History & Staff
We have years of experience caring for families throughout our community. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.
When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.
Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.
Our History
In 1861 Frederick Long, a local cabinetmaker, established a furniture business at the corner of 
Washington Street and Jackson Avenue. As a cabinetmaker, he received requests for the construction of coffins and then discovered that there was a need for hacks (livery drivers). Long's response prompted the beginning of his furniture and undertaking business. It is from this pioneer firm that Beidelman-Kunsch has evolved.
Oliver J. Beidelman (O.J.), Frederick Long's nephew, began working for his uncle prior to the turn of 
the century and later purchased the firm from Long in 1911. Seventeen years later, Beidelman built the 3-story brick building at the original location and continued to operate the dual-purpose business concern 
until his retirement.
Throughout his lifetime, Oliver Beidelman was a 50-year member of the Euclid Lodge #65 AF & AM and became one of the founders of the Naperville YMCA.
Oliver J. Beidelman's son, Owen "Dutch" Beidelman, entered the family business 
at an early age and continued to operate both businesses at the original location (Beidelman Furniture Store.) By 1966, Dutch had relocated the funeral home to 117 West Van Buren where it remained for nearly 40 years.
In addition to his prospering businesses, Dutch was a member of Rotary Club for over 60 years 
while also serving as a member of the Masonic Euclid Lodge #65 AF & FM, as well as past director and lifelong member of the Naperville YMCA. Dutch also served on the Naperville City Council for 24 years, while actively supporting many civic projects and organizations.
In 1968, John W. Kunsch, son-in-law of Owen Beidelman, joined the staff of 
the funeral home. 1978 brought the firm's official name change to Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home. John earned his Bachelor of Science degree from John Carroll University in 1963 and graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1969. John, a 2nd Lt. of the U.S. Army, was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor in Vietnam in 1965.
Since John's involvement with the funeral home began, he has actively participated in community service with memberships in the VFW, the American Legion, and the Kiwanis Evening Club.
In June of 2000, a second branch facility was built to accommodate the growing population of southern Naperville.
Located at 24021 W. Royal Worlington Drive, this site provides convenient access from Route 59.
In 2002, the West Van Buren facility was relocated to the former Illinois Bell Building at 516 S. Washington St. -a return to Washington Street where it all began 150 years ago.
Coinciding with the development and relocation of the existing facilities, John W. Kunsch's twin sons, John L. and Joseph O. Kunsch (fifth generation) joined their father in the family business. Both 1997 graduates of Loras College and 1998 graduates of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, John and Joseph take pride in keeping the funeral home family-owned and independent. Both strive to maintain the historic family values of service that have been passed down from each preceding generation.
Our Valued Staff
John W. Kunsch, President & Owner
John W. Kunsch joined the funeral home staff in 1968. His service as a licensed funeral director evolved in 1978, when he partnered with his father-in-law, Owen Beidelman, in the family business. This prompted the firm's official name change to what is currently known as Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home.
A Naperville resident for over 40 years, John has been actively involved in the community with memberships in the VFW, the American Legion and the Kiwanis Evening Club. He is a 1963 graduate of John Carroll University and 1969 graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science. Prior to his association with the funeral home, John, a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army, was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor in Vietnam.
John has been married for more than 40 years to wife, Cassie. Together they have three children: a daughter and twin sons. His sons, John L. and Joseph, grew up in the family business and have served as licensed funeral directors at Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home for over 10 years.
Cassie Beidelman Kunsch
Cassie is the granddaughter of Owen Beidelman, one of the founders of Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home. She grew up in Naperville and has been married to John W. Kunsch for more than 40 years. Cassie is very active in the community as she has been a member of the Naperville Woman's Club for over 25 years.
In her free time, Cassie enjoys spending time with family including her children and grandchild. In addition, she has a passion for knitting and crocheting. Along with her husband, John, Cassie is a member of Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Naperville.
John L. Kunsch, Funeral Director & Owner
John L. Kunsch, along with his twin brother Joseph, has been involved in the family funeral business throughout his entire life. As a witness to his father and grandfather's profession, John has gained valuable first-hand knowledge over the years, in preparation for his own service as a licensed funeral director.
A 1997 graduate of Loras College, John earned his diploma to become a licensed funeral director in Illinois at Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1998. While growing up in Naperville, he attended Naperville North High School where he graduated from in 1992.
John has been a lifelong member of Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Naperville. He is married to wife, Vicki and together they have two daughters, Paiton and Ailey. In his free time, John is a motorcycle enthusiast and he enjoys spending time with his family.
Joseph O. Kunsch, Funeral Director & Owner
Joseph O. Kunsch has been involved in the family funeral business throughout his entire life. In addition to his formal training as a licensed funeral director, Joe, like his brother John, has unique professional experience as he is the 5th generation to continue the family legacy in the funeral home business.
Joe earned his Bachelor's Degree from Loras College in 1997. Like his father and brother, he graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science as a licensed funeral director for Illinois in 1998. Raised in Naperville, Joe graduated from Naperville North High School in 1992.
Joe is married to wife, Jennifer. They are the proud owners of a Yorkshire Terrier named Duke. When away from the office, Joe enjoys spending time outdoors and taking his Jeep to specialized off-roading terrains. He attends Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church where he has been a lifelong member.
Philip T. Barnum, Funeral Director
Phillip T. Barnum joined the funeral home staff in 1990. With over 30 years of experience as a funeral director, Phil offers great wisdom and compassionate care to the families we serve.
A 1978 graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Phil is an active member in the local community. He is the past President and Program Chairman of the Naperville Lions Club, of which he is currently a member. Phil is also a member of the Founding Board for the Naperville Turkey Trot. In addition, he was involved with a number of community groups in past years including service with the Heritage YMCA: Invest in Youth Camp, Ambassador for the Naperville Chamber of Commerce, and serving as past president and current board member of his condominium complex, Harbor Cove.
In his free time, Phil enjoys traveling, writing and actively participating at his church, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Naperville, where he has been a member for over 20 years. At St. Thomas, Phil previously served as a lector and Commentator while he was also a member and frequent host of "Gatherings," a small faith community.
Shelley Miller, Administrator
Shelley serves as an integral part of the Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home staff at the Washington Street location. Her kind and compassionate manner provides comfort to each person who steps through our doors.
With family roots of over 100 years in Naperville, the town she was raised, Shelley attended Naperville North High School where she graduated from in 1990. She went on to attend Illinois State University and graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education.
In her free time, Shelley enjoys staying active in the community by assisting the elderly. She is married to husband, Andre, and together they have two daughters: Madison and Maya. She is a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville.
Marisa Trevino, Administrator
Marisa provides superior service and comfort to our guests at the Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home located on Route 59. She is bilingual in English and Spanish. In addition to administrative work, Marisa operates all of the printing services provided by the funeral home staff. Her patience and eye for accuracy allow her to produce a variety of specialized printed materials which are distributed during our funeral services.
An alumna of Concordia University, Marisa has been married to husband, Martin, for 26 years. Together they have two children: Erika and Jonathan. When away from the office, Marisa enjoys volunteering in a nursing home and at her church. She attends Holy Spirit Catholic Community Church.
Bette Mathews, Accounting Specialist
Bette Mathews has been associated with the Beidelman-Kunsch staff for many years. She is married to husband, Jody and together they have two children and two grandchildren. Born in Indiana, Bette attended Indiana University where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics. She later earned a Master's Degree in Science and Education. In her free time, Bette is an avid tournament bridge player. She also enjoys reading and walking the dog- a Keeshound named Woody.
Kenneth Garhan, Funeral Associate/Veteran Specialist
Kenneth Garhan has been a part of the Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home staff for over 20 years. He is married to wife, Dorothy and they have 4 children.
In his free time, Kenneth enjoys working for the Veterans for Foreign Wars organization and traveling. He is an active member of the community, in addition to his service for the VFW, Kenneth works with the American Legion and he is an Usher at his church, Saint Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Naperville.
Roger Wisinski, Funeral Associate
Roger Wisinski has been involved with Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home since 2006. He is married to wife, Sharon and they have 3 children. Roger grew up in the Chicago area and attended Morton High School ('58) and Aurora University ('71). In his free time, Roger enjoys golfing, traveling and gardening. He attends St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Naperville.
Rodney Hiltz, Funeral Associate
Rodney Hiltz has been caring for our guests since 2007. He is married to wife, Barbara and together they have one child, Shelley. Rodney grew up in Naperville and attended Naperville Central High School ('56). From 1958-1964 Rodney served in the U.S. Military. He was involved with the transportation of supplies for the North Atlantic U.S. Air Force bases.
In his free time, Rodney enjoys fishing and building his extensive military memorabilia collection. Because he enjoys speaking to others about the history of the pieces in his collection, each year Rodney displays his memorabilia outside Nichols Library in Naperville for the Memorial Day Parade. In addition to his involvement in the community, Rodney attends Grace United Methodist Church in Naperville.
Steve Caragher, Funeral Associate
Steve Caragher has assisted our staff since 2008. He is married to wife, Christine and they have 3 children. He attended Lyons Township High School where he graduated in 1969. In his free time, Steve enjoys horseback riding and spending time with his grandchildren. He attends St. Mary's Church in Downers Grove, Illinois.
Stephen Robillard, Funeral Associate
Stephen Robillard has assisted the Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home since 2009. He is married to wife, Laura. Stephen grew up in the Naperville area as he attended Benet Academy ('74) and Northern Illinois University ('79). In his free time, he enjoys cooking, traveling and collecting art, glass and pottery. An active member in the community, Stephen enjoys his involvement with the Naperville Evening Kiwanis and the American Cancer Society. Stephen attends St. Raphael Catholic Church in Naperville.
Jessica Lagodney, Website Specialist
Jessica Lagodney has been with the Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home since 2010. She has executed the launch of our new website while also carrying out various administrative tasks.
Jessica is a 2010 graduate of North Central College in Naperville, where she earned her B.A. in English- Print Journalism. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and doting on her Miniature Pinscher, Minnie. Jessica attends Knox Presbyterian Church in Naperville.