History and Photos

Ahlgrim Undertaker has the distinction of having the first four horse-drawn hearse to enter Forest Park Cemetery in Forest Park, Illinois. Mr. Arthur F. Ahlgrim, the founder of Ahlgrim Undertaker, is at the reins.

Our founder, Mr. Arthur F. Ahlgrim, standing in front of his first parlor. Ahlgrim Undertaker in Blue Island, Chicago. The child in the seat is his Son, Walter W. Ahlgrim. He also became a funeral director and eventually opened a location in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago.

Mr. Walter W. Ahlgrim, the second generation, standing in front of our location in the Austin Neighborhood of Chicago. He raised three boys in this building all of whom became funeral directors. Note the sign now reads Ahlgrim and Son Undertakers.

A random photo was taken by this man’s Wife. She is taking a picture of the vehicle, a 1932 Studebaker. Many years later this man’s Son became a funeral director and subsequently worked for a future Ahlgrim location in Palatine, Illinois.

Mr. Douglas R. Ahlgrim, a fourth-generation funeral director, standing next to his 1958 Cadillac Hearse. This vehicle has been used on a few very special funerals. This hearse is now mostly used promotionally. See our vintage hearse page for details about where you can see this hearse at home.