that your concerns are focused on your family and celebrating the life of the loved one you entrusted us with.

It’s a humbling privilege.

For any questions about services; at need, pre-planning, memorial services or cremation, please contact us at 630-932-1500 or http://www.knollcrestfuneralhome.com/

To Connect with Knollcrest Funeral Home: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Knollcrest-Funeral-Home

Twitter: https://twitter.com/knollfuneral

Blog: http://knollcrestfuneral.wordpress

Website:  http://www.knollcrestfuneralhome.com/

Salamat! A beautiful word our Filipino Community uses so often; Thank you!

 

In addition to Salamat, the words Kaginhawaan and Pagkakaunawaan, translating to Comfort and Understanding, are among the beautiful words of the Tagalog language we’ve learned with the help of Arsenio and Mercedita Alzona. It’s important to know that Mercedita is lovingly known here and among her many friends as simply “Ditas”. Arsenio and Ditas are very active members of the Filipino Community all around and beyond Du Page County, in addition to serving as Eucharistic Ministers and on the Ministry of Consolation at Christ the King Parish in Lombard. They have a passion for the “Celebration of Life.” 

According to Arsenio, “Bob Staalduinen is one of us. He knows and understands how our community grieves, and he grieves with us. He understands us because he’s one of us”. Ditas adds, “the Filipino celebration of life means sharing a big and important meal together. Bob joins with us in the celebration. Our community loves and respects him.” Most important she shares, “He likes my cooking!” Actually, everyone likes Ditas’ cooking from the staff at Knollcrest to all of the friends and family who attend the visitations. When Ditas shares her culinary gifts with the community, it truly is a Celebration of Life. 

“Learning the customs of ethnic families is nothing new to being a Funeral Director”, states Bob Van (as he is commonly referred to), “funeral homes have been serving ethnic communities from the very beginning in neighborhoods in the city. As the suburbs grew and the melting pot expanded, we experienced the true richness of serving many different communities and faiths and it’s made us better directors, better ministers, and better people”. He quickly adds “the delicious food is a marvelous benefit in serving the Filipino Community”. It is!

The Filipino community is just one of the area’s diverse ethnic cultures that has found a high level of comfort and understanding from Robert Van Staalduinen and his staff at Knollcrest.

For any questions about services; at need, pre-planning, memorial services or cremation, please contact us at 630-932-1500 or http://www.knollcrestfuneralhome.com/

To Connect with Knollcrest Funeral Home: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Knollcrest-Funeral-Home

Twitter: https://twitter.com/knollfuneral

Blog: http://knollcrestfuneral.wordpress

Website:  http://www.knollcrestfuneralhome.com/

Knollcrest Funeral Home – Pre-Planning can be both practical and loving for your family.

 

Pre-Planning can be both practical and loving for your family.

We know Florence Zaagman as “Flo”. We love Flo and we see her often. Flo is very involved in her faith community and has been a resident of Elmhurst for a long, long time. She’s a wonderful neighbor and as a result of that and her very infectious, bubbly personality, Flo has a lot of friends. A lot!

As a result, Flo is a very regular “comforter” at Knollcrest. She’s kind and compassionate and ready to be there for anyone who experiences a loss. For Flo, that means “being called home.” It’s something she’s not anxious to do of course, but she’s not afraid of it and she wants her arrangements to be what she really wants. Her mom and dad have been called home, and in each case, their arrangements were Pre-planned. That enabled Flo and her sister to spend their time and energy greeting and hosting the many family, relatives and friends who came to offer her family comfort. The lesson learned was that Flo would pre-plan too, to ease the burden on her family and ensure that what she really wanted is what would really happen. As she says it, “it just offers me a sense of peace that this is all taken care of” Bob at Knollcrest has everything written down for Flo, and that’s just how she wants it.

If you’re interested in discussing Pre-Planning, or anything related to our services, you can speak to Bob or any of our professional funeral directors and professional staff at Knollcrest Funeral Home  Call us at 630-932-1500 or visit us:  https://www.knollcrest.net/

To Connect with Knollcrest Funeral Home:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Knollcrest-Funeral-Home

Twitter: https://twitter.com/knollfuneral

Blog: http://knollcrestfuneral.wordpress

Website: http://www.knollcrest.net/