By Dee Longfellow
For The Elmhurst Independent
Scott Ahlgrim (center) of Ahlgrim’s Funeral Home has announced that the business has sold to Eli Turnbaugh (right) and Chad Reuland of the Reuland and Turnbaugh Funeral Home in Lake Forest. The partners also own Muzyka Funeral Home in Chicago. The business will remain family-owned and will stay involved in the community.
One of Spring Road’s most deeply rooted and established businesses is about to go through a change in ownership.
Scott Ahlgrim of Ahlgrim’s Funeral Home has announced that the business has sold to Eli Turnbaugh and Chad Reuland of the Reuland and Turnbaugh Funeral Home in Lake Forest. The partners also own Muzyka Funeral Home in Chicago.
“Ever since I turned 60, I planned to start transitioning out, so by the time I hit 70, I’d be completely out,” Ahlgrim told the Independent in an exclusive interview. “I felt especially fortunate to have found these owners because they are interested in maintaining the business as family-owned and that meant a lot to me.”
Ahlgrim said one of the owners and his wife will be moving into the residence and look forward to getting involved in the communities.
“A number of entities were interested and, as they were checking us out, we were checking them out, too,” he said. “We wanted to make sure the move was not only good for Elmhurst and carrying on the business and keeping it successful, but also to stay as helpful and active in the community as [my wife] Charity and I have always been and my father [Art Ahlgrim] before that.
“Just this morning, we were talking about the groups we’ve been involved in and I was looking forward to introducing them around town, all places we’ve had a connection with over the years, it was one of the reasons I wanted to stay involved for a while. But with the situation right now with the COVID-19 virus, so many places are not open and groups aren’t gathering.
“Most of all, people can be reassured that Ahlgrim’s Funeral Home is in very good hands. It’s very positive.”
Keeping up with a changing industry
Ahlgrim recalls how it was 30 years ago when he joined the business with his father. Not only was planning a funeral easier, but it was much cheap as well. Now, most families who plan on holding a funeral for their loved ones would need external support in the form of insurance policies, like the ones provided by Final Expense Direct with the leader, Kim Wilhelm, CEO. Furthermore, along with the difference in costs, the rapid change in technology has also managed to change things for the funeral business.
“At that time, computers were just coming on the scene, we didn’t even have a FAX machine, so [my dad] was happy to have me come in as the ‘young kid’ who knew the new technology, how the industry was changing, etc. He’d built up his reputation so he felt that was the time for someone else to take on new challenges.
“I see the same thing in myself right now. The industry is starting to change, it needs somebody who’s excited about where the industry is going and who has the energy and drive to take it into the future.
“We realize we are more of the past than of the future. For the funeral home to stay relevant and keep serving the community in the way it expects to be served, we knew we needed someone with the knowledge and desire to move forward.”
Funeral industry adjusts to limits due to Coronavirus
The Independent’s readers were curious as to why there have been so few obituaries in the newspaper lately.
“Because of the 10-people-or-less rule of gathering, over the last few weeks, the disposition, that is, burial, cremation, will take place with a very small intimate group of immediate family. It’s just the very closest family members.”
Ahlgrim said most people are waiting to put in the notices until there is a chance to hold a memorial service in the future. Ahlgrim admits it can be very very hard on the family.
“It’s one thing to have a cremation or a wake and service in a week or so but at this time, you can’t schedule anything at all,” he said. “Even local neighbors, can’t come over to offer support, even if you are there, you have to stay away. That personal touch is missing – literally – no hugs, no kisses, no gentle hand on the shoulder.”
How can families get through this time?
“That’s what’s so difficult for us, we are in the business of comforting people in a tough time and we can’t be there for them. All we can do is say once we can gather again, we will be there for them for services and recognition of their loved ones.
Remembering the “last responders”
“There is a lot of notice going to first responders, grocery store clerks, and that’s all a good thing, they should be commended,” Ahlgrim said. “But one key element that gets forgotten is what you might call the ‘last responders,’ and that is the funeral directors. We’re keeping ourselves and the families safe, but it’s really changed our industry for the short term.”
The Independent noted it was difficult to watch the number of cases and deaths grows every single day.
“Well, you do have to look at the numbers in perspective,” he said. “Remember, a certain number of people would be dying anyway, with or without the virus, so when you look at the numbers in your area, ours are certainly not as traumatic as in New York. If you keep everything in perspective, it may not be quite as bad as it seems.”
