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 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 Knights 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 raised his family in Tinley Park, IL and was proud to stay very active in the community until he was called home.

  • Gary Vandenberg

    Gary Vandenberg Past President / 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

    Jacob C. Vandenberg President / Funeral Director

    Jacob is a fourth generation Funeral Director & Embalmer; continuing the rich history of "service before self". Jacob graduated from St. George Catholic School in 1998 and Providence Catholic High School in 2002. Upon his high school graduation he attended Southern Illinois University and Worsham College of Mortuary Science.

    Jacob was born and raised in Tinley Park and currently resides in Tinley Park with his wife Carrie, sons Oliver and Logan, and his daughter Reese.
    Jacob served the community and held public office in Orland Township as a Trustee (2009-2015), Tinley Park Trustee (2015-2017), and Mayor of the Village of Tinley Park (2017-2021). Jake often says "One of life's greatest joys is to give back to the local community".
    Jacob takes great pride in the dignity and honor he provides to the families that he serves at the Funeral Home; he took that same approach to the residents in the community that he had the pleasure of serving.
    Jake is an avid sports fan and outdoors enthusiast - When he is not serving families or volunteering in the community he can be found on a local golf course, playing at the park with his kids, or wading in a stream in hopes to master the "perfect" cast.

    Jacob is a member of the Illinois Funeral Director Association, National Funeral Director Association, Cremation Association of North America, a founding member of the Chicago Southland Interstate Alliance, and Pack Committee Chairman of Cub Scout Pack 442 in Tinley Park.

  • Joshua J. Vandenberg

    Joshua J. Vandenberg General Manager

    Joshua Vandenberg is the son of Gary Vandenberg and brother of Jacob. Joshua is a 2003 graduate of St. George Catholic School and a 2007 graduate of Providence Catholic High School. Joshua resides in Tinley Park with his wife Kelly, daughter Reagan, Son Cole, and their dog Lucy. Joshua was a communications manager at Trace Ambulance from 2009-2013. He then expanded his communications experience in business development of Elite Ambulance from 2013 -2017. There Josh was responsible for the daily operations, marketing and the telecommunications department. He believes in the importance of customer service and constant professionalism in all aspects of the funeral industry. Joshua is a member of the Tinley Park and Mokena Chamber of Commerce. He continues to become more involved in the communities of Tinley Park and Mokena.

  • Caitlin Tisil

    Caitlin Tisil Funeral Director & Embalmer

    Caitlin Tisil is a new resident of Orland Park and formerly resided in North Aurora. 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

    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 hi to precious Rudy! Rudy is a #Goldendoodle. Born in August 2020 at Pride and Prejudoodle and adopted by the Vandenberg family in January 2021. Rudy was trained in a healthy, family-friendly environment by a certified AKC trainer.
    It’s no secret to animal lovers that these special creatures have a unique way of offering unconditional care and support. Study after study has shown that animals – especially dogs – have a positive impact on not only your mind and emotions, but also your physical health. Rudy is a hypoallergenic goldendoodle who will provide loving and friendly support to those attending our Funeral Homes.
    Follow Rudy and his adventures www.rudyloves.com

  • Mike Wittman

    Mike Wittman Safety Compliance Officer & Funeral Assistant

    Mike Wittman is a lifelong resident of Tinley Park and dear friend of the Vandenberg family. Mike graduated from St. George Catholic School in 1982 and Tinley Park High School in 1986. Upon completion of High School, Mike went to work as an EMT-B with Vandenberg Ambulance. He furthered his career in emergency services by becoming a Firefighter within his community. Today, he is a Lieutenant with the Tinley Park Fire Department and past president of the Tinley Park Firefighters Association. Mike has dedicated his life to serving his community, among the many positions of service; he is a Past Athletic Director of the Tinley Park Bulldogs, Volunteer Coach and Administrator of the Tinley Park Roller Rink Roller hockey league, and former football coach and mentor at Chicago Christian High School and Lincolnway North High school. Mike is the proud father of two daughters.