Colwell Memorial Home

03/10/2026

⚠️ Community Awareness Post ⚠️

You may receive something like this in the mail that looks very official and says things like “2026 Benefit Information for Illinois Citizens Only” or suggests the state will pay your final expenses.

Just a reminder: This is a solicitation. It is NOT from the State of Illinois or a government program.

These mailers are typically lead generators for life insurance or final expense insurance companies. When you return the card or call the number, your information is sent to insurance agents who will contact you to sell a policy.

A few things to notice:
• It says “Not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency” in small print.
• It creates urgency by asking you to respond quickly.
• It looks like an official government notice when it is actually marketing.

As someone who works with families every day in the funeral profession, I always encourage people to ask questions and understand what they’re signing up for before returning anything like this.

If you ever have questions about preplanning, final expense options, or legitimate ways to prepare, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted professional.

Just sharing so others don’t feel misled. ❤️

03/08/2026

Sometimes the most meaningful questions come from little hearts.

A five year old wanted to know if her loved one would be wearing clean clothes.

Here’s what we told her.

03/06/2026

Let’s talk about AI.

We use it to polish communication and catch little grammatical mistakes. It helps us refine what we’re trying to say.

But the heart of funeral service is still people serving people.

AI just fixes the commas… since I clearly needed the help. 😅

03/02/2026

Official Statement from Colwell Memorial Home & Crematory

It has come to our attention that Sunrise — beloved companion, hydration hero, courthouse confidant — was memorialized without our professional consultation.

While we understand arrangements were made swiftly, we can’t help but feel a small ache in our hearts knowing that such a cherished stainless steel soul was laid to rest without the dignity of a proper service.

Knowing Michael, he would have wanted:
• A time for gathering.
• A moment of reflection at the courthouse fountain.
• Perhaps a procession past the ledge where Sunrise faithfully stood watch.
• And certainly a few words about loyalty, hydration, and the strength of double-wall insulation.

At Colwell Memorial Home, we believe every life — even those vacuum-sealed in metal — deserves to be honored with intention.

That said, we are grateful Sunrise FS stepped forward to provide Sunrise’s identical twin brother. In the funeral profession, we call that “aftercare done right.”

Michael, should you ever need assistance planning a Celebration of Hydration for Sunrise, our doors are open. We have a lovely stainless-appropriate register book and would happily coordinate a fountain-side committal service.

Until then, may the new Sunrise stay full, stay loyal, and never be separated from his human again.

With deepest (and slightly dramatic) sympathy,
The Colwell Family
Colwell Memorial Home & Crematory

03/01/2026

Just like a halftime show, not everyone will agree with every choice.

The difference is, when it comes to funeral services, the choices belong to you.

Our role is not to judge them.
Our role is to honor them.

02/28/2026

There is no timeline for grief. Everyone walks their own road, at their own pace, and in their own way.

02/26/2026

You may sometimes notice someone being helped ahead of others during a service. This is not about cutting in line. Occasionally, a family member or guest may need extra assistance. A new mom with a newborn who wants to pay her respects, someone with mobility challenges, or a person who is feeling unwell may be guided in and out more quickly. These moments are handled with care and compassion. A little patience goes a long way, and helping someone in need is never a bad thing.

02/21/2026

For anyone unable to participate in person today for Melvin McGill's funeral, the services will be available streamed online. The link is below.

Funeral Service

02/19/2026

In loving memory of Melvin D. McGill.

Melvin found joy in rock and roll, Westerns, crossword puzzles, and the steady rhythm of a simple life well lived.
Click the link below to read his full obituary and service details on his tribute page.

View Melvin D. McGill's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/19/2026

A little education now can make things much easier later. In this video, we share a real story about a family who transferred their pre arrangements to our funeral home. It can be done, and the process is simpler than many people expect.

02/17/2026

Have you ever seen a crank or key on a casket and wondered what it is for? Check this out.

02/15/2026