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

Since our founding we have been family owned and operated. Our family has been involved in the funeral business for nearly 70 years with our history stemming back to the original family owned funeral home in Blue Island, Illinois which was established in 1937 (Pictured on left).

 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 an old farm house on Wolf Road, we restored and expanded the new Mokena location, opening in 1987. 

Another aspect of our family business was the ambulance service; this service worked together with the funeral home, as the funeral homes has long vehicles that could be used to transport patients to hospitals (ie. Hearse coach).  The ambulance service was created to fill an unmet need for emergency medical transportation. In the early days of EMS, Vandenberg Ambulance was the only option for communities located in the south suburbs of Chicago. The company responded to motor vehicle accidents in communities from Blue Island to Joliet, and over time, began serving hospitals and nursing homes. The services provided in the very beginning were only those of a first responder, and that was simply the transport of an injured patient to the closest hospital.

The Vandenberg Family, has always insisted on staying involved throughout the communities they live and work in. The funeral home operates in best practices in funeral service, and strives for excellence when conducting funeral services for families we serve. We make a point of working together with area churches and charitable organizations to meet the demand of the community with an open mind and giving heart. 

Our Valued Staff

  • In Memory of Carl R. Vandenberg 1929-2014

    In Memory of Carl R. Vandenberg 1929-2014 Founder

    Carl R. Vandenberg is the founder of Vandenberg Funeral Homes, established in 1965, and a co-founder of Hickey-Vandenberg Ambulance, now known as Vandenberg Ambulance. He graduated from St. Benedict’s Catholic School in 1943 and Blue Island High School in 1947, before earning his degree from Worsham College in 1950. Shortly after, Carl was drafted into the Korean War, where he served in the American Graves Registration Unit from 1951 to 1953. Following his military service, Carl worked in the funeral industry before opening his own funeral home. He was a proud 50-year member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association and a lifelong parishioner of St. George Catholic Church. A dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus, Carl rose to the rank of Grand Knight. He was also a 50-year member of both the VFW and American Legion in Tinley Park, IL, and a devoted member of the Tinley Park Lions Club.Carl raised his family in Tinley Park and remained actively involved in the community until he was called home. His legacy of service and dedication continues to be honored by those he served and loved.

  • Gary Vandenberg

    Gary Vandenberg Past President / Funeral Director Ret.

    Gary is the son of Carl Vandenberg, proudly continuing the family legacy of funeral directing. He graduated from St. George Catholic School in 1974, Tinley Park High School in 1978, and earned his degree from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1987. A lifelong parishioner of St. George Catholic Church, Gary is also an active member of the Knights of Columbus.Deeply involved in his community, Gary is a founding member of the Tinley Park Sertoma and a former member of the Tinley Park Jaycees. He has served as both President and Athletic Director of the Tinley Park Athletics Association, also known as the Tinley Park Bulldogs, and as Past President of the St. Jude Knights Hockey Organization. Additionally, he was a former board member of the Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois Tier 2.Gary is a dedicated member of both the National Funeral Directors Association and the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, reflecting his commitment to the funeral profession and the community he serves..

  • Jacob C. Vandenberg

    Jacob C. Vandenberg President / Funeral Director & Embalmer

    Jacob is a fourth-generation Funeral Director and Embalmer, carrying on the family legacy of "service before self." A graduate of St. George Catholic School in 1998 and Providence Catholic High School in 2002, Jacob went on to earn his Associate of Applied Science degree from Southern Illinois University and Worsham College of Mortuary Science, where he also obtained his Illinois Funeral Director and Embalmer professional license.Born and raised in Tinley Park, Jacob continues to live in the community with his wife, Carrie, their sons, Oliver and Logan, and their daughter, Reese.Throughout his career, Jacob has been dedicated to serving his community in a variety of leadership roles. He served as a Trustee in Orland Township from 2009 to 2015, a Trustee in Tinley Park from 2015 to 2017, and as Mayor of Tinley Park from 2017 to 2021. He often reflects, “One of life’s greatest joys is giving back to the local community.” Jacob carries this sense of service and respect into his work as a Funeral Director, where he ensures that the families he serves are treated with dignity, compassion, and care. His commitment to community service extends beyond his professional life, as he takes pride in being an active, engaged resident.An avid sports fan and lover of the outdoors, Jacob enjoys spending his free time on the golf course, playing with his children at the park, or wading in a stream, trying to perfect his "perfect" cast.Jacob is also deeply involved in several professional and community organizations. He is a member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Directors Association, and the Cremation Association of North America. He is a founding member of the Chicago Southland Interstate Alliance and serves as the Charter Organization Representative for Tinley Park Cub Scout Pack 442.

  • Caitlin Tisil

    Caitlin Tisil Funeral Director & Embalmer

    Caitlin graduated from Glenbard East High School in 2015 and Southern Illinois University- Carbondale in 2020 where she received her Bachelor’s in Mortuary Science and Funeral Service. Caitlin is now a full-time licensed funeral director and embalmer with the Vandenberg family. She has been in the funeral services since 2019 and looks forward to serving our families with the utmost respect. She and her family are members of Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church in Aurora. Caitlin is the youngest of two to Steven and Natalie, with one older brother Brandon. In her free time, she enjoys bowling, going on hikes, and spending time with her family. She plans on getting more involved in the community of Tinley Park and Mokena as the years go on.

  • Kathy Moore

    Kathy Moore Administrative Specialist & Senior Visitation Attendant

    Kathy Moore, proud resident of Chicago's Southside; formerly of the Roseland Neighborhood St. Willibrord Parish. She comes from a family of 11 siblings, holding true to Irish Catholic Heritage. Kathy spent a career at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 and is a long-time parishioner of St. Linus Catholic Church of Oak Lawn, IL. She is proud mother of 3 children and 4 grandchildren. Her pride and joy is her yellow Labrador "Birdie". When she is not serving the families at the funeral home, she can be found gardening in her backyard. Kathy also enjoys, crafting, woodworking, but mostly spending time with her family and grandchildren.

  • Rudy Vandenberg

    Rudy Vandenberg Emotional Support and Grief Therapy buddy

    Say hello to the adorable Rudy! This sweet #Goldendoodle was born in August 2020 at Pride and Prejudoodle and joined the Vandenberg family in January 2021. Trained in a warm, family-friendly environment by a certified AKC trainer, Rudy is ready to spread love and comfort.It’s no surprise to animal lovers that dogs have a special way of offering unconditional support. Studies show that pets—especially dogs—are great for our mental, emotional, and even physical health. Rudy, a hypoallergenic Goldendoodle, will be there to offer his friendly, loving presence to those visiting our Funeral Homes, bringing comfort during tough times. Simply request his presence to one of our wonderful staff and Rudy will emBARK on his duty to provide comfort.