Our History

The Wolniak family began their funeral business over a Century ago, the year was 1922, when funeral services were held in the homes of the deceased. Leonard Wolniak Sr. and his wife, Anna, built the original chapel at 4604 South Wolcott in Chicago. Together they served the Back of the Yards area of the city until Leonard Sr. died in 1953 just after they broke ground on the current chapel at 5700 South Pulaski Road, near Midway Airport. His wife, Anna and son Leonard Jr., chose to carry on the family business. After completing the plans for construction of the new facility they also continued to serve the families at the original location until 1992 when Sacred Heart Church closed. Anna Wolniak worked as a licensed funeral director for 25 years until her death in 1978.

Leonard Jr. and his wife Helen succeeded Anna after her death. While raising a large family, Helen played an integral part in running the funeral home with her husband until her passing in 2015. Leonard Wolniak Jr., a licensed funeral director for over 60 years, operated the funeral home until he turned over the business to his oldest daughter Nancy Wolniak - Cook in 1993 until 2021. Leonard A. Wolniak Jr. passed away in 2018. In late December of 2021 we embarked on the next 100 years of our Journey continuing "A Tradition of Trust" with the same level of compassionate care and commitment that the community has come to know under the new ownership of CB Funeral Service, a locally owned and operated funeral service.

Wolniak Funeral Home staff are dedicated, qualified and caring individuals that continue to be proud stewards of the funeral home and it's mission of providing unparalleled service to families in their time of need, by helping families with all aspects of funeral arranging for their loved ones, taking pride in providing professional services with genuine sincerity and concern for each and every family that calls on us in their time of need. You can count on "A Tradition of Trust" , we are upfront and honest with you every step of the way.

Leonard Jr. and Helen Wolniak

Leonard Wolniak Jr. and his wife Helen opened the current chapel located at 5700 S. Pulaski Rd. in 1957. Together Leonard and Helen worked side-by-side serving families of Southwest Chicago and its nearby suburbs. Leonard graduated from Notre Dame University, and then went on to study at Worsham College of Mortuary Science. He became a fully licensed director and embalmer in 1959. An active participant in community programs, church activities and fraternal organizations for many years, Leonard served on the board of directors for the City Colleges of Chicago for several years. Helen, as mother of five daughters and her husband's partner, participated in the full management and operations of the family's funeral home. In recognition of their leadership qualities, involvement with children and adults with special needs, commitment to community affairs and excellence within the funeral industry Leonard and Helen received the 2001 Humanitas Award given by the Caritas Society and the St. Colleta's of Illinois Foundation.

Leonard Sr. and Anna Wolniak

Founders and Funeral Directors

Leonard Wolniak Sr. and his wife, Anna founded the business in 1922. Together they served the Back of the Yards area until Leonard Sr. died in 1953 just after they broke ground on the current chapel located at 5700 S. Pulaski Rd. near Midway Airport. 

Leonard Sr. devoted himself to his business and family, but also recognized the value of community involvement which remains the funeral home's philosophy. 

Anna Wolniak, one of the few pioneering women in the funeral industry for her time, remained active with the family business until her death in 1978.