This past weekend, Hitzeman offered raffles, more than $1,000 in prizes, games and treats from vendors around the area.
Hitzeman got its start in 1904 when Frederick Hitzeman set up his business at the corner of Keeler and 26th Street in Chicago. He turned his house into a chapel while he lived upstairs. People then used horses and carriages for funerals, and wakes lasted three nights. Over time, the business expanded and relocated to Brookfield in the middle part of the 20th Century, according Hitzeman’s website.
It has played a key role in the community since then.
“Besides being a proud supporter of the community,” organizers said, “we are your neighbor, a friend and we are here for your family when and if you need us.”
Hitzeman Funeral Home hosts their 125th anniversary celebration Saturday Sept. 28, 2024. | Erica Benson 
People including Sarah Repka of Lagrange Park enjoy the food provided by Hitzeman Funeral Home during their 125th anniversary celebration Saturday Sept. 28, 2024. | Erica Benson 
People including Dan Adkins of Brookfield spin a wheel for a prize with the help of Hitzeman Funeral Home employee Donna Walker during their 125th anniversary celebration Saturday Sept 28, 2024. 
People including Avita McMahon of Lagrange Park spin a wheel for a prize with the help of Hitzeman Funeral Home employee Donna Walker during their 125th anniversary celebration Saturday Sept. 28, 2024. | Erica Benson 
5th Generation Hitzeman Funeral Home owner Chuck Hitzeman thanks people for attending and helping with their 125th anniversary celebration Saturday Sept. 28, 2024. | Erica Benson 
4th Generation owner of Hitzeman Funeral Home greets guests during their 125th anniversary celebration Saturday Sept. 28, 2024. | Erica Benson
Correction, Oct. 12, 9:12 a.m: This article has been updated to reflect that the funeral home did not move to Oak Park. Frederick Hitzeman did around 1928. https://www.hitzemanfuneral.com/about-us/our-history. We apologize for the error.