My Grandfather always felt that a good man should have a proper burial.

Between death and burial there lies a void. How, when overcome by grief, does one take care of the deceased? This is where the funeral home steps in.

In the late 1800s, Arthur Ahlgrim, a furniture maker and livery service director, opened Ahlgrim Undertaking Parlor to serve the needs of his community. His business grew and expanded as his children had children. Today in Lake Zurich the Ahlgrim funeral home is run by Arthur's great-grandson, Douglas. This is one of three funeral homes in area suburbs run by Arthur's descendants.

Douglas has operated the Lake Zurich funeral home since its opening in 1987. He has a degree in Mortuary Science, with studies including Chemistry, Biology, and Restorative Arts. His job is to fill the void between death and burial. The funeral home handles; disposition of the body to medical science (if desired), cremation (though not in this facility), preparation of the body for burial (whether open casket or closed), preparing the services, cemetery arrangements and even transfers into or out of the state or country.

Douglas feels that the role of the undertaker has changed dramatically since his great grandfather began his business over 100 years ago. Today's business tries hard to involve itself in the day to day rituals of community life and to provide an environment that is positive and caring. The Palatine location has a large recreation center in its basement which is available for community use, free of charge. The center includes a 9-hole golf-course, video parlor and rec room. Douglas and his family live at the funeral home and his children attend the community schools. By being a part of the community, the Ahlgrim family truly cares for the disposition of its residents.

Today, with hospice care, the funeral home often picks up deceased from residences rather than hospitals. There is someone to answer the communities calls 24-hours a day.

While we hope we never need the services of the funeral home, it is nice to know that the void can be filled with dignity and our loved ones can receive a proper burial.