Eileen Baldeshwiler
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Eileen Baldeshwiler, originally of Lansing, Illinois, obtained her degree in Mortuary Science from Malcolm X College in 2012. Eileen began her studies at Western Illinois University in Macomb where she completed a bachelor's degree in broadcasting. Though an interesting career, it did not satisfy her desire to share her compassionate and caring nature. In search of a career that was more fulfilling, Eileen went on to be a patient services coordinator at a rehabilitation and holistic veterinary practice. This was a natural fit for Eileen because of her love of animals but still left her in search of something more.
This passion to care for others in a time of need and her gentle nature is what has brought Eileen to funeral care. Eileen strives to provide compassionate and professional care for every family she is entrusted to serve. She has had the joy and experience of working along senior directors from around Chicago and its suburbs. Working with these woman and men has given her invaluable insight on how to serve families with compassion and flexibility.
Eileen is a member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Director Association, and the Cremation Association of North America. In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts, barre work outs, watching movies, and spending time with her family.
Eileen Baldeshwiler
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Eileen Baldeshwiler, originally of Lansing, Illinois, obtained her degree in Mortuary Science from Malcolm X College in 2012. Eileen began her studies at Western Illinois University in Macomb where she completed a bachelor's degree in broadcasting. Though an interesting career, it did not satisfy her desire to share her compassionate and caring nature. In search of a career that was more fulfilling, Eileen went on to be a patient services coordinator at a rehabilitation and holistic veterinary practice. This was a natural fit for Eileen because of her love of animals but still left her in search of something more.
This passion to care for others in a time of need and her gentle nature is what has brought Eileen to funeral care. Eileen strives to provide compassionate and professional care for every family she is entrusted to serve. She has had the joy and experience of working along senior directors from around Chicago and its suburbs. Working with these woman and men has given her invaluable insight on how to serve families with compassion and flexibility.
Eileen is a member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, the National Funeral Director Association, and the Cremation Association of North America. In her free time, she enjoys attending concerts, barre work outs, watching movies, and spending time with her family.
Eugene W. Cha
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Hello my name is Eugene...I am here to assist you. Graduated Loyola Academy, Wilmette 1992 Graduated St. Norbert College, BA in Communications, Green Bay, Wisconsin 1996 Graduated Worsham School of Mortuary Science Wheeling, 1997 Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer since 1997 Preneed Insurance License since 2003
Eugene W. Cha
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Hello my name is Eugene...I am here to assist you. Graduated Loyola Academy, Wilmette 1992 Graduated St. Norbert College, BA in Communications, Green Bay, Wisconsin 1996 Graduated Worsham School of Mortuary Science Wheeling, 1997 Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer since 1997 Preneed Insurance License since 2003
Karen L. Christensen
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Karen L. Chistensen has attended Loyola University and Worsham College of Mortuary College. She has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer for the past 18 years. Karen has been a member of the Funeral Directors Association and served as a chairperson on both the education and nominating commitees.With her extensive training in occupational Safety and Health Administration she became an instructor for various training programs. During her travels she audited various funeral homes,cemetery and crematories for F.T.C and O.S.H.A violations. Karen takes great pride in her work as an experienced director, she has arranged many diversified funeral services. Karen is the proud mother of three children ages 18,16 and 14. She enjoys tennis, running and driving her husband crazy.
Karen L. Christensen
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Karen L. Chistensen has attended Loyola University and Worsham College of Mortuary College. She has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer for the past 18 years. Karen has been a member of the Funeral Directors Association and served as a chairperson on both the education and nominating commitees.With her extensive training in occupational Safety and Health Administration she became an instructor for various training programs. During her travels she audited various funeral homes,cemetery and crematories for F.T.C and O.S.H.A violations. Karen takes great pride in her work as an experienced director, she has arranged many diversified funeral services. Karen is the proud mother of three children ages 18,16 and 14. She enjoys tennis, running and driving her husband crazy.
Michael J. Rominski
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Michael, a dedicated funeral director and embalmer, began his career at the Kolbus-John V. May Funeral Home in February 1997. Over the years, he has honed his skills and developed a deep commitment to serving families with compassion and professionalism. This profile provides an insight into Michael's journey and his unwavering dedication to upholding the values and traditions of the Kolbus family.
Michael's journey in the funeral industry started with his education at the prestigious Worsham College of Mortuary Science. His dedication to learning and his passion for the profession set the foundation for his career. After completing his coursework, Michael had the privilege of working alongside senior directors, Rod Erickson, Howard Switalla, and Jerry Ringa, as a funeral director/embalmer apprentice. Their extensive knowledge and experience not only shaped his skills but also instilled in him a deep appreciation for the funeral profession and its role in the community.
The guidance and mentorship of these seasoned professionals paved the way for Michael to become the dedicated and compassionate funeral director he is today. He continues to grow and evolve in his role, always striving to uphold the ethics and service standards that the Kolbus family built the funeral home upon. Michael understands the importance of providing comfort and support to grieving families during their most challenging times.
Michael's roots are deeply tied to the St. Francis Borgia Parish, where he was born and raised. He completed his education journey at Holy Cross High School, followed by the University of Illinois - Chicago, and finally, Worsham College of Mortuary Science. His commitment to education reflects his dedication to serving his community with the highest level of expertise.
Today, Michael resides just south of the funeral home in Elmwood Park, where he shares his life with his wife, Richelle, their two sons, Michael and Joey, and daughter, Sophia. This proximity allows him to remain readily available to the families he serves, further emphasizing his commitment to their needs.
In addition to his work as a funeral director, Michael and his family are active parishioners of St. Celestine Church, demonstrating their deep ties to the community. His involvement in the church extends to his children's education, as both Michael and Joey graduated from there, and Sophia is a current student. This active participation in their local community underscores Michael's dedication not only to the funeral profession but also to the well-being and support of the families he serves.
In conclusion, the funeral home is more than just a place of business to Michael; it is a reflection of Michael's commitment to his community and his unwavering dedication to providing compassionate and professional funeral services. With a strong foundation in education, mentorship, and community involvement, Michael continues to serve Norwood Park with the highest level of care and integrity.
Michael J. Rominski
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Michael, a dedicated funeral director and embalmer, began his career at the Kolbus-John V. May Funeral Home in February 1997. Over the years, he has honed his skills and developed a deep commitment to serving families with compassion and professionalism. This profile provides an insight into Michael's journey and his unwavering dedication to upholding the values and traditions of the Kolbus family.
Michael's journey in the funeral industry started with his education at the prestigious Worsham College of Mortuary Science. His dedication to learning and his passion for the profession set the foundation for his career. After completing his coursework, Michael had the privilege of working alongside senior directors, Rod Erickson, Howard Switalla, and Jerry Ringa, as a funeral director/embalmer apprentice. Their extensive knowledge and experience not only shaped his skills but also instilled in him a deep appreciation for the funeral profession and its role in the community.
The guidance and mentorship of these seasoned professionals paved the way for Michael to become the dedicated and compassionate funeral director he is today. He continues to grow and evolve in his role, always striving to uphold the ethics and service standards that the Kolbus family built the funeral home upon. Michael understands the importance of providing comfort and support to grieving families during their most challenging times.
Michael's roots are deeply tied to the St. Francis Borgia Parish, where he was born and raised. He completed his education journey at Holy Cross High School, followed by the University of Illinois - Chicago, and finally, Worsham College of Mortuary Science. His commitment to education reflects his dedication to serving his community with the highest level of expertise.
Today, Michael resides just south of the funeral home in Elmwood Park, where he shares his life with his wife, Richelle, their two sons, Michael and Joey, and daughter, Sophia. This proximity allows him to remain readily available to the families he serves, further emphasizing his commitment to their needs.
In addition to his work as a funeral director, Michael and his family are active parishioners of St. Celestine Church, demonstrating their deep ties to the community. His involvement in the church extends to his children's education, as both Michael and Joey graduated from there, and Sophia is a current student. This active participation in their local community underscores Michael's dedication not only to the funeral profession but also to the well-being and support of the families he serves.
In conclusion, the funeral home is more than just a place of business to Michael; it is a reflection of Michael's commitment to his community and his unwavering dedication to providing compassionate and professional funeral services. With a strong foundation in education, mentorship, and community involvement, Michael continues to serve Norwood Park with the highest level of care and integrity.
Miles Fogle
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Miles A. Fogle has attended Taylor University as well as Worsham College of Mortuary Science, and has been a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer since January 2022. Miles has always had a passion for helping others and has always been able to strike up a conversation with anyone he meets. After observing his brother enter into the funeral service profession and become licensed in 2015, Miles realized his people skills would be a great fit and drove him to go back to school and make a career change which took steadfastness and patience. Miles graduated Worsham with honors in September, 2020 and went on to complete his apprenticeship in Wheaton. He has been with Kolbus-John V. May Funeral Home since October, 2022. Miles is a member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, and the Cremation Association of North America.
Miles lives in Glendale Heights with his wife, Jamie, son, Lincoln, and daughter, June. In his free time Miles enjoys working on projects around the house, camping, golfing and fishing.
Miles Fogle
Funeral Director/Embalmer
Miles A. Fogle has attended Taylor University as well as Worsham College of Mortuary Science, and has been a licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer since January 2022. Miles has always had a passion for helping others and has always been able to strike up a conversation with anyone he meets. After observing his brother enter into the funeral service profession and become licensed in 2015, Miles realized his people skills would be a great fit and drove him to go back to school and make a career change which took steadfastness and patience. Miles graduated Worsham with honors in September, 2020 and went on to complete his apprenticeship in Wheaton. He has been with Kolbus-John V. May Funeral Home since October, 2022. Miles is a member of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, and the Cremation Association of North America.
Miles lives in Glendale Heights with his wife, Jamie, son, Lincoln, and daughter, June. In his free time Miles enjoys working on projects around the house, camping, golfing and fishing.
Tracy Ronstadt
Manager/Administrator
Tracy joins our Nelson family after a 16-year career as a Registered Nurse. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois-Chicago and Ravenswood Hospital School of Nursing. Tracy spent many years as a night-shift Emergency Room nurse, followed by specializing in Family & Internal Medicine, Dermatology & Phlebology. Her experience in healthcare provides a very empathetic approach when working with families in need. Tracy is proud to still be of service to the community and continues to maintain her RN licensure.
In her spare time, Tracy enjoys cooking, gardening, sewing and ballroom dancing. She resides on Chicago's northwest side with her husband David and their four rescue dogs.
Tracy Ronstadt
Manager/Administrator
Tracy joins our Nelson family after a 16-year career as a Registered Nurse. She is a graduate of the University of Illinois-Chicago and Ravenswood Hospital School of Nursing. Tracy spent many years as a night-shift Emergency Room nurse, followed by specializing in Family & Internal Medicine, Dermatology & Phlebology. Her experience in healthcare provides a very empathetic approach when working with families in need. Tracy is proud to still be of service to the community and continues to maintain her RN licensure.
In her spare time, Tracy enjoys cooking, gardening, sewing and ballroom dancing. She resides on Chicago's northwest side with her husband David and their four rescue dogs.
