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
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Our family has been involved in the funeral business for nearly 70 years. Our history stems back to the original family owned funeral home in Blue Island, Illinois which was established in 1937.
Our original Tinley Park location was established in 1965 near Oak Park Avenue in downtown Tinley Park. In 1997 we opened a new, modern facility in Tinley Park on Harlem Avenue, moving from our original Tinley facility. In 1985 we purchased, renovated and expanded our Mokena location, opening in 1987.The Funeral Home is active in both Tinley Park and Mokena communities, always surrounding our business with community events.
Our Valued Staff
Carl R Vandenberg, Funeral Director / Founder
Carl R. Vandenberg is the founder of Vandenberg Funeral Homes in 1965, as well as a co-founder of Hickey-Vandenberg Ambulance (currently known as Vandenberg Ambulance). Carl graduated from St. Benedicts Catholic School in 1943, Blue Island High School in 1947; and Worsham College in 1950. Carl, then was drafted into the Korean War; serving in the American Graves Registration Unit in Korea, from 1951-1953. After serving in the war, Carl worked in the funeral industry before he opened his own Funeral Home. Carl is a proud 50 year member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association. Carl is a lifelong parishoner of St. George Catholic Church, a member of the Kinghts of Columbus (reaching as high as Grand Knight). He is also a 50 year member of the VFW and American Legion of Tinley Park, IL. He was a dedicated member of the Tinley Park Lions Club. Carl has raised his family in Tinley Park, IL and continues to stay very active in the community.
Gary Vandenberg, Funeral Director
Gary is the son of Carl Vandenberg, continuing the legacy of funeral directing. Gary graduated from St. Geroge Catholic School in 1974, Tinley Park High School in 1978, and Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1987. Gary is a life long parishoner of St. George Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Gary is a founding member of the Tinley Park Sertoma, former member of the Tinley Park Jaycee's; past President and Athletic Director of the Tinley Park Athletics Association "also known as Tinley Park Bulldogs", Past President of the St. Jude Knights hockey organization, and a former board member of the Amatuer Hockey Association of Illinois Tier 2. He is also a member of the Illinois Funeral Director Association.
Jacob C Vandenberg, Funeral Director
Jacob is the son of Gary Vandenberg, and is the third generation of funeral directing. Jacob is a 1998 graduate of St. George Catholic School, 2002 graduate of Providence Catholic High School, and a 2006 graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science recieving his Associates of Applied Science degree. He is a life long parishoner of St. Geroge Church, and is a Orland Township Trustee.
Jason Sullivan, Funeral Director
Jason is a 1992 graduate of St. Benedict Catholic School, 1996 graduate of Eisenhower High School, and a 2001 graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science. While attending Wosham, Jason was a Class Officer (2000-2001), and made the Honor Society Pi Sigma Eta ( 2000-2001). Upon completion of College Jason received his Associates of Applied Science degree. Jason has been employed with Vandenberg Funeral Home since 2001. Jason and his family are members of St. Stephen Deacon & Martyr Church Tinley Park, IL.
James Lippe, Funeral Assistant
Jim has been employed with the Funeral Home for 12 years, he is former member of the Chicago Stock Exchange. His service experience in the market, adds valuable character to the funeral home.
