Cremation Services in Albany Park, Chicago

Direct cremation for Albany Park families, from Ravenswood Manor and the river to Lawrence and Kimball, with our funeral home just down Pulaski Road.

Illustration of the North Branch of the Chicago River in Albany Park Caring Cremations: 1,000+ five-star Google reviews
DIRECT CREMATION STARTING AT
$997
Simple arrangements. Transparent pricing. Exceptional care.
Albany Park families can arrange everything from home
Start arrangements Call (773) 866-2273
See your guaranteed price
ARRANGE IN UNDER 15 MINUTES Online or by phone
TRANSPARENT PRICING Every charge listed up front
CARE AVAILABLE 24/7 We answer day or night
FAMILY OWNED Personal care from our family

WHAT FAMILIES SAY

In Their Own Words

5.0 from more than 1,000 Google reviews
“…We called the number and sure enough someone answered. It was Milos. He had a very soothing tone. He explained everything… Vivian was very helpful in picking up her ashes. I had lost my mind and requested many changes. She told me not to worry.”
J Juana L. Google review
“…From the very beginning, everyone was so compassionate, caring, respectful, and professional during such an incredibly difficult time for our family. They treated my father and our family with so much dignity and kindness. My father looked absolutely amazing, and that meant more to us than I can put into words.”
R Robyn F. Google review
“My fiancé was out of town visiting family and had a medical emergency. Unfortunately, he did not survive. I drove 11 hours to handle the arrangements and hopefully see him to say goodbye. Milos was so kind and understanding and allowed myself and a few others the opportunity to have some closure. Vivian was so kind as well.”
R Regina S. Google review
“These are good people. … Vivian was so sweet and helpful and whenever she wasn’t there, anyone who was present was welcoming and helpful as well. I knew when I stepped foot in this funeral home that it was the place I could lay my son to rest. Thank you all for everything.”
Z Zacuira J. Google review
“Wonderful place and wonderful people to work with. I really love working with Vivian. … They did a great job on my sister. She looked beautiful like an angel sleeping. Thank you all❤️”
C Cynthia M. Google review
“…Since this was my first time handling something like this, I of course had so many questions. Right away they were understanding and helpful. … Throughout the whole process I've talked to Milos and Vivian and they were truly amazing to work with. I am so grateful I chose them to take care of my father.”
C Ciera S. Google review
“The staff at Caring Cremations on Pulaski Road are exceptional! I would especially like to highlight Vivian Hincapie for her outstanding service! … Although it has been a year since my sister's passing, I find comfort in the dignity that Vivian showed me by taking the time to review my prepaid funeral policy.”
M Marshall F. Google review
“Funeral home was very fast and efficient and I feel as if my mother was taken care of with the utmost amount of compassion. Very understanding and empathetic.”
N Naomi Z. Google review
“…The compassion and ease was reassuring and comforting during such a difficult time. Milos, was more than helpful and went above and beyond to ensure every last detail was perfect. The home is clean and well kept for guests to visit.”
B Bernadette E. Google review
“This was my first experience in planning a cremation rather quickly for my mother who was in a nursing home. Milos was very kind on the phone and answered all of my questions as I had never done this before. … Everyone I spoke to before and after my mother’s passing was kind and professional.”
B Blanche H. Google review

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OUR FAMILY, SERVING YOURS

Family owned, serving all of Chicagoland

Caring Cremations is a small team led by our family, and we care for every family as we would our own.

  • Milos Djordjevic, Owner & Funeral Director at Caring Cremations Milos Owner & Funeral Director
  • Vivian Hincapie, Director of Family Services at Caring Cremations Vivian Director of Family Services
  • Gary J. Clark, Lead Funeral Director at Caring Cremations Gary Lead Funeral Director
  • Armando Hidrogo, Funeral Director Apprentice at Caring Cremations Armando Funeral Director Apprentice
  • Joel Luna, Senior Care Specialist at Caring Cremations Joel Senior Care Specialist
  • Claudia Aguirre, Family Care Specialist at Caring Cremations Claudia Family Care Specialist
  • Owned and run by our family since 2018
  • Independent, not part of a national company
  • Serving Chicago and Cook, DuPage, Lake, Will, Kane, Kendall, McHenry, Grundy and Kankakee counties, and Lake County, Indiana
MEET OUR TEAM CALL (773) 866-2273

Cremation options for Albany Park families

Illustration of a tall candle on a stone pedestal at sunset, with a footbridge over the North Branch of the Chicago River in the distance MOST POPULAR

Direct Cremation

STARTING AT $997

Simple, dignified direct cremation.

  • Arrange online or by phone
  • No in-person visit required
  • Our most chosen option
ARRANGE NOW
Illustration of a vase of flowers on a park bench under a shade tree, with a footbridge over the North Branch of the Chicago River in the distance FAMILY FAREWELL OPTION

Family Farewell Option

STARTING AT $1,997

A private, peaceful time to gather, say goodbye, and honor the life of your loved one.

  • 1 hour private family viewing
  • Private for family and close friends
  • At our funeral home
  • Everything included with Direct Cremation
ARRANGE NOW

Required with every cremation: the county permit ($200), the state-required container ($160), a temporary urn ($25) and 10.25% sales tax on the container and urn ($18.96). Certified death certificates are optional ($40 for the first, $20 for each additional). A direct cremation after a hospital death comes to $1,400.96. See your guaranteed price.

Milos Djordjevic, owner of Caring Cremations

A personal promise to Albany Park families

“I’m Milos Djordjevic, a licensed funeral director and embalmer, and I stand behind every cremation we handle for Albany Park families. You will see the full price before you sign anything, and no one will steer you toward extras. Whether you call from a home in Ravenswood Manor or a room at Swedish Hospital, your call is answered day or night.”
Signature of Milos Djordjevic, Owner and Funeral Director Owner & Funeral Director, Caring Cremations
CLEAR, UPFRONT PRICING

Cremation costs in Albany Park

Cremation prices can differ by thousands of dollars from one provider to the next. Here is how our published prices compare with average prices across Illinois.

Average cremation prices in Illinois compared with Caring Cremations prices
Service Illinois average Caring Cremations
Direct cremation No viewing or service beforehand $2,564 $997 starting price* $1,567 less
Cremation with a visitation Viewing and service before cremation $6,721 $4,950 starting price* $1,771 less

For comparison, a traditional funeral with burial averages $9,184 in Illinois.

CALCULATE YOUR PRICE ARRANGE NOW

* Caring Cremations prices are starting prices from our published price list. Every cremation also requires a county cremation permit ($200) and a state-required cremation container ($160 plus tax). Death certificates are optional.

Illinois averages from Funeralocity's Illinois funeral price data, viewed October 2026.

YOUR PRICE IN ALBANY PARK

See your total in three quick steps

Everything a cremation requires is already counted, so there are no surprises later. Change an answer and the total updates.

Choose a cremation
Where is your loved one?

Let the nurse know you have chosen Caring Cremations, then call us at (773) 866-2273. We arrange the release with the hospital and bring your loved one into our care.

Certified death certificates
0 Optional. $40 for the first copy and $20 for each additional. We order them for you.

How cremation works with us in Albany Park

Three simple steps. We handle the rest, day or night.

Illustration of a house at the end of a path at sunset, with a footbridge over the North Branch of the Chicago River in the distance

We bring your loved one into our care

We come to Swedish Hospital, a nursing home such as Ambassador or Harmony, or your Albany Park home, and we file the Cook County cremation permit and the death certificate for you.

Illustration of an urn on a mantel beside a candle, below a framed picture of a footbridge over the North Branch of the Chicago River

Cremated remains returned to your family

After the cremation, the cremated remains are returned to your family, and we call you the moment they are ready.

OUR PROMISE OF CARE

Identified and accounted for, at every step.

When you trust us with someone you love, you should know where they are and who is caring for them. Our chain-of-custody process keeps your loved one identified from the moment we arrive until they come home to you.

  1. STEP 1

    Identified from the first moment

    Before we leave the place of passing, your loved one receives an identification band with their name and a unique case number.

  2. STEP 2

    One case number, start to finish

    That number follows your loved one on every document, every transfer and every step, so nothing is ever left to memory.

  3. STEP 3

    Resting safely in our care

    Your loved one rests in a secure, climate-controlled area at our funeral home, where only our licensed staff have access.

  4. STEP 4

    Every document checked

    Nothing moves forward until your signed authorization and the cremation permit required by Illinois law are in place and verified.

  5. STEP 5

    One cremation at a time

    Each cremation is performed individually at a licensed Illinois crematory. A stainless-steel ID disc stamped with the case number stays with your loved one throughout.

  6. STEP 6

    Returned to you with care

    Cremated remains come home labeled with their name and the same ID disc, and are released only to the person you have authorized.

CASE NO. 26-0417 ILLINOIS

THE ID DISC

A small disc that never leaves their side.

A stainless-steel ID disc, stamped with your loved one’s case number, stays with them through cremation and comes home with them, so you can be certain.

Licensed Illinois funeral directors

Every step documented

Your custody record, on request

Ask us about our process

Serving families throughout Albany Park

We serve families in every part of Albany Park, including:

  • Ravenswood Manor
  • Mayfair
  • North Mayfair
  • Lawrence and Kimball
  • River Park

Albany Park has no hospital of its own, so this list pairs the nearby hospital families use with the nursing homes we serve in the neighborhood.

  • Swedish Hospital (nearby) 5140 N. California Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
  • Ambassador Nursing & Rehab Center 4900 N. Bernard St., Chicago, IL 60625
  • Harmony Healthcare & Rehab Center 3919 W. Foster Ave., Chicago, IL 60625
  • Alta Rehab at Fairmont 5061 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, IL 60630

If your parent lives at Ambassador, Harmony or Alta Rehab, tell the staff now that Caring Cremations is your provider and give them our number, (773) 866-2273. When a death happens there, staff can call us directly and we arrange the transfer. A transfer from a nursing home carries the $295 immediate removal charge.

Most families in Albany Park complete arrangements online or by phone, without leaving home. We let you know as soon as the cremated remains are ready.

Death certificates and cremation permits in Albany Park

Albany Park is in the City of Chicago and Cook County, so the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office issues the cremation permit for a death anywhere in the neighborhood. Our $200 permit charge covers the Medical Examiner’s fee and the work of filing it.

The death certificate is registered through the Illinois Department of Public Health’s electronic system, and certified copies come from the Cook County Clerk’s Office. We take care of the filing and order your certified copies, priced at $40 for the first and $20 for each copy after that.

Cremation permit Issued by the Cook County Medical Examiner $200
First certified death certificate (optional) $40
Each additional copy $20
State-required alternative container $160
Temporary urn $25
Sales tax 10.25% on the container and urn only $18.96
Typical total Direct cremation, hospital death $1,400.96
See your guaranteed price

Questions about cremation in Albany Park

Straight answers about cost, timing and paperwork. If your question is not here, call us at (773) 866-2273, day or night.

How much does cremation cost in Albany Park?

Direct Cremation starts at $997. Every cremation also carries the Cook County permit ($200), the state-required alternative container ($160), a temporary urn ($25) and sales tax on those two items. Certified death certificates are optional ($40 for the first, $20 for each one after). Following a hospital death, the usual total is $1,400.96. Our pricing page has a calculator if you want to check your own numbers.

Which office handles the paperwork for a death in Albany Park?

Albany Park is in the City of Chicago, which is in Cook County, so the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office issues the cremation permit and certified copies come through the Cook County Clerk. You do not need to contact either office yourself. We file the permit, register the death certificate with the state and order your certified copies.

How long does a cremation take?

For most families in Albany Park, the cremation is completed within 5 to 10 business days. The schedule depends on how quickly the family signs the authorization, when the Medical Examiner approves the cremation permit, and when the death certificate is completed. If you need things to move faster, optional expedited cremation is available for $150.

Does our family have to visit a funeral home in person?

No. You can arrange everything online in under 15 minutes or over the phone at (773) 866-2273, and a visit is never required. If you would like to meet in person, our funeral home is at 3521 N. Pulaski Rd., about two miles south on Pulaski Road.

Is water cremation available to Albany Park residents?

Yes. Water cremation, sometimes called aquamation, is available from $1,897. Instead of flame, the process uses water; it is gentler on the environment and usually gives the family about 20% more cremated remains than flame cremation. With the same permit, container and urn as a typical hospital case, the typical total is $2,300.96.

What if the death was sudden or unexpected?

Call 911 first. When a death is sudden or unexpected, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office may need to review it before your loved one can be released. Once you have chosen Caring Cremations, call us, and we will coordinate with the Medical Examiner, arrange the transfer as soon as release is given, and keep you informed along the way.

Can cremated remains be placed at Bohemian National or Montrose Cemetery?

Bohemian National Cemetery, founded in 1877 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Montrose Cemetery, open since 1902, both sit on Pulaski Road near Albany Park. Each cemetery sets its own rules and fees for cremated remains, so call the cemetery office first.

What if my mother dies at an Albany Park nursing home?

Tell the staff now that Caring Cremations is your provider and give them our number, (773) 866-2273. When a death happens, they call us and we come right away, day or night. The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office issues the cremation permit, and a transfer from a nursing home carries the $295 immediate removal charge.

A GENTLER OPTION

Water cremation for Albany Park families

Water cremation, also called aquamation, uses water instead of flame. Families who choose it often like that it is quieter and easier on the environment, and it usually returns about 20% more cremated remains.

It is arranged the same way as flame cremation, online or by phone, with the same permit and paperwork. Water cremation starts at $1,897, and the typical total after a hospital death is $2,300.96.

AT A GLANCE
  • Uses water instead of flame
  • Returns about 20% more cremated remains
  • Same permit and paperwork as flame cremation
  • Arranged online or by phone
  • Starts at $1,897
CLOSE TO HOME

Straight down Pulaski Road

Pulaski Road runs right through Albany Park, and our funeral home is on it, about two miles south at 3521 N. Pulaski Rd. Families can sit down with us there, and families who would rather stay home can arrange everything online or by phone.

Many Albany Park families have relatives in other states or other countries. One person can sign the authorization online from anywhere, and the rest of the family can follow along by phone. If you would like a private goodbye first, our Family Farewell option gives your family an hour together at the funeral home.

BURIAL AND NICHES

Cemeteries near Albany Park

Some families place the cremated remains in a cemetery, in a family plot or a columbarium niche. Each cemetery sets its own rules and fees, so it helps to call the cemetery office before you decide. We can help you plan the timing once you know what you would like.

Rosehill, founded in 1859, is the largest cemetery within Chicago’s city limits.

NEARBY CEMETERIES
  • Bohemian National Cemetery, 5255 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago
  • Montrose Cemetery, 5400 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago
  • Rosehill Cemetery, 5800 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago

Everything you need, complete transparency

We believe in clear, upfront pricing and exceptional care. Here’s exactly what’s included and any additional options.

What’s included

IN EVERY CREMATION SERVICE
  • Transportation from the place of death Within our service area, with care and respect.
  • Climate-controlled holding area Your loved one is kept in our secure, climate-controlled facility.
  • Filing all legal documentation We file all necessary paperwork with the county, city and state.
  • Individual cremation Your loved one is never co-mingled. Ever.
  • Online obituary A tribute page to honor their life and share with family and friends.

Additional charges

PRICED SEPARATELY The permit, container and temporary urn are required for every cremation. Death certificates are optional.
  • Death certificates $40 for the first certified copy, $20 for each additional.
  • County cremation permit $200, covering the Medical Examiner’s fee and our filing.
  • State-required cremation container $160 for the minimum alternative container.
  • Temporary urn $25. Sales tax of 10.25% applies to the container and urn ($18.96).
  • Immediate removal $295, only when needed: from a home, nursing home or hospice, or any removal needed right away.
  • Expedited cremation $150, optional, for a faster timeline.

Only merchandise is taxed; services are not. We explain every charge before any decision is made. See your guaranteed price or our full pricing and forms.

Questions? We’re here 24/7. Call 773.866.2273 or start arrangements online.

Planning ahead in Albany Park

A prepaid cremation plan locks in today’s price, records your wishes and spares your family difficult decisions later. You can pre-plan online from home.

Pre-plan online

Nearby communities we serve

View all communities we serve

Contact Caring Cremations

If you need help with cremation services in Albany Park, or want to talk about planning ahead, call us any time. We serve families throughout the City of Chicago and Cook County.

Call (773) 866-2273 Start arrangements online
WHAT FAMILIES SAY

Kind words from families we’ve served

“Caring cremations was amazing when I lost my wife. … there was zero awkward and insulting upsell (which everyone warned me about). In fact, I called and asked questions, then still made the arrangements online. Very straightforward.”
Brian K. Google review

Arranging cremation from Albany Park

(773) 866-2273 Answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Arrange online in under 15 minutes No in-person visit required
We come to you Home, hospital, hospice or senior community in Albany Park
Paperwork handled We file the permit and order the death certificates for you

Ready when you are

Start arrangements online now, or call and we will guide you through each step. Our offices are in Chicago, Evanston, Northbrook and Naperville, and you are welcome to visit, but you never have to.

Start arrangements Call now