About Us | Schreffler Funeral Home

History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

 Our History

 Family owned and operated since 1936, Schreffler Funeral Homes & Cremation Center offers Kankakee, Illinois and the surrounding areas the highest quality funeral services.Funerals are such an important part of the grieving process; every aspect must be done perfectly. Ever since John Schreffler joined the  Phillips & Friday Funeral Home in 1936, our family has been arranging personalized farewells. Count on us to handle every last detail with care and professionalism.


Our Valued Staff

Nancy  Wheeler

Nancy Wheeler, Certified Advance Planning Counselor

Nancy Rivard Wheeler grew up in Bourbonnais. She attended Maternity BVM school in Bourbonnais and graduated from Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School. In 1999, Nancy received her Illinois life insurance license and began working with the Schreffler family in advanced funeral planning. She is currently a certified advance planning counselor with certification from the Illinois Funeral Directors Association. In addition, to helping families complete funeral arrangements, Nancy visits with families following the funeral to offer assistance with filing for Social Security, insurances, and veteran benefits and provides them with grief support information. She is a member of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Herscher, Kankakee Chamber of Commerce, Bradley Bourbonnais Chamber of Commerce and Working Women’s Counsel. Nancy has lived in Herscher for over 30 years where she raised her three daughters. She is married to Marty Wheeler.


Steven E Coy

Steven E Coy, Associate

Steve is a life long resident of Kankakee County and grew up on the south side of Kankakee before moving to Bradley in 1979. Steve is a graduate of Bishop McNamara High School and has a bachelor's degree in Public Safety Management from Calumet College of St. Joseph in Whiting, Indiana. Steve joined Schreffler Funeral Homes in July 2015, after retiring from a long distinguished career with the Bradley Police Department, the last six years as Chief of Police.Steve is married to Dena and they have three children, five grandchildren and are life long members of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Kankakee. Steve is a founding member of the Bradley Historical Society and is a member of the Hundred Club of Kankakee County. He enjoys being with family, fishing, history, collecting and restoring old memorabilia.


Margaret Shields

Margaret Shields, Associate

Maggie is the mother of three children that she raised while living in Kankakee. She is now the grandmother of eleven grandchildren and has many great grandchildren. She worked for 17 years at Sears Logistics from which she retired. She presently works full time in the Bradley School District in the school lunch program and joined Schreffler Funeral Homes in 2008. Maggie was instrumental in the success of Christmas in April for over nine years. Her hobbies include gardening and walking with her friends.


Jim Nichols

Jim Nichols, Associate

Jim has been working at Schreffler Funeral Home since 2005. Jim graduated from BBCHS and is a resident of Kankakee with his wife Rebecca. Jim has two children and four grandchildren. They are members of Our Savior Lutheran Church. He is retired from Cognis Corporation and they enjoy camping and fishing at Shelbyville in their spare time.


Gerald  Kroesch

Gerald Kroesch, Associate

Jerry Kroesch has been in the funeral service business for over 50 years starting at the Orrison Funeral Home in Herscher and continuing with Schreffler Orrison Funeral Home and is still working for Schreffler Funeral Home today. Jerry is a longtime Herscher native and also was employed by Roper Corporation in Kankakee.


Michael Hofman

Michael Hofman, Associate

Mike was born and raised near San Diego, CA, and graduated from the University of California, San Diego in 1997 with a bachelor of science degree in microbiology. He worked in funeral service for four years in California and Kansas before joining the staff at Schreffler Funeral Home in 2010. In 2012, he was hired at the Kankakee County Clerk’s Office and presently works there as a deputy clerk in Vital Records. Mike has recently returned to Schreffler Funeral Home to serve families in need. Mike married his wife, Laurie, in 2001 and they have a daughter, Kathryn. They live in Bourbonnais with their dog, KC, and their cat, Shadow. Mike enjoys reading, watching movies, traveling, and spending time with his family.


Edwin Eckhardt

Edwin Eckhardt, Associate/Grounds Upkeep

Ed has been employed at Schreffler Funeral Homes since May of 2004. He worked Speedy Car Wash after retiring in 1998 as a sheet metal worker for Local #265. He is married to Mary Kay for the past 56 years and they reside in Kankakee, He served in the U. S. Army as an active member from 1953 until 1955 and then served as an active reservist for the next 11 years retiring with the rank of Sgt.1st Class. His active duty was served in Korea for over 16 months. Ed is a member of the Kankakee Planning Board for the past 5 years. He and Mary Kay are parents of one daughter who also resides in Kankakee. They are grandparents of Dylon who attends Lewis University. He is a member of Asbury United Methodist Church. His hobbies include trap shooting and target shooting. Ed and Mary Kay enjoy attending flea markets for their many special finds.


Janet E. Coy

Janet E. Coy

Jan along with her husband, Carl, of 62 years grew up on the south side of Kankakee. They raised seven children in that area also. Their family now includes 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. She has worked at Schreffler Funeral Home as a greeter since 2017. Jan enjoys decorating, reading and especially being with her family. She is a member of St. Josephs Catholic Church in Bradley.


Jerry Balthazor

Jerry Balthazor, Associate

Jerry was born in Kankakee and graduated from Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School. He entered the U.S. Army and served with the 82nd Airborne Division for two terms, one in Germany and the other at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.Jerry worked at General Foods/Quaker Oats and retired after 34 years of service. After he retired he was elected Mayor of the Village of Bradley. Presently he volunteers at St. Mary's Hospital as a patient transporter. He has been a greeter at Schreffler Funeral Homes since 2017.He is married to Carolyn and together they have 5 children and 9 grandchildren. They are long time residents of Bradley and supporters of Bishop McNamara High School.