Honestly, when you drive down South Fifth Street in Springfield, it’s hard to miss the Victorian house at number 1109. It’s been there since 1873. But it wasn't always a funeral home. Back in the day, it was the private residence of a German immigrant named John Schoenemann. Today, it’s the heart of Staab funeral Springfield IL, and if you’ve lived in Sangamon County for any length of time, you probably know the name.
Most people don't think about funeral homes until they absolutely have to. Then, suddenly, it’s the most important decision in the world. You're looking for someone who won't treat your dad or your grandma like a line item on a spreadsheet.
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That’s where things get tricky in the modern "death care" industry.
The Corporate Takeover You Didn't Notice
Here is a weird fact: a huge chunk of funeral homes in America are owned by massive corporations. They keep the old family name on the sign so you think it’s still local, but the profits are heading to a boardroom in Houston or Orlando.
Staab Funeral Home is different.
They are the only ones left in the Springfield area still owned and operated by the original founding family. We’re talking three, moving into four, generations of Staabs. George and Christine Staab started this whole thing in 1937. It was the middle of the Great Depression. Money was so tight that in their first year, they only served nine families. Nine.
They actually had to barter. People would pay for funerals with food or whatever goods they had on hand. It sounds like something out of a history book, but it’s the literal foundation of the business.
What Really Happens Inside 1109 South Fifth?
When you walk into the Springfield location, it doesn't feel like a sterile hospital wing. It feels like a home because, for decades, it was one. The Staab family lived upstairs while they ran the business downstairs.
They’ve expanded it, sure. There was a big addition in 1950, another in 1960, and a massive one in 1982. But they kept that Victorian vibe. It’s sort of grand but also comfortable.
One thing people often get wrong is thinking that every "Staab" location is the same business. In 2018, the Butler Family of Organizations bought "Staab-Polk" in Chatham. That’s a separate deal. If you are looking for the original family-run operation, you’re looking at the Fifth Street location in Springfield or their branch in Sherman.
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The Lincoln Connection
You can't talk about Springfield without talking about Abraham Lincoln. And you can't talk about Staab without mentioning the 2015 Lincoln Funeral Reenactment.
They were the ones who helped recreate the 1865 Lincoln Hearse. It wasn't just a prop; it was a massive historical undertaking involving combat veterans and precision craftsmanship. They call it an "Icon of Freedom." It’s a bit of a local legend now. It shows that they aren't just "doing funerals"—they are deeply embedded in the history of the city itself.
Services: It’s Not Just Caskets Anymore
Most folks think a funeral is: visitation, service, burial. Done.
But Staab has leaned into the "celebration of life" trend. Basically, if you want a reception with your loved one’s favorite spicy Thai food or a playlist of 80s hair metal, they’re down for it. They also have a state-of-the-art embalming facility that was actually featured at an international convention in Spain. That sounds a bit morbid, but in the industry, it's considered top-tier tech for preserving dignity.
They also handle:
- Custom Monuments: They have their own monument company using granite from all over the world.
- Cremation: They are certified operators, so the body never leaves their care to go to some third-party warehouse.
- Veterans Services: They have a specific program called "Veterans In Honor" and hold annual services at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
The Logistics of Grief
Planning a funeral is basically a part-time job you never applied for. You need social security numbers, discharge papers (DD214) if they were in the military, and a list of every job they ever held.
The Staabs use a "Planning Ahead" system. It’s a checklist that covers everything from whether you want a specific hair stylist for the viewing to what happens to your jewelry. It sounds tedious, but honestly, doing this while you're healthy is a huge gift to your kids. It stops them from arguing about whether Mom wanted roses or lilies while they’re already crying.
Is It More Expensive Because It’s Family Owned?
Common misconception: "Local" means "Premium Price."
Actually, because they aren't beholden to corporate shareholders or quarterly earnings reports, they have more "wiggle room." They can be flexible with budgets. They live in the same neighborhoods we do. They go to the same churches, like the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. If they started price-gouging their neighbors, word would get around Springfield pretty fast.
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Practical Next Steps
If you find yourself needing to coordinate with Staab funeral Springfield IL, don't just wing it.
- Gather the "Vital Stats": You’ll need the deceased’s parents' names (including maiden names), their highest level of education, and their social security number.
- Check for Pre-Arrangements: Often, people have a file tucked away in a safe deposit box or a desk drawer. Look for anything with the "Staab" logo.
- Think About the "After": Grief doesn't end when the dirt is moved. Staab hosts a "Light a Candle of Love" service every year after Thanksgiving. It’s specifically for people struggling with the holidays after a loss.
- Ask for a Tour: You don't have to wait for a death to happen. You can literally just call them up and ask to see the facility. It takes the "spookiness" out of the building.
The reality is that Springfield has a lot of options. But there is a reason the Staab family has survived since the Depression. It's about being the person who answers the phone at 3:00 AM and actually knows the name of the street you’re calling from. That's something a corporation in Texas just can't fake.