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 the son of Gary Vandenberg, and is a fourth generation Funeral Director. 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 where he received his Associates in Applied Science. Jacob lives in Tinley Park, with his wife Carrie, sons Oliver and Logan, and his daughter Reese.
    Jacob is very involved in the community; having been elected an Orland Township Trustee (2009-2015), Tinley Park Trustee (2015-2017), and most recently Mayor of the Village of Tinley Park (2017-). Jacob takes great pride in the dignity and honor he provides to the families that he serves at the Funeral Home; he takes that same approach to the residents in the community he serves.
    Among the work at the Funeral Home, Jacob is an avid sports fan and outdoors enthusiast. When he is not working in the funeral home or representing the community he can be found on a local golf course, or playing at the park with his kids.
    Jacob is a member of the Tinley Park Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois Funeral Director Association, National Funeral Directors Association, Cremation Association of North America, a founding member of the Chicago Southland Interstate Alliance, and the Knights of Columbus Fr. CC. Boyle 4698.

  • 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, 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.

  • Michael Grabowski

    Michael Grabowski Funeral Director / Embalmer

    Mike Grabowski is a lifelong Southsider. He was raised in Hickory Hills, raised his family in Palos Hills, and now resides in the Village of Tinley Park. He is the proud father of two children, Chris and Lindsey. Mike has been in the funeral service for over 25 years and dedicates himself to each family he serves.
    Mike graduated of A.A. Stagg High School in 1988, attended Northern Illinois University where he earned a Bachelors Degree in English in 1993 and went to Worsham College of Mortuary Science where he graduated in 1994.
    In his free time Mike enjoys motorcycling with friends and other funeral service professionals as a member of the Trocars Motorcycle Organization. He also enjoys spending quality time with family.
    Mike is a Master Mason with Grove Lodge #824 in Downers Grove and currently is the President of the Trocars Motorcycle Organization.

  • 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.

  • Kathy Gilbert

    Kathy Gilbert Office Assistant

    Kathy Gilbert is a lifelong resident of Tinley Park, a graduate of St George Catholic School and a graduate of Tinley Park High School. She is a lifelong parishioner of St. George Catholic Church. After graduation Kathy began her career at the Northern Trust Co. in Chicago. She retired from Northern Trust in 2015 as 2nd Vice President of Securities Lending Operations with 37 years of service. Kathy is now honored to serve the community in her capacity at the funeral home. Kathy has one daughter and blessed with two granddaughters. Her hobbies include cake decorating and various arts and crafts.

  • Kathy Moore

    Kathy Moore Visitation Attendant

  • 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