Finding a place that handles death with actual dignity isn't exactly a fun weekend project. Most people don't think about Drake and Son Funeral Home until they absolutely have to, which is usually during the worst week of their lives. It's tucked away in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago. Big building. Lots of history.
Honestly, when you drive past 5303 North Western Avenue, you're looking at more than just a business. You are looking at a literal institution that has been part of the Chicago fabric for over a century. It's currently part of the Dignity Memorial network, which is a massive corporate umbrella, but the roots here go deep into the local soil. People in North Side neighborhoods like Andersonville and Lincoln Square have been using them for generations.
The Long History of Drake and Son Funeral Home
The story didn't start on Western Avenue.
Back in the day—we're talking the late 1800s—the Drake family started this whole thing. It was a different era for the funeral industry. Most "undertakers" then were basically furniture makers who happened to build coffins on the side. But the Drakes were different. They focused on the service aspect early on. By the time they moved to the current Uptown location, they had established a reputation for being the "gold standard" in Chicago.
The architecture of the building itself tells a story. It’s not your typical "spooky" funeral home. It’s grand. It has that classic, formal Chicago aesthetic that makes you feel like the person you lost is getting a proper send-off. That matters to people. It’s about the vibe.
Why Location Matters in Chicago
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. If you grew up in Uptown or Edgewater, you didn't go to some random spot in the suburbs. You went to the place your grandfather went. Drake and Son Funeral Home stayed put while the city changed around it. They watched the CTA lines expand and the demographics shift, yet they remained a constant.
What Actually Happens Inside?
Most people are terrified of the process. They think it’s all dark rooms and hushed whispers. While it is quiet, the modern reality is way more logistical. You’re dealing with a mix of grief counseling and intense project management.
When a family walks into Drake and Son Funeral Home, they are usually overwhelmed. There are dozens of decisions. Casket or cremation? Open or closed? Which flowers? The staff there functions like high-stakes event planners who happen to be experts in bereavement. They handle the "remains" (a word funeral directors use a lot) with a level of clinical precision that would probably surprise most laypeople.
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The Shift Toward Cremation
Lately, things have changed.
A few decades ago, everyone wanted a big mahogany casket and a plot at Rosehill Cemetery (which is right nearby, by the way). Now? Everyone is asking about cremation. Drake and Son Funeral Home has had to pivot. They offer "Celebration of Life" services that look nothing like the traditional Catholic wakes of the 1950s. You might see a service with a video montage, a favorite playlist, and even personalized catering. It’s less about mourning a death and more about "hey, this person was pretty cool, let’s talk about it."
The Dignity Memorial Connection
Here is something most people get wrong. They think these neighborhood funeral homes are all independent mom-and-pop shops.
Drake and Son Funeral Home is actually part of Service Corporation International (SCI). They operate under the Dignity Memorial brand. This is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, you get the "Dignity Promise," which includes things like bereavement travel assistance and a national transferability of pre-arranged funeral plans. If you move to Florida and die there, your plan can move with you.
On the other hand, some people miss the old days when the person whose name was on the sign was actually the guy greeting you at the door. That's just the reality of the 21st-century funeral business. Consolidation is everywhere. But, to give credit where it's due, the local staff at the Uptown location usually consists of people who have been in the Chicago funeral circuit for decades. They know the local parishes. They know the local cemeteries like Graceland and St. Boniface.
Planning Ahead: Is It Worth It?
Let’s be real. Nobody wants to sit down and pay for their own funeral while they are still healthy. It feels like tempting fate.
But from a purely financial standpoint, "pre-need" planning at Drake and Son Funeral Home is basically an insurance policy against inflation. Funeral costs in Chicago aren't getting cheaper. By locking in today’s prices, you’re essentially saving your kids from a massive bill five or ten years down the line.
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- Financial Protection: You lock in the price of the casket or urn.
- Decision Relief: You choose the music so your sister doesn't pick something you'd hate.
- Logistical Ease: The paperwork is mostly done before the "event" happens.
It’s a weird conversation to have over coffee, but it’s one of the most practical things a person can do for their family.
Navigating the Grief Process in the Digital Age
Social media has changed how we die.
Drake and Son Funeral Home now offers digital obituaries. This sounds small, but it’s huge for families. Back in the day, you’d pay per line in the Chicago Tribune. Now, you get a dedicated page where people from all over the world can post photos and memories. It creates a living archive. The funeral home helps manage this, ensuring it doesn't turn into a "comment section" nightmare.
The Practical Steps After a Loss
If you find yourself needing to contact Drake and Son Funeral Home, the immediate steps are usually the same. You call them. They dispatch a team to bring the deceased to their facility. Then, you meet with a funeral director.
You’ll need to bring:
- A photo for the obituary.
- Clothing for the deceased (don't forget the undergarments; people always forget those).
- Vital statistics like Social Security numbers and parents' names for the death certificate.
- Military discharge papers (DD-214) if they were a veteran.
Veterans get specific honors, and the staff there is particularly well-versed in coordinating with the VA. This is one area where having a larger corporate backing helps because they have the "red tape" experts on speed dial.
Why People Choose Drake and Son Over Others
Chicago has plenty of funeral homes. Why this one?
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It often comes down to the facilities. They have large chapels that can accommodate a massive crowd. In a city where parking is a nightmare, having a dedicated lot is a luxury. But mostly, it’s the neighborhood tie. People want to stay close to home. They want to be near Rosehill or Graceland.
The funeral directors there—folks who have seen everything from tragic accidents to 100-year-olds passing peacefully—tend to have a "no-nonsense" Chicago attitude. They aren't overly sentimental in a fake way. They are professional. They get the job done. That’s what you need when your world is falling apart.
Dealing With the Cost
Let's talk money. Funerals are expensive.
A full service at a place like Drake and Son Funeral Home can run anywhere from $7,000 to $15,000 depending on your choices. Cremation is cheaper, usually starting around $2,000 to $4,000 for basic services. They are transparent about their General Price List (GPL). By law, they have to give you this list. Read it. Ask questions. You don't have to buy the most expensive casket in the room to show you loved someone.
Actionable Steps for the Immediate Future
If you are currently responsible for arranging a service or just thinking about the future, there are a few things you should do right now.
First, check for any existing pre-paid plans. You’d be surprised how many people have a folder in a filing cabinet they never mentioned. Second, if you're looking at Drake and Son Funeral Home for a future need, go take a tour. It sounds morbid, but it’s better to see the space when you aren't crying.
Third, get your "vital info" in one place. Make a list of your full legal name, your parents' birthplaces, and your military status. Put it in a cloud drive or a physical safe.
Finally, talk to your family. Even a five-minute conversation about "hey, I want to be cremated and scattered in Lake Michigan" saves hours of agonizing debate later. Being prepared isn't about being obsessed with death; it’s about being kind to the people you leave behind. Whether you use a historic spot like Drake and Son or a small chapel elsewhere, the preparation is the same. Focus on the legacy, not just the logistics.