Finding a specific name in the Fricke Calvert Schrader obituaries can feel like a maze if you don't know where the digital paper trail starts. Honestly, when you lose someone in Central Illinois—whether it’s in Lincoln, Mt. Pulaski, or the surrounding rural stretches—this name is usually the first one that comes to mind. It’s a staple. But in the age of fragmented social media and paywalled local news, tracking down the exact service times or a high-res photo of a loved one isn't always as simple as a quick Google search.
The Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home brand is part of a much larger network under the Calvert Memorial umbrella. This is why you’ll often see their listings intermingled with funeral homes from Bloomington or Decatur. It’s a family-owned operation, which means the obituaries aren't just cold data points. They are stories of farmers from Logan County, teachers from Illiopolis, and local legends who spent fifty years at the same bowling alley.
Where to Look for Real-Time Listings
If you’re hunting for the most recent Fricke Calvert Schrader obituaries, your first stop should always be the official Calvert Memorial website. It sounds obvious. You’d be surprised how many people get stuck on third-party "tribute" sites that haven't updated their records since last Tuesday.
The website has a dedicated section for their Lincoln and Mt. Pulaski chapels. You’ll find current residents—names like Gary LaForge, Alan Fundator, or Susan Cosgrove—who have had services within the last few weeks of 2026. The real value of the official site is the "In Our Care" section. It's the most accurate source for:
📖 Related: Kiko Japanese Restaurant Plantation: Why This Local Spot Still Wins the Sushi Game
- Visitation Windows: Usually held the evening before the service.
- Graveside Locations: Specifics on rural cemeteries like Lucas Chapel or Elkhart Cemetery.
- Memorial Donation Links: Direct links to the Ronald McDonald House, local churches, or high school booster clubs.
The Legacy.com Connection
A lot of people end up on Legacy.com or the Lincoln Daily News. These are great for older records. If you’re looking for someone like Patricia Marilyn Williamson, who passed back in 2020, or Melody Reed from 2016, these archives are your best bet. They keep the "Memory Book" open for years, allowing you to read notes from neighbors and old classmates.
Why the Location Matters (Lincoln vs. Mt. Pulaski)
Fricke-Calvert-Schrader operates primarily out of two main chapels.
The Lincoln chapel sits at 127 S. Logan Street. It’s a massive, stately building that handles a high volume of services. When people search for Fricke Calvert Schrader obituaries, they are usually looking for someone who lived in town or in the unincorporated parts of Logan County.
👉 See also: Green Emerald Day Massage: Why Your Body Actually Needs This Specific Therapy
Then there is the Mt. Pulaski chapel at 202 N. Lafayette Street. This location feels more intimate. It serves the smaller, tight-knit communities like Illiopolis and Chestnut. If you’re looking for an obituary for someone from a farming background, they likely went through the Mt. Pulaski office.
More Than Just a List of Names
What most people get wrong is thinking an obituary is just a death notice.
It’s actually a primary historical record. Think about Marilyn Kay Cherry, whose 2017 obituary reads like a love letter to Central Illinois. It mentions her graduation from Elkhart High in '61, her 42 years of farming in Cornland, and her reputation for hosting "coffee and tea drinkers at her kitchen table at a moment’s notice."
✨ Don't miss: The Recipe Marble Pound Cake Secrets Professional Bakers Don't Usually Share
These details matter. They give us a glimpse into a lifestyle that is slowly fading. When you search through these records, you aren't just looking for a date of death. You're looking for where they worked—places like the Corporation Service Company or local school boards—and who they left behind.
The Cost of Honoring a Life
For those currently planning, the Fricke-Calvert-Schrader team is known for being transparent. A traditional full-service burial can run around $9,845, while a direct cremation is closer to $1,895. This information is rarely in the obituary itself, but it’s part of the logistical reality families face when they appear in these listings.
Practical Tips for Your Search
If you can’t find a name, try searching for "Calvert Memorial obituaries" instead of just the three-name Fricke-Calvert-Schrader title. Because they are part of a larger group, sometimes the data gets grouped under the parent company’s search index.
- Check the "Recent" Tab: On the Calvert site, they sort by date. If the service was more than 30 days ago, you’ll need to hit the "Archived" button.
- Use the Maiden Name: Especially in these rural Illinois towns, people are often remembered by their family names.
- Sign Up for Alerts: Legacy and Calvert both offer email notifications. If you’re waiting for news on a specific family, this is the least stressful way to stay informed.
When you’re looking through the Fricke Calvert Schrader obituaries, remember that these records are maintained by people who live in the same community. They aren't just automated entries. If you find an error or need to add a photo, calling the Lincoln office at (217) 732-4155 is usually the fastest way to get a human on the phone who can actually fix it.
Next Steps for You
- Locate the Chapel: Confirm if the service is at the Lincoln (Logan St) or Mt. Pulaski (Lafayette St) location before driving out.
- Prepare Your Condolence: If the obituary is on the Lincoln Daily News site, use their "Send a Note" feature to reach the family directly.
- Check for Live Streams: Many 2026 services now offer a digital link for those who can’t make the drive to Central Illinois.
To find the absolute latest information, head directly to the Calvert Memorial Locations page and filter for the Lincoln or Mt. Pulaski chapels to see the current list of those in their care.