Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park, located at 7750 West Cermak Road in Forest Park, Illinois, is a distinguished provider of funeral, cremation, and cemetery services that has served the greater Chicago area with compassion and excellence for generations. As sister locations, the funeral home and memorial park work in seamless harmony to offer families a unified and convenient experience when planning final arrangements. The funeral home and on-site crematory opened in 2006 on the cemetery grounds, bringing simplicity and peace of mind to a time of need. Woodlawn is non-denominational and welcomes people of all cultures, religions, and backgrounds.

The funeral home itself is a spacious 12,000-square-foot facility featuring three chapels, each equipped with a hospitality room and kitchen for catered receptions. The largest chapel accommodates approximately 100 guests, while the smallest holds about 50, allowing for intimate or larger gatherings. Woodlawn’s experienced staff specializes in creating personalized celebrations of life, ranging from traditional funerals to modern, themed gatherings. Personal touches might include photo displays, favorite sports team jerseys, live music, or even a kayak at the front door — whatever best reflects the unique personality and passions of the honored individual. The team handles every detail, transforming simple inspiration into a memorable tribute.

For families considering cremation, Woodlawn offers a full range of options, from direct cremation to services before or after the cremation. The private on-site crematory provides the utmost control and dignity, ensuring that loved ones never leave the care of the facility. Cremated remains may be interred in Woodlawn Memorial Park, which offers ground burial and mausoleum niches.

Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery spans over 100 acres of rolling green lawns and beautiful monuments. The first burial took place here in 1912, and today the cemetery offers diverse interment options, including two large community mausoleums. The Des Plaines Mausoleum holds up to 75 people for committal services. The cemetery is also home to the historic Showmen’s Rest, a 750-plot section dedicated primarily to circus performers. Established in 1918 after the tragic Hagenbeck-Wallace circus train wreck interred approximately 60 members there, this unique area features five elephant statues with lowered trunks and remains an active burial ground for circus performers.

Woodlawn is deeply committed to honoring veterans, with military pillars at the cemetery entrance engraved with names of those who served. The team guides families in creating meaningful military memorial services. Throughout the year, Woodlawn hosts community events such as Easter egg hunts, Mother’s Day activities, Memorial Day services, a 9/11 tribute, and a holiday luminary lighting. As part of the Dignity Memorial network, Woodlawn offers a 100% service guarantee, 24/7 availability, and pre-planning options with low-interest payment plans. Whether for immediate need or future planning, Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park provides trusted, compassionate care.