Table of Contents:

• Funeral Home Information
• Donor Referrals
• Death Certificates
• Fees for Reports
• Sharps & Medication Disposal
• Clean-Up Services
• Resources for Families
• Questions & Answers
• Forensic Autopsies

Funeral Home Information

Choosing a funeral home is a significant step, and we understand that making these arrangements during a time of loss can feel overwhelming. Whether your loved one had pre-arranged plans or the decisions now rest with your family, our goal is to help you feel prepared for the process ahead. This section is designed to assist you in selecting a provider and to outline the information a funeral director will typically need to help your family move forward.

What funeral home should I choose?

To maintain professional neutrality, the Coroner’s Office does not endorse specific funeral homes. However, we provide a list of nearby providers below for your convenience. You are welcome to choose any licensed funeral home in Illinois, regardless of whether they appear on this list. Most funeral homes can coordinate both burials and cremations, and there are also many low-cost or online-based cremation services available within our region. We encourage you to select the service that best meets your family’s personal, cultural, and financial needs.

 If you would like to view a map of local funeral homes, click here. If you or your family are having difficulty finding a funeral home or service, please contact our office at (630) 553-4200 and we will do our best to guide you through this process.

A Guide for Your Meeting with a Funeral Director?

Preparing for a meeting with a funeral director is a practical but often emotional task. Having a clear list of the necessary information can help you feel more organized and ensure that your loved one’s legacy is documented accurately. These details are used to complete vital legal records, such as the death certificate, and to help the funeral home craft a meaningful tribute to their life.

To make this process as easy as possible, we have organized the following checklist. You can use this as a guide to gather the items and information your funeral director will typically request during your initial conversation.

Vital Records and Personal History

• Full legal name and Social Security Number.

• The address of your loved one's last residence.

• Date of birth and location (City and State or Country).

• Highest level of education completed.

• Primary occupation and most recent place of employment.

• Father’s full name.

• Mother’s full name, including her maiden name.

Family and Social Connections

• Date and location of marriage (City and State).

• Name of spouse (and their date of death if they were widowed).

• Names of survivors, including spouse, parents, children, siblings, and grandchildren.

• Religious affiliation and names of any churches, clubs, or organizations of which they were a member.

Military Service

• Veteran status, including branch of service, campaigns or wars, and date of discharge.

• Copies of discharge papers (DD-214) to help verify service history.

Service and Memorial Planning

• Preferred dates, times, and locations for the visitation and funeral service.

• Cemetery name and location (City, County, and State).

• Names of any individuals you would like to serve as pallbearers.

• Specific memorial instructions or preferences.

• A recent photograph for the obituary and for the hairdresser if there will be an open viewing.

Physical Items and Logistics

• Clothing for your loved one, including undergarments, socks, dentures, glasses, and any jewelry.

• An estimate of how many certified copies of the death certificate you will need. These are generally required for family members, life insurance, pension funds, and transferring titles for houses, vehicles, or bank accounts.

As always, if you have any questions regarding this process, you may contact our office at (630) 553-4200.

Organ, Tissue, and Eye Donation 

This section provides information about organ, tissue, and eye donation. We work closely with Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, a local not-for-profit organization that coordinates these life-saving gifts across Illinois and northwest Indiana.

Our Partnership with Gift of Hope

The Kendall County Coroner’s Office is proud to partner with Gift of Hope to facilitate tissue and organ donation. This organization serves 12 million people and works with 180 hospitals to connect donors with those in need. Tissue donation is a powerful legacy that can save or enhance thousands of lives each year by repairing heart defects, healing burns, and restoring sight. Many families find great comfort in knowing their loved one was able to provide a second chance at life for others. Our goal is to ensure that every eligible family has the opportunity to consider this gift as soon as possible.

The Referral Process

Since December 2022, our office has used a case management system that automatically refers relevant information to Gift of Hope for review. If a person is identified as a potential donor, Gift of Hope will reach out to the family to discuss options and perform a brief screening. This process is automatic and typically occurs within a few hours, though it can take up to 24 hours after our office is first notified. This timely connection is essential to ensuring the best possible outcome for those awaiting a transplant.

What to Expect

If your loved one is a candidate for donation, you will receive a phone call from Gift of Hope. To help you identify the call, the number displayed will usually be (630) 758-2600. We encourage you to answer this important call so the representative can provide information about your loved one’s authorization and ask necessary questions about their medical and social history. This is also your opportunity to ask any questions or share concerns. If eye donation is a possibility, the representative will also coordinate with our eye bank partner, Eversight, to determine medical suitability.

The Recovery and Transport Process

If donation is authorized and medically suitable, Gift of Hope will coordinate with our staff to transport your loved one to their facility for recovery at no cost to your family. Once the procedure is complete, Gift of Hope will transport your loved one directly to your chosen funeral home. If an autopsy is required by our office, they will instead be returned to the Coroner’s Office first. In cases where only eye donation is possible, the recovery is performed by Eversight at our facility, and your loved one will remain in our care until you select a funeral home.

Impact on Funeral Arrangements

Choosing to donate tissue or eyes generally does not delay or affect your funeral plans. This includes your decision to have an open or closed viewing. The recovery process is performed with the utmost respect and surgical precision. If you have specific requests regarding the timing or nature of the services, please share them with the Gift of Hope representative during your initial call so they can work with the funeral home to honor your wishes.

Organ vs. Tissue Donation

The opportunity to be an organ donor is a rare and special legacy, but it depends heavily on the circumstances of death. For organs to remain viable for transplant, the death must typically occur in a hospital setting while the individual is on advanced medical support. Tissue donation does not have these same restrictions. Because tissue remains viable for a longer period, recovery may be possible up to 24 hours after a person has passed, regardless of where the death occurred.

For more information or to register as a donor, please visit our Organ & Tissue Donation Information Page.

Death Certificates

Understanding Death Certificates

A death certificate is a vital legal document typically initiated by the funeral home you have chosen. Once the funeral director prepares the certificate, it must be signed by a medical professional before it is filed with the County Clerk. Usually, the physician who was caring for your loved one at the time of death provides this signature. However, if a physician is unavailable or if the death occurred due to non-natural causes, the Coroner’s Office will sign the certificate after completing a thorough investigation.

Temporary vs. Permanent Certificates

Because a full investigation can take time, our office often issues a "temporary death certificate." This allows your family to move forward with immediate legal and personal matters without waiting for the final results of the investigation. Once all evidence is gathered and the cause and manner of death are officially determined, a "permanent death certificate" is filed to replace the temporary one. Please keep in mind that while a temporary certificate is useful for many tasks, some banks and insurance companies may require the permanent version before they can finalize the disbursement of benefits.

Inquests and Finalized Records

In some cases, a formal inquest is required to determine the specific manner and cause of death. When this occurs, the permanent death certificate is made available only after the inquest has been officially closed. Our team understands that these documents are often necessary for survivors to access important resources, so we strive to conduct these proceedings as efficiently as possible once all evidence has been collected. We are committed to providing you with accurate records while minimizing any delays in the process.

How to Obtain Copies

If you have questions regarding the status or details of a death certificate, please feel free to contact the Coroner’s Office at (630) 553-4200. To obtain certified copies for your records, you may coordinate with your funeral director or contact the Kendall County Clerk’s Office directly at (630) 553-4104. You can also find additional information by visiting the Clerk’s Office Vital Records page online.

Fees for Reports & Documents

Fees for Coroner's Reports & Permits

All fees listed above are set pursuant to 55 ILCS 5/4-7001

Fees for other documents

Additional Fees (Voluminous Requests):

The following fees will apply to requests in electronic format.

All fees listed above are pursuant to FOIA - 5 ILCS 140 et al.

Police, Hospital, EMS (Ambulance) and other reports generated by outside agencies must be obtained from that agency and cannot be released or copied by this office. 

If you would like to request a copy of a report, please contact our office at (630) 553-4200 or fill out our online contact form.

Clean-Up Services

Dealing with the aftermath of a tragedy, accident, or crime scene is an incredibly difficult task, both emotionally and practically. Professional clean-up and recovery services are available to assist families with the restoration of residential homes, vehicles, and businesses. In many instances, the cost of these specialized services may be covered under your property insurance policy, which can provide a helpful layer of support during a challenging time.

To maintain professional neutrality, the Coroner’s Office does not recommend or endorse any specific clean-up provider. However, we have provided the list below to help you begin your search for assistance. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and additional service providers can be found through an online search. We encourage you to contact your insurance agent to determine if these services are included in your coverage.

• 360 Hazardous Cleanup - (800)971-3427 - 360haz.com
• A.D. Valor Technical Cleaning - (855)425-7229 - valortechnicalcleaning.com
• Aftermath - (855)277-2638 - aftermath.com
• Chicago Water & Fire Restoration - (800)597-6911 - chicagowaterandfire.com
• Paul Davis Restoration - (800)408-3290 - pdes24hr.com
• SERVPRO of Kendall County - (630)554-2280 - servpro.com

If you would like to view a map of local clean-up services, click here. 

If you or your family are having difficulty in finding a clean-up service, please contact our office at (630) 553-4200 and we will do our best to guide you through this process.

Resources for Families

We understand that the loss of a loved one is a stressful event for you and your family. We have compiled the resources below to help you navigate this difficult time.

If you need additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office at (630)553-4200.

Questions & Answers for Families

This section is designed to provide clear and straightforward answers to the most common questions families have during an investigation. Each of the following sections is intended to stand alone as an independent guide.

Which types of deaths are investigated by the Coroner’s Office?

By law, all deaths occurring within Kendall County are reported to the Coroner’s Office for review. Depending on the circumstances, a case may be referred to your loved one’s primary care physician for certification, or it may be taken over as an official "Coroner Case." Generally, deaths that are sudden, unexpected, or unnatural in manner require a full investigation by our office to ensure a thorough and accurate record of the event.

What happens when a death becomes a "Coroner Case"?

When a death is designated as a Coroner Case, the Coroner or a Deputy Coroner will conduct an investigation to determine the official cause and manner of death. This process may include personal or telephone interviews, a review of medical records, or physical examinations. In some instances, your loved one may be transported by our staff to the Kendall County Forensic Science Center in Yorkville for more detailed testing or an autopsy.

Are autopsies or toxicology tests performed on every case?

No, these procedures are not required for every investigation. Autopsies and toxicological examinations are only performed when they are necessary to determine the cause of death or to gather essential evidence. Our office follows specific professional guidelines to decide which cases require these additional levels of medical scrutiny.

What is a forensic autopsy?

A forensic autopsy is a detailed medical examination of a body, both externally and internally, to help determine the cause of death. These procedures are performed at the Kendall County Forensic Science Center by board-certified Forensic Pathologists. Depending on the complexity of the case, the autopsy may also involve specialized testing such as toxicology, radiology, or histology. You can find more details on our Forensic Autopsies section.

Is family consent required for an autopsy?

Under Illinois law, the consent of the next-of-kin is not required for autopsies that the Coroner deems necessary for an official investigation. While we understand this can be a difficult time for families, these examinations are a legal requirement to ensure the integrity of the county's death records and public safety.

Will my family be charged for an autopsy?

If the Coroner’s Office determines that an autopsy is necessary due to the circumstances of the death, there is no charge to the family for the procedure. The cost of the examination and the associated professional services are covered by the county as part of our mandate to serve the public.

Can I request an autopsy if the Coroner does not order one?

Yes. If an autopsy is not required as part of our official investigation, your family may still choose to have one performed at your own expense. These are typically handled by private pathology services, and your funeral director can assist you in making these arrangements and coordinating the process.

Why are some cases listed as "pending"?

In certain situations, the cause of death cannot be determined immediately following an initial examination. We may need to wait for the results of toxicology tests, microscopic reviews, or further investigative leads. In these cases, a "pending" death certificate is issued so that funeral arrangements can proceed while we wait for the final results to be completed.

How long does it take to get toxicology results?

Toxicology testing is a precise scientific process that can take anywhere from two to six weeks to complete. The exact timeframe depends on the number of tests required and the complexity of the analysis. Our office works to provide these results as quickly as possible without compromising the accuracy of the findings.

Do I need to come to the office to make an identification?

In most cases, a physical identification by the family is not necessary. If a victim is unknown, we use professional methods such as fingerprints, dental records, or x-rays to establish a positive identification. If identification is already established, family members may still request a viewing of their loved one, and we will do our best to accommodate those requests with dignity.

How can I claim personal effects?

Personal effects are often held at the Coroner’s Office and can be claimed by the legal next-of-kin during regular business hours. However, in some instances, local police departments may take custody of personal items at a scene. If you are looking for specific belongings, our staff can help you determine which agency is holding them and how to arrange for their return.

Where can I get a copy of the death certificate?

The Coroner’s Office does not issue certified copies of death certificates. These must be obtained through your funeral director or the County Clerk’s Office in the county where the death occurred. For deaths in Kendall County, you can contact the Clerk’s Office at (630) 553-4104 or visit their website for more information on requesting vital records.

What are my next steps?

For most families, the most important next step is to select and contact a funeral director. They will work directly with our office to take your loved one into their care, assist you in making final arrangements, and handle the formal filing of the death certificate. Our staff is available to help coordinate this transition and answer any questions you may have during the process.

How do I get a copy of the autopsy or toxicology report?

You may request a copy of these reports by contacting the Kendall County Coroner’s Office directly at (630) 553-4200. Please be aware that reports are only available once the investigation is officially closed. Our staff can provide information on any applicable fees and the process for verifying your relationship to the deceased before the documents are released.

Forensic Autopsies

A forensic autopsy is a specialized medical examination used to establish the exact cause and manner of death when the circumstances are suspicious, unexpected, or unclear. Every autopsy is performed by a physician who is board-certified in forensic pathology, ensuring that the examination meets the highest medical and legal standards.

The process begins with a careful external review of the body and any available clothing, followed by a detailed internal examination of the organs. At the discretion of the Coroner or the pathologist, supplementary testing; such as toxicology, histology, or radiology; may be ordered to provide a complete picture of the case. By combining these advanced medical techniques with professional expertise, our office ensures that every investigation is thorough, respectful, and focused on uncovering the truth for the community and the families we serve.