History
Irwin Chapel has been serving Glen Carbon and Granite City area families for years. We are honored to be a part of the rich history of this community and plan to be a part of it for many years to come.
Mr. Edward H. Schildman, undertaker and embalmer, opened Schildman Funeral Home in Venice, Illinois, in the late 1800's. Mr. Schildman closed his Venice funeral home in 1924, and opened the chapel at 2801 Madison Avenue in Granite City, which cost $19,000 to build. When Mr. Schildman died in 1950, at his home above the funeral parlor, the business was closed.
Mr. John Sedlack operated Sedlack Funeral Home in Madison, Illinois, and purchased Mr. Schildman's building in 1950. John operated both locations until 1967. Louise Sedlack remained owner of the property until 1977, when it was purchased by my wife and I. During the years between 1967 and 1977, the building was used as a real estate office and later as the Special Education offices of School District #9.
Irwin Chapel for Funerals (later incorporated as Irwin Chapel, P.C.) opened in March of 1978. A second location was opened on Maryville Road in 1989. Our third funeral home, Irwin Chapel of Glen Carbon, opened in June of 1997, to serve its hometown and the surrounding communities of Edwardsville, Maryville, Collinsville, and Troy.
It seems hard to believe that we have been in business more than a quarter of a century. During that time I have had the privilege of visiting with my neighbors and members of our city and nearby communities. Standing at the front door as people come and go during visitations and funerals, I have learned much about the families we've served and how they are related to one another. If it were not for the acceptance and confidence of these folks, my business would never have grown. I don't think many days have gone by that I have not said to someone, "I appreciate your trust!" With utmost respect, Randall Irwin, President