Schmaedeke Funeral Homes

Schmaedeke Funeral Homes, now operating as Schmaedeke - Phillip A. Maher Funeral Services, is a family-founded funeral home with a rich history dating back to 1932. Originally established by Orville and Martha Schmaedeke, the business began with a distinct “Vision of Service” and opened its first location in Joliet, Illinois, in partnership with Eugene Harris in 1936. By 1938, the Schmaedekes were serving families from their own Orland Park home, converting their dining and living rooms into visitation spaces. In December 1959, the family opened their flagship location at 10701 South Harlem Avenue in Worth, Illinois, which served the community for decades. After three generations of family leadership—including son Richard and his wife Janeen, and later their daughter Kara—the legacy was entrusted to Phillip A. Maher, a seasoned funeral director with over 30 years of experience. While the Worth location has since closed, the business continues to honor the Schmaedeke tradition by serving Chicagoland from its new location at 11028 Southwest Highway in Palos Hills, Illinois.

Today, Schmaedeke - Phillip A. Maher Funeral Services provides comprehensive funeral and cremation services tailored to the unique needs of each family. They offer burial services, cremation options, and have an onsite chapel for services. The facility is wheelchair accessible with accessible parking, ensuring comfort for all visitors. Prepayment plans are available for those wishing to plan ahead, easing the burden on loved ones. The staff is described as caring and experienced professionals who respect each family’s personal requests and traditions. Their website provides resources such as obituaries, guidance on where to begin after a loss, preplanning information, frequently asked questions, and heartfelt testimonials from families they have served. With a perfect 5-star rating on Google Maps and a commitment to compassionate care, Schmaedeke - Phillip A. Maher Funeral Services continues to uphold the Schmaedeke legacy of exceptional service, dignity, and support for grieving families in the Chicago area.