Montrose Cemetery on the north side has a particularly interesting history. I've seen it many…read moretimes, as I live fewer than two miles away; however, I've never know much about it. I took a self-tour of it recently to change that. Montrose is one of the trio of cemeteries on Pulaski between Foster and Peterson, with the other two being Saint Luke and Bohemian National cemeteries. Montrose is the youngest of the three, established in 1902. The cemetery was owned by Andrew Kirchner, who owned a funeral home, and is still an independent cemetery owned by his descendants. They did not have a One of the early burials was a victim of the Iroquois Theatre Fire, which was one of the deadliest fires in US history (if you're unfamiliar, I highly suggest reading about it). Of the over 600 victims, nearly all were claimed in the months following the tragedy--all but one, a woman who was never identified even though hundreds of people visited her over the course of six months. She was interred here in Montrose in a casket engraved The Unknown. Kirschner donated his services and the plot to this unfortunate victim. Today, there is a diamond-shaped Iroquois Memorial on the site, erected five years after the fire. Another unique monument here is a mausoleum placed by the Japanese Mutual Aid Society. That organization began purchasing several lots for use by people of Japanese descent in Chicago, so that they would have a place to be buried; the group also covered burial fees for those who were unable to afford burial. In the years surrounding World War II, there was growing anti-Japanese sentiment even as hundreds of thousands of Japanese Americans came to the city, and these somewhat prescient actions on behalf of the JMAS to help their community were indeed an important measure to take. The Society acquired more plots and there are two sections of the cemetery that are dedicated to people of Japanese heritage, as well as a sitting area for quiet reflection. In addition to the large number of Japanese Americans buried here, there are a lot of people of Eastern European descent here too. There is an incredibly large memorial to the victims of the Armenian genocide. It's a relatively new addition, installed around 2000. There are elaborate memorials to some of the religious leaders of one or more Eastern European Christian denominations as well.

Office staff not friendly. You have to call for appointment and you can see people sitting in the…read moreoffice and they won't answer the door. We asked a groundskeeper for a map and they said we had to call the office just for a map but you can literally see people just chatting in the building. You would think given the situation staff would be overly nice to help a person grieving.

Took very good care of me and my family at a very difficult time. Empathetic and thoughtful service.read more

My neighbor of many years passed away. He was a great man an old world gentleman to the end and I…read morefelt like I needed to go pay my respects. He and his wife were the among the first people in Forest Glen when they moved here in 1945. Much of this area was just prairie & grasslands when they moved in. He told me that many of the roads were gravel. He & his wife had been married 67 years and were always contributing to the neighborhood. Smith-Corcoran did a good job sending off a pillar of our Neighborhood, a great neighbor & person. He will be missed. Martin and his wife are old world Europeans w/a work ethic unlike most people. They were both members of Queen of All Saints. I use to see them on the Sunday's that I attended church. Great people w/a fitting send off @ Smith Corcoran & QAS. There were a great number of people from the neighborhood that came to pay their respects to Martin

Poor service at a very difficult time. More interested in schedule than people. And much too warm…read morein viewing room.

We had the sad need for Drake and Son's services in the past week…read more From our first phone calls , to the decision making process to the visitation and burial, we found Levi W and everyone to be professional, compassionate and competent. The packages and presentation of the options was well organized. We understood our options. I'm talking about the location on Western. I'm sorry for people who had any bad experience As far as death certificates and delivery that seems to be on the county. Not asking for an argument. I'm amazed at the ability of the staff to work with grieving families.

I never imagined the day would come that I would need to write a review for a funeral home due to…read morethe passing of my Father. Living in the far North side of Chicago you are left with many options, and big name choices. Although, my intention is not to talk poorly of other funeral home, many left us feeling helpless due to pricing and limited option because they charged for EVERYTHING. From the moment our family walked in, Stuart made us feel comfortable and extended his condolences for our loss. We didn't feel as though we were just another opportunity to make a sale. Stuart and Laura took care of everything, and by I mean everything they did just that. They helped us save money by educating us with options and choices, and providing us with a beautiful funeral for our Father. The staff was friendly and compassionate to our loved ones. The funeral home was clean, offered privacy since it only handled one funeral at a time, and accommodated all of friends and family. I honestly do not write reviews, and felt Benson Family funeral home truly deserved 5 stars. Thank you Stuart and Laura.

With much love and respect, the Benson Family funeral home really IS the last place you want to be…read more With care, honor, respect and love they helped to handle the ugly details of death and brought light and peace into such a dark and hazy period for my family more than once. Large enough to accommodate most beloved people, yet small enough to be cozy for the less famous. With a million and 3 things going on in your mind at a time of such great loss, it does comfort me to know that people with such good heart and character are in position to help when the time comes.

This cemetery was quite interesting to visit. It was called St. Lucas Cemetery for most of its…read morehistory, but at the tail end of the 20th century was renamed St. Luke Cemetery. Originally the church was established by an association of Lutheran churches; one by one they left the association, and the final church was St. Lukes. Although it is next door to Montrose Cemetery and across the street from Bohemian National Cemetery--and is bordered by a large condo building, near the Jewel-Osco, and close to the major intersection of Foster & Pulaski. But almost from the moment I entered the cemetery it felt like it was rural, quiet, and spooky. I expect that is largely because the cemetery is very unkempt. There are areas of the cemetery where the trees, grass, or brush is overgrown. There are several cracked or crumbling gravestones, some that are hard to see because of the lack of landscaping. The concrete driveway/walkway is also cracked and in quite a bit of disrepair in much of the cemetery. Portions of the cemetery have been sold to build the condos, and also sold off a section of it to the Jewel. It's unfortunate that the church organization has been unable to maintain the property.

Warning. They misspelled mother's name in stone on a family grave and will not fix their mistake,…read moreunless we pay additional $800.

Called to request a quote and for someone to help explain the process of transporting someone from…read moreone state to another. Guy on the phone was immediately frustrated with me and would just keep repeating "no, no" until refusing to work with me. Unfortunately, the news came to us suddenly and I was working quickly, but no one seemed to be willing to be patient and work with me in such a tricky situation. I understand this job isn't for the weak of heart, but let's try to be a little more "Christian" for the sake of other's hearts.

This funeral home is very helpful in time of my brother's death. Everything they did was nice and…read moreclassy.

I have attended multiple funerals at this location, unfortunately. However, lovely experience with…read morethis funeral home and staff. Would definitely recommend.

This is the Muzyka Funeral Home that shines the brightest. Whether you're coming to pay your last…read morerespects to a friend, burying a loved one or a vendor coming in through the back door, you are genuinely welcomed, greeted with a smile, treated with dignity and met with professionalism. The staff is very accommodating, helpful and not badgering. A spacious interior, tastefully appointed with ample parking on site. Wonderful! This is a people friendly funeral home. A class act! There is nothing dysfunctional at this funeral home, no pecking order and a staff that is totally polite, sincere and welcoming. No mean people working here! When I go, and hopefully not too soon! Years and years down the road.. :) .... This Ukrainian is coming to this Muzyka Funeral Home on Lawrence Avenue. If they treat you right while you're alive, you can count on them taking care of you respectfully at your funeral.