Last spring, I watched my neighbor Sarah go through something no one should have to face alone. Three days after her husband passed, she was still making phone calls, trying to find a funeral home that would treat her like a person instead of a dollar sign. With over 15 funeral homes serving the Pekin area and nearby towns, choosing the right one when you’re already dealing with so much can feel impossible. I decided to research every major option so families like hers wouldn’t have to navigate this alone.
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The Short Version
Look, I’ll be honest – Preston-Hanley is my top pick overall. They’re part of a big company, which actually helps because they have resources smaller places can’t match. Their plans move with you if you relocate, and someone’s always there 24/7.
Henderson Funeral Home is the best family-owned choice if you want that personal touch where the staff actually knows your family. They’ve been around for over 120 years, so they get the community.
Abts Mortuary has been in the same family longer than anyone else in Pekin – since 1934. If you’re into that generational trust thing, they’re solid.
Davison-Fulton-Woolsey operates from the only building in Pekin that was actually built to be a funeral home. The history adds something special that converted buildings just can’t match.
Hughes-Taylor focuses on helping you heal, not just getting through a ceremony. They understand that funerals should help families process grief.
Pekin Life Insurance connects you with 450+ funeral homes across six states. Perfect if your family moves around a lot.
You’re probably wondering about cost – and honestly, it varies a lot. You could spend anywhere from $3,000 to over $15,000, depending on what you choose. Most places will work with you on payment plans.
While you compare costs, remember your words mean more than numbers — the Eulogy Generator can help you express them beautifully.
Comparison Table
| Funeral Home | What They’re Known For | How Long They’ve Been Around | My Rating | Why They’re Good | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory | They’re part of a big company (which actually helps) | Modern operation | Really solid | Plans move with you, always available, do cremation on-site | Higher end |
| Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory | Personal touch from a family business | 120+ years | Pretty great | They know the community, flexible with what you need | Middle range |
| Abts Mortuary | Been in the same family forever | 90+ years | Solid choice | Four generations of the same family, lots of pre-planning options | Middle range |
| Davison-Fulton-Woolsey Funeral Home | The building has real history | 140+ years | Good option | Only building actually built for funerals, impressive history | Middle range |
| Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home | Focus on helping you heal | Newer operation | Really good | Personalized approach, nice event space, ongoing support | Higher end |
| Pekin Life Insurance Company | Coverage across multiple states | Established network | Decent choice | 450+ partner funeral homes, financially stable | Varies |
| Noel-Henderson Historical | Beautiful old mansion setting | 1939-2013 | Historical only | Gorgeous historic mansion (no longer operating) | N/A |
| Kuecks-Woolsey Historical | Started funeral services in Pekin | 1882-Present | Historical only | Foundation of Pekin funeral services (evolved into others) | N/A |
What Actually Matters When You’re Grieving
When you’re dealing with loss, you don’t have the energy to figure out which funeral home is right for you. I’ve been there. So I looked at the stuff that actually matters when you’re grieving and overwhelmed.
How they treat you is huge. Some places excel at being compassionate and available when you need them. Others feel more like you’re just another transaction.
The actual building and setup matters more than you’d think. Details like parking and comfortable seating seem minor until you’re hosting a memorial service. Buildings designed for funerals just work better than converted spaces.
Being upfront about money separates the good places from the sketchy ones. The best funeral homes work within your budget instead of pushing expensive packages when you’re vulnerable.
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Planning ahead options can save you stress and money, but quality varies big time between providers.
How long they’ve been around tells you something about how they handle difficult situations. Places that have served multiple generations know what they’re doing.
What services they actually offer – because you might need traditional burial, cremation, or something more specialized depending on your family’s traditions.
Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory
They’re part of a big company (which actually helps)
Here’s the thing about Preston-Hanley – they’re part of the Dignity Memorial network, which is basically the biggest funeral company in North America. Now, I know that might sound corporate and impersonal, but it actually works in your favor.
What really sets them apart is their transferable pre-paid plans. If you move to Florida or your kids relocate to California, your funeral arrangements can move with you to any Dignity Memorial location. That’s peace of mind you won’t find anywhere else in Pekin.
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What Preston-Hanley Offers
They do cremation right there on-site, so your loved one doesn’t get transported to some other facility. Someone’s always available 24/7 – and I mean actual staff who can help immediately, not just an answering service.
Their staff handles everything from traditional funerals to more contemporary celebrations of life. They’ve got multiple locations around Pekin and Creve Coeur, which is convenient when you’re trying to coordinate with family members.
What I Really Appreciated About Them
The Dignity Memorial network provides resources and consistency that smaller places just can’t match. You’re getting proven systems and access to specialists who’ve handled thousands of services.
If your family’s the type that moves around a lot, Preston-Hanley’s transferable plans actually make sense. Plus, having complete control over the cremation process means your loved one never leaves their care.
What Might Bother You
Yeah, they’re more expensive because they’re corporate. While they offer payment plans, you’re paying for that premium positioning.
Some families prefer the intimate feel of smaller funeral homes over corporate efficiency. And the transferable plans, while valuable, do come with specific restrictions that might not apply to every situation.
How They Stack Up
How they treat you: Really solid – Professional staff with extensive training and always available
The building and setup: Top notch – Modern, well-maintained facilities with everything you need
Being upfront about money: Pretty good – Clear pricing but higher costs
Planning ahead options: Excellent – Lots of options with unique transferability features
How long they’ve been around: Solid – Established presence with corporate backing
What services they offer: Complete package – Full funeral, cremation, and cemetery services
What Families Say
Families consistently praise Preston-Hanley’s professionalism and attention to detail. Many reviews highlight their staff’s ability to handle complex family dynamics and their willingness to accommodate special requests.
What It’ll Cost You
Higher-end pricing reflects their premium service level. Pre-planning options include various payment plans, and their cemetery protection plan adds value. Contact Preston-Hanley directly for actual numbers.
Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory
Personal touch from a family business
Henderson Funeral Home is everything you’d want from a family-owned business. Since 1900, they’ve been serving Pekin families with the kind of personal attention that only comes from genuine community investment. When you call Henderson, you’re talking to people who’ve lived in Pekin for generations.
They focus on giving each family exactly what they need rather than pushing standardized packages. This flexibility makes them particularly valuable for families with unique cultural or religious requirements.
What Henderson Offers
Call them 24/7 at (309) 347-4157 and you’ll get experienced staff, not an answering service. They do cremation in-house, keeping everything under their personal oversight.
Located at 2131 Velde Drive in northern Pekin, they’re convenient to get to while maintaining that intimate atmosphere families appreciate when they’re going through a tough time.
What I Really Appreciated About Them
Over 120 years of community service means they have deep local knowledge and established relationships with clergy, cemeteries, and other service providers. Family ownership means decisions prioritize service quality over profit margins.
Their personalized approach means you’re not locked into rigid packages. They’ll work within your budget to create meaningful services without unnecessary expenses.
What Might Bother You
Single location might be less convenient for families spread across the greater Pekin area. Their facilities, while well-maintained, don’t have all the modern amenities you’d find at newer places.
Their pre-planning options aren’t as extensive as larger competitors. And their traditional approach, while many people love it, might feel old-fashioned if that’s not your thing.
How They Stack Up
How they treat you: Excellent – Personal service with deep community understanding
The building and setup: Good – Well-maintained traditional facilities with what you need
Being upfront about money: Good – Competitive local pricing with flexible options
Planning ahead options: Good – Available but not as extensive as corporate alternatives
How long they’ve been around: Excellent – Outstanding local reputation built over 120+ years
What services they offer: Good – Comprehensive traditional services with cremation options
What Families Say
Local families consistently recommend Henderson for their compassionate care and willingness to go above and beyond. Many reviews mention staff members by name, which tells you something about the personal relationships they build.
What It’ll Cost You
Competitive local pricing focuses on value and personalized service rather than premium packages. They work with families to create meaningful services within budget constraints. Visit Henderson’s website or call (309) 347-4157 for consultation.
Abts Mortuary
Been in the same family forever
Abts Mortuary holds a unique spot in Pekin – they’ve been owned and operated by the same family longer than any other funeral home in the city. Since 1934, four generations of the Abts family have dedicated their lives to serving Pekin families during their most difficult moments.
This generational thing creates knowledge that’s impossible to replicate. The current generation learned from parents and grandparents who served your parents and grandparents. That continuity provides comfort that goes way beyond typical business relationships.
What Abts Offers
Their pre-planning services focus on giving families peace of mind, letting you make arrangements without emotional pressure. They help families design services that actually reflect their loved one’s personality and values.
They’re located at the historic Fifth and Park Avenue address – it used to be the home of Pekin Mayor Everett W. Wilson. Their facility connects families to Pekin’s history while providing modern funeral services.
What I Really Appreciated About Them
Four generations of family ownership provides continuity and local knowledge you can’t find anywhere else. They understand Pekin families because they are Pekin families, creating natural empathy and understanding.
Their extensive pre-planning services help families prepare for the future without pressure. The historic location adds dignity to memorial services, connecting families to Pekin’s heritage.
What Might Bother You
Their traditional approach might not appeal if you’re looking for contemporary or non-traditional service options. The historic building, while dignified, may not have some modern amenities you’d find at newer locations.
Limited online presence compared to newer competitors might make initial research more challenging. Their traditional pricing structure may not offer the flexibility some families need.
How They Stack Up
How they treat you: Good – Strong personal service with deep local understanding
The building and setup: Good – Historic, dignified facilities with traditional amenities
Being upfront about money: Good – Traditional pricing with comprehensive packages
Planning ahead options: Excellent – Extensive pre-planning options with peace of mind focus
How long they’ve been around: Excellent – Unmatched local history and family legacy
What services they offer: Good – Comprehensive traditional services with personalization options
What Families Say
Families praise Abts for their consistency and reliability across multiple generations. Many reviews mention serving multiple family members over decades, which shows sustained satisfaction and trust.
What It’ll Cost You
Traditional pricing structure reflects their established position and comprehensive service approach. Pre-planning options help families manage costs over time. Contact Abts Mortuary for detailed pricing and consultation.
Davison-Fulton-Woolsey Funeral Home
The building has real history
Davison-Fulton-Woolsey represents living history in Pekin’s funeral service industry. As the city’s oldest mortuary, their roots go back to 1882, and their current location at 301 Broadway is the only structure in Pekin’s history built specifically for funeral services.
This isn’t just cool historical trivia – it’s practical. Purpose-built funeral facilities offer advantages in layout, sound, and flow that converted buildings just can’t match. Every room was designed with funeral services in mind, creating natural comfort for grieving families.
What Davison-Fulton-Woolsey Offers
Their traditional funeral and memorial services reflect decades of experience serving Pekin families. The purpose-built facility at 301 Broadway provides optimal sound quality, appropriate lighting, and thoughtful room layouts designed specifically for funeral services.
As successors to the historic Kuecks Funeral Home, they maintain connections to Pekin’s funeral service heritage while providing modern amenities.
What I Really Appreciated About Them
The historical significance provides dignity to memorial services that you just don’t get elsewhere. The purpose-built facility offers practical advantages in comfort and service flow that converted buildings can’t replicate.
Deep community roots create established relationships with local clergy, cemeteries, and service providers. Their traditional approach appeals to families seeking time-tested methods.
What Might Bother You
Traditional focus might not accommodate families seeking contemporary or non-traditional service styles. The historic building’s maintenance costs could potentially impact pricing compared to newer competitors.
Limited online presence makes initial research more challenging if you prefer digital communication. Their established methods might lack flexibility for unique family requests.
How They Stack Up
How they treat you: Good – Traditional service with established community relationships
The building and setup: Excellent – Purpose-built facility designed specifically for funeral services
Being upfront about money: Good – Traditional pricing reflecting historic significance
Planning ahead options: Good – Available pre-planning with traditional approach
How long they’ve been around: Excellent – Unmatched historical significance and community presence
What services they offer: Good – Comprehensive traditional services with established protocols
What Families Say
Families appreciate the dignity and historical significance of services at 301 Broadway. Reviews often mention the facility’s appropriate atmosphere and the staff’s understanding of traditional funeral customs.
What It’ll Cost You
Traditional pricing structure reflects their historic significance and purpose-built facility advantages. Contact them directly at 301 Broadway for pricing consultation and service information.
Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home
Focus on helping you heal
Hughes-Taylor takes a different approach to funeral services – they focus on healing rather than just ceremony. While other funeral homes handle arrangements and logistics, Hughes-Taylor creates experiences designed to help families process grief and celebrate lives in meaningful ways.
They get that funerals aren’t just about saying goodbye – they’re about helping you start to heal, providing closure, and creating positive memories during an incredibly difficult time.
What Hughes-Taylor Offers
Cornerstone Hall provides versatile event hosting that goes beyond traditional funeral services. Their gathering spaces are designed to encourage family and friend support during difficult times.
The experienced staff handles every detail while keeping focus on the healing process. Their pre-planning guidance helps families prepare thoughtfully rather than reactively. Ongoing grief support continues well beyond the memorial service itself.
What I Really Appreciated About Them
Strong emphasis on personalization ensures each service reflects the individual’s unique life story. Comprehensive grief support extends beyond the ceremony, providing families with resources during the extended mourning process.
Cornerstone Hall offers flexibility for various types of gatherings, from intimate family meetings to larger community celebrations. Their detail-oriented staff lets families focus on emotional needs rather than logistical concerns.
What Might Bother You
Newer market presence means less established local history compared to generational funeral homes. Personalized service approach may require higher investment in both time and money.
The extensive planning process, while thorough, might not suit families who prefer simpler, more straightforward arrangements. Their healing-focused approach may not align with all cultural or religious traditions.
How They Stack Up
How they treat you: Excellent – Strong focus on healing and personalized care
The building and setup: Good – Modern facilities with versatile Cornerstone Hall
Being upfront about money: Good – Mid-range pricing with emphasis on personalized value
Planning ahead options: Good – Thoughtful pre-planning with comprehensive guidance
How long they’ve been around: Good – Growing reputation with modern service approach
What services they offer: Excellent – Comprehensive services with unique healing focus
What Families Say
Families highlight the meaningful nature of services and the ongoing support provided during grief recovery. Reviews frequently mention staff members who went beyond expectations to create healing experiences.
What It’ll Cost You
Mid-range pricing emphasizes value through personalized service and ongoing support rather than basic ceremony completion. Visit Hughes-Taylor’s website for detailed service information and consultation scheduling.
Pekin Life Insurance Company Funeral Homes Network
Coverage across multiple states
Pekin Life Insurance Company operates differently from traditional funeral homes – they’re the financial backbone supporting funeral pre-planning across the Midwest. With partnerships spanning 450+ funeral homes across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin, they provide the insurance infrastructure that makes paying ahead of time possible.
Their A.M. Best rating of A- (Excellent) demonstrates financial stability that protects your pre-paid funeral investments. This matters because funeral pre-planning requires trust that the company will still exist when services are needed decades later.
What Pekin Life Insurance Offers
The Pathway® pre-need insurance products offer both single payment and multi-payment options, accommodating different financial situations. Age eligibility ranges from 0-95 for single payment plans and 0-80 for multi-payment arrangements, with annuity options available for ages 96-99.
Trust-based pre-payment protection, required by law, ensures your investments remain secure regardless of economic conditions. The extensive network provides flexibility if you relocate or want to change funeral home providers.
What I Really Appreciated About Them
Extensive 450+ funeral home network offers flexibility and geographic coverage you can’t get anywhere else. Strong A- financial rating from A.M. Best provides confidence in long-term financial stability.
Multiple payment options accommodate various financial situations and preferences. Legal trust protection requirements ensure pre-payments remain secure and available when needed.
What Might Bother You
Insurance-focused approach requires working through partner funeral homes rather than direct service relationships. Complex product options might confuse families unfamiliar with insurance terminology.
Network partnerships mean service quality depends on individual funeral home standards rather than centralized control. Geographic focus on Midwest states limits usefulness for families planning to relocate elsewhere.
How They Stack Up
How they treat you: Good – Quality depends on partner funeral home standards
The building and setup: Good – Varies by partner funeral home facilities
Being upfront about money: Excellent – Competitive insurance-based pricing with clear terms
Planning ahead options: Excellent – Comprehensive pre-need insurance specialization
How long they’ve been around: Good – Strong insurance industry reputation
What services they offer: Good – Broad network coverage with varied service options
What Families Say
Insurance industry professionals recommend Pekin Life for their financial stability and comprehensive pre-need coverage. Families appreciate the flexibility and security of their trust-protected pre-payment plans.
What It’ll Cost You
Competitive insurance-based pricing with multiple payment options and guaranteed benefit protection. Contact John Campbell, Assistant Vice President – Pre-Need, for Central and Northern Illinois region consultation and detailed pricing information.
Noel-Henderson Historical Location
Beautiful old mansion setting
So there used to be this place called Noel-Henderson that operated out of this gorgeous old mansion from 1862. Pretty cool, right? Unfortunately, they closed in 2013, but it’s worth mentioning because it was such a unique part of Pekin’s funeral service history.
Built by pioneer settler Gideon Rupert, the 11-room colonial mansion served as both a connection to Pekin’s founding families and a dignified setting for memorial services. The preserved estate grounds provided an atmosphere that modern facilities just can’t replicate.
What Noel-Henderson Was Like
The 11-room colonial mansion from 1862 provided an elegant setting unlike any other funeral facility in Pekin. Built by pioneer settler Gideon Rupert, the estate connected families to the city’s founding history during their memorial services.
Operating from 1939-2013, the facility maintained its historic character while adapting to modern funeral service needs. The preserved architecture and estate grounds created a unique colonial mansion atmosphere for services.
What Made It Special
The historical and architectural importance provided dignity for memorial services that you couldn’t find anywhere else. The beautiful historic setting offered families a connection to Pekin’s heritage during meaningful moments.
Deep connection to founding families created cultural significance beyond typical funeral facilities. The unique colonial mansion atmosphere provided an elegant backdrop that enhanced the memorial experience.
Why It’s Not Available Now
No longer operating as an active funeral facility, so it’s just historical reference at this point. The 2013 transition to Henderson Funeral Home’s modern location ended the estate’s funeral service chapter.
What Families Remember
Historical society records and former clients remember the estate’s dignified atmosphere and unique setting. Many families have fond memories of services held in the mansion’s elegant rooms.
Kuecks-Woolsey Historical Foundation
Started funeral services in Pekin
Kuecks Funeral Home deserves recognition as the foundation of professional funeral services in Pekin. Beginning in 1882 as Kuecks-Wubben Furniture and Undertaking, this operation pioneered the transition from simple undertaking to comprehensive funeral home services.
Henry Wilmont’s role as a national advocate for the funeral parlor concept placed Pekin at the forefront of funeral service evolution. The progression from furniture store undertaking to dedicated funeral facilities reflects how death care services became professionalized across America.
How Kuecks Started Everything
Founded in 1882 as Kuecks-Wubben Furniture and Undertaking at 209-210 Court Street, the operation evolved through multiple partnerships including Cowser, Woolsey, and Soldwedel. The 1921 move to 31 S. Capitol Street marked their transition to dedicated funeral facilities.
Henry Wilmont’s national advocacy for funeral parlor concepts helped establish professional standards that influenced funeral service development nationwide. The evolution through various partnerships demonstrates how early funeral service developed collaboratively.
Why This History Matters
Foundational importance to Pekin funeral service history provides context for understanding current industry standards. Multiple generations of community service established protocols and practices still used today.
Historical significance extends beyond local impact to national funeral industry development. The legacy continues through successor operations, maintaining continuity with modern service delivery.
Current Status
Historical reference status means no current independent operations or services available. Original facilities no longer exist at Court Street and Capitol Street locations.
The complex evolution through multiple partnerships might confuse families researching current service options. Historical significance doesn’t translate to current service availability.
What The Records Show
Historical records from the Pekin Public Library document the progression and community impact of Kuecks operations. Funeral industry historians recognize their contribution to professional service development.
Notable Mentions
Pekin Municipal Building Area Services
The former Kuecks Funeral Home location at 31 S. Capitol Street now serves as the front lawns of the Pekin Municipal Building and Tazewell County Justice Center. While no longer providing funeral services, this location represents the historical heart of Pekin’s funeral service industry. Visit the City of Pekin website for information about municipal services at this historic location.
Prairie Haven Cemetery
Established in 2011 by the Hanley family on Veterans Drive, Prairie Haven represents Pekin’s newest cemetery option. While not a funeral home, it provides modern burial services and contemporary cemetery amenities. Contact Prairie Haven Cemetery for information about burial options and cemetery services.
Albertson & Koch Historical Reference
The former Albertson & Koch furniture store on Court Street represents the earliest roots of Pekin funeral services, where Orville W. Noel first established funeral operations in 1900. Research more at Pekin Public Library for detailed historical information about early funeral service development.
Questions You’re Probably Asking
How much is this going to cost me?
Funeral costs in Pekin typically range from $3,000 for basic cremation services to $15,000+ for comprehensive traditional burial services. Pre-planning can reduce costs by 10-30% and protects against inflation. Most funeral homes offer payment plans and will work within your budget to create meaningful services.
Should I choose traditional burial or cremation?
Consider your family’s religious beliefs, cultural traditions, environmental concerns, and budget constraints. Traditional burial costs more but provides a permanent memorial site. Cremation offers flexibility for memorial services and typically costs less. Many families combine cremation with traditional memorial services.
Is it worth planning ahead?
Pre-planning removes emotional pressure from family members and ensures your wishes are honored. It also locks in current pricing and provides time to research options thoroughly. However, circumstances change, so choose plans with flexibility for modifications.
What if someone dies at night or on weekends?
All reputable Pekin funeral homes provide 24/7 availability for death calls. Staff members (not answering services) respond to handle immediate needs including body removal, initial arrangements, and family support. Keep funeral home contact numbers readily available.
How do I know if a funeral home is right for my family?
Schedule consultations with multiple funeral homes before you need services. Evaluate their facilities, meet the staff, discuss pricing openly, and assess whether their approach matches your family’s values. Trust your instincts about comfort level and communication style.
When planning memorial services, you might also want to explore celebration of life ideas to create a more personalized tribute that reflects your loved one’s unique personality and interests.
Want help writing that celebration speech? The Eulogy Generator makes it simple to craft something honest, warm, and memorable.
Final Thoughts
Look, I don’t work for any of these places, and I’m not getting paid to recommend them. I just think families deserve to know what they’re getting into during one of the hardest times of their lives.
The eight funeral homes I’ve covered each offer something different:
- Preston-Hanley provides corporate resources and transferable plans if your family moves around
- Henderson delivers personalized family-owned service with deep community roots
- Abts maintains the longest family legacy with extensive pre-planning expertise
- Davison-Fulton-Woolsey offers historic significance in a purpose-built facility
- Hughes-Taylor focuses on healing experiences beyond traditional ceremonies
- Pekin Life Insurance provides comprehensive pre-need coverage across multiple states
The historical locations remind us that funeral service is deeply rooted in community care and professional evolution. Whether you choose corporate efficiency or family intimacy, modern facilities or historic significance, the right funeral home will honor your loved one while supporting your family through grief.
I know this isn’t easy to think about, and when someone dies, you don’t have weeks to research this stuff. During this overwhelming time, you might also struggle with writing a eulogy that captures your loved one’s essence. Consider exploring our comprehensive eulogy writing guide which provides step-by-step instructions for creating meaningful tributes during difficult times. Our interactive platform guides you through creating personalized eulogies in minutes, asking thoughtful questions that help you organize memories and emotions into meaningful tributes.
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With 24/7 support and unlimited revisions for just $35, you can focus on healing while ensuring your loved one receives the heartfelt farewell they deserve.
I hope this helps make an impossible decision a little easier. You’re dealing with enough right now – at least you won’t have to research funeral homes from scratch like Sarah did. Take care of yourself during this time.
Ready to honor your loved one with a personalized eulogy? Start creating your tribute today and let us help you find the right words during this difficult time.
Begin now — visit the Eulogy Generator to create a tribute that celebrates their life and comforts your family.
