Ridgewood Memorial

My father has been buried at Ridgewood Memorial Park (Des Plaines, IL) for a year and a half now. I have made COUNTLESS trips to the cemetery this entire time to ask why my dad’s plot still does not have sod, and why all the plots are full of weeds, and un-​mowed. Each time, I was ASSURED it would be taken care of. I spoke to Howard Paterson, General Manager a week and a half ago. I made him drive out with me to the plots to see why I was so upset. He and the groundskeeper personally assured me this would be taken care of right away. He even left me a voicemail to tell me he will make sure it is sodded. I just got back from there. Howard was not there today. IT WAS NOT SODDED!!! Then I look up, and across the street, they were busy sodding another plot. Really??? DO I HAVE TO PERSONALLY LAY THE SOD DOWN MYSELF to get the job done? Jimmy the groundskeeper was there today (another groundskeeper). He met me at the sight. He drove over to the guy laying sod, and hopefully this will be done. So does it take a groundskeeper over the GENERAL MANAGER to get the job done? I left another message with Howard and ranted quite a bit. Needless to say, I am VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE MANAGEMENT AND GROUNDSKEEPING OF RIDGEWOOD MEMORIAL PARK. I would NEVER recommend it to nobody, and will be very vocal on the internet about the disorganization, lack of help, care, and respect.

If I could afford to dig up relatives and move them I would. New owners bad news. Put no money into grounds maintenance. Do not address issues 2 years old at least. 100 excuses. Talk with people who have loved ones there before you intern them at this hole. i know rural animal cemeteries that are better than here. Just profit is the bottom line. Lie about what they will do. Dead trees, old stump holes left as is. They only do what they have to to get by. I feel sorry for the Swans that live here that chase the geese.

Both of my parents are buried here. The grounds are nice and well-​kept. It is a quiet, peaceful place for remembering and reflecting. However, the staff and support are lacking. They essentially hold you hostage to use their services for headstones and are not timely or responsive to designing and installing the headstone. I really wish they would communicate more effectively, but they seem more interested in collecting your money than providing service.

Marsha has gone above and beyond to help my family and I have a dignified funeral for my beloved Father. The General Manager Julie is also very delightful to deal with. Everyone in the office is upbeat and welcoming and I wish I knew all of there names to mention them as well. I will recommend Marsha and Ridgewood Memorial Park to all of my friends and family. Great job ladies. Thank you,
VJ

I’ve had a long history with this cemetery. My grandfather and my father are both buried here so I come here frequently. This cemetery is beautiful and kept really clean. It’s really peaceful with a huge pond with turtles and swans. The huge white building (I don’t know what it’s called) where you choose the headstones and urns for your loved ones is very spacious and professional. The staff is nice — there is a couple people that are stiff and not warm toward you at all (most likely trying to be too professional).
I’ve never had a problem with this place except one — they are very slow with their orders and disorganized. They lost paperwork for my father’s headstone and I had to reorder AGAIN and wait even longer.
One thing that would better this place would be the hours– longer hours would help because my schedule does not match up with their hours. Overall, this place is very serene and I would definitely recommend this cemetery for your loved one.