History & Staff
Modell Funeral Home has been serving Darien 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.
Our History
Founded by Frank A. Modelski, Sr. and his wife Estelle, Modell Funeral Home is proud to be celebrating being in business since May 5, 1955. Opening in 1983, Modell Funeral Home at 7710 S. Cass Ave. has been an integral part of Darien and the surrounding area, serving the community with compassion and dignity. Frank, Jr., his wife, Fran, daughter, Christina Brunsen and son-in-law, Andrew Brunsen currently own and operate the Darien location. They are all extremely honored to carry on their family’s legacy.
At Modell Funeral Home, we understand that funerals are for the living; they are a celebration and a remembrance of a life. With that understanding, we take the utmost care to ensure that every service is meaningful and special.
We have always prided ourselves on the professional and caring service that we offer to you and your family. You can be confident knowing that our staff provides guidance and assistance to every family, regardless of when our services are needed. The Modelski and Brunsen families and the entire staff at Modell Funeral Home are proud to offer unprecedented service and unparalleled concern.
Our funeral home provides a full range of funeral service options, from the traditional religious service to simple cremation. Each family is provided with the opportunity to learn about and discuss the wide variety of options available to them.
A Generational Legacy
Our Staff
Chris has worked in funeral service as a licensed funeral director and embalmer since 2005. Although, if you ask her, she has had a hand in working in funeral service her whole life having grown up living in the funeral home since the age of 5.
Chris is an owner and licensed funeral director and embalmer at Modell Funeral Home. As a licensed funeral director in the state of Illinois, she holds an Applied Associates Degree from Worsham College of Mortuary Science and a Bachelors Degree in Marketing from Miami University of Ohio.
Chris met her husband, Andrew Brunsen, while attending Worsham College of Mortuary Science. They were married in 2005 and have two boys together – Charlie and Adam. She truly enjoys spending time with Andrew and her boys.
Andrew has worked in funeral service as a licensed funeral director and embalmer since 2005. Before joining Modell Funeral Home in 2012 Andrew worked for Wenban Funeral Home in Lake Forest, Illinois and Dahl Van Hove Schoff Funeral Home in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Passionate about funeral service Andrew draws on his many years of experience to help families plan a meaningful service for their loved one.
Andrew is an owner and licensed funeral director and embalmer at Modell Funeral Home. As a licensed funeral director in the state of Illinois he holds an Applied Associates degree from Worsham College of Mortuary Science and a Bachelors degree in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa.
Andrew is currently the president of the Darien Lions Club and 4th degree Sir Knight for Knights of Columbus, Mayslake Council #4053. To reach Andrew please email him at andrew@modelldarien.com or at the funeral home 630-852-3595.
Bob was raised in the south suburbs and currently resides in the western suburbs. He joined Modell Funeral Home in 1987, working with the funeral home founder Mr. Frank Modelski, Sr., Frank’s son, Frank Modelski, Jr. and Frank’s granddaughter, Christina Modelski Brunsen.
Bob is honored to serve and help families during one of their greatest times of need. Bob enjoys spending time with his kids and his dogs.
John was raised in Homewood and now resides in Lemont. He joined Modell Funeral Home in the summer of 2000. John graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1986 and has been a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in Illinois since 1987. He has been working in a funeral home since he was 16 years old.
John is a people pleaser, especially when it comes to his job. He goes out of his way to make sure the families we serve are completely satisfied with our services.
John also enjoys spending time with his family, golfing and staying active. John has always been active in town starting with AYSO, coaching and managing of Little League baseball teams, then Little League board member and more currently Lemont Park District Commissioner.
Dennis is the Assist Program Director and Advance Funeral Planner at Modell, With 13 years experience in financial services roles ranging from investment management, banking, advance insurance strategies, and estate planning, Dennis is extremely well positioned to help navigate families through the estate closing and pre-planning process. Dennis is insurance licensed in the State of Illinois, license number 10526905, and is also a Certified Estate Planner™. The CEP® designation is conferred upon professionals who complete a rigorous course of study in the areas of estate planning and pass a qualifying exam. Dennis resides in Downers Grove, IL with his wife Kimberly and their 7 children
Carolynn joined the Modell Funeral Home Staff in June of 2020 and works as an administrative assistant.
Born and raised in Orland Park, Carolynn attended Carl Sandburg High School and went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Western Illinois University. Having resided in Darien for the past 18 years, she feels privileged to work for a family-owned business that services her local and surrounding communities in times of hardship.
Outside of work Carolynn enjoys spending quality time with friends and family.
Joe is a Woodridge resident who joined the staff of Modell Funeral Home in 2017. Prior to his time at Modell, Joe spent 44 years as a qualified Senior Inventory Manager in the Wholesale Distribution Business of Office Supplies. During his time at United Stationers, he handled the purchasing of Office Products for resale to Office Supply retailers and other distribution type companies nationwide from over 30 company warehouse distribution centers. Joe currently works as a Banquet Bar Manager/Bartender and has been doing so for over 18 years. In all of his professional roles, Joe has always worked with many types of people - staff, customers, and suppliers on both a professional and personal level.
When he is not working, Joe enjoys spending time with his wife, children and grandchild. He also enjoys working around the house, both inside and out, with projects and landscaping.
Greg is a resident of the Shorewood Glen community in Shorewood. He has served on the staff of Modell Funeral Home since December of 2005 both in a full time capacity and currently in a part time capacity since his retirement in 2015.
Greg graduated from Gage Park High School in Chicago in 1968. Prior to working at Modell, he worked for FedEx for 28 years in several capacities finishing his career there in the training department.
Greg and his wife, Jo Ann, enjoy traveling to Arizona and Door County, Wisconsin and attending their grandchildren’s sporting events. He also enjoys fishing and hunting.
Chris is a Southside Chicago native who has been a part-time livery driver for Modell Funeral Home since 2007. He also works full time as a fireman for the Chicago Fire Department and has done so for over 14 years. Chris graduated from St. Rita High School in 1984 and IIT in 1989 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing.
Chris enjoys spending time with his two children, and playing golf and softball.
Ray is a Southside Chicago native and currently resides in the Western Suburbs. He has been a part-time livery driver exclusively for the Modell Funeral Home since September, 2013.
Prior to joining Modell, he had a very successful 38 year career in accounting financial management with two top Fortune 500 companies before retiring in December, 2012.
Ray is married with two grown sons. He enjoys traveling with his wife and spending time with his family.
John is a Southside Chicago native and currently resides in the Western Suburbs. He has been a part-time livery driver exclusively for Modell Funeral Home since June, 2015. Prior to joining Modell, he retired from a long career as a CDL driver.
John is married and enjoys taking trips with his family as well as driving long distances.
