Who We Are
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.
When we sit down with a family, we have just one goal: to create a fitting, memorable and affordable service for their loved one. Together, we explore the wide variety of services and products available, as well as a wealth of creative ideas and suggestions.
Together, we'll design a memorial or funeral service that suits their needs now, and in the future. Families who come to us know that years from now, they will have deep peace-of-mind because in coming to us, they've done their best to honor their loved one.
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Our History
As one of the most established entities in the industry, Sax-Tiedemann Funeral Home was first incorporated in 1924 by Maurice Sax and Peter Thomas Tiedemann. It was originally located on the corner of Franklin Avenue and Atlantic Street in Franklin Park. The business moved across the street in 1928. A year later, Mr. Tiedemann bought the shares owned by Mr. Sax and became the sole proprietor of Sax-Tiedemann Funeral Home.
Today, Sax-Tiedemann Funeral Home looks vastly different. The only traces of the original structure can be seen in the middle portion of the funeral home. It moved to its present location of 9569 Belmont Avenue in 1936. But despite the differences in its appearance, Sax-Tiedemann still maintains its professional service that has been at the core of its existence since the beginning.
Sax-Tiedemann provides a broad spectrum of services. What is common to us is our experience which has taught us how to be sensitive to the needs of our clients. We understand that the loss of a loved one can be quite a tumultuous occasion for the family. That is why we strive to be a source of respite for those in need.
For three generations, Sax-Tiedemann has serviced people from different backgrounds and walks of live. We continue our commitment to provide assistance in making funeral and memorial arrangements.
The Tiedemann family and our staff are always available to help ease the experience of loss. We do not operate at our convenience. Rather, we are dedicated to the needs of our clients. For any inquiries, please contact us at (847) 678-1950.
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Our Valued Staff
Mr. Stephen C. Dawson, President, Funeral Director, Embalmer, Certified Cremationist
Stephen Dawson earned his high school diploma from the East Leyden High School in 1977. He further pursued his studies at Bradley University in Peoria, IL and graduated with a B.A. degree in Speech Communications and Theatre Arts. He also attended the Players Workshop of Second City to learn the art of improvisation. To prepare for the family business, Stephen attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in 1982 and obtained an Associate Degree in Mortuary Science. He also holds a certificate from the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), Illinois Crematory Operators Certification Program, and is certified through the Green Burial Council.
Stephen now owns and manages the family funeral home together with his wife Tammi. Stephen has been the past president in the Funeral Directors Services Association of Greater Chicago and St. Paul’s United Church of Christ Church Council; former secretary of the Illinois Funeral Directors Association. He is currently the Board Secretary of School District 84 of Franklin Park. Showing his love of sports, Stephen is a former Thunder soccer coach. He enjoys spending time with the family, is a certified scuba diver, a holds an A.S.A. sailing captains certificate. He also plays the keyboard for the musical group Looney Train.
Tammi Burke Dawson
Tammi Burke Dawson has quite an interesting background. Her family has made its mark in the sport of speed skating for many years. In fact, her father, Charles Burke, participated in the 1952 and 1956 Winter Olympics. As a registered nurse, she received her education from the Oakton Community College in Des Plaines, Illinois and Triton College in River Grove, Illinois.
Tammi is currently working with the Out Patient Surgical Unit with Westlake Hospital in Melrose Park, Illinois; as well as helping around the funeral home.
Clyde Dawson
Clyde Dawson grew up in Morgan Park in Chicago, Illinois. He met Jean Tiedemann at Grinnell College where he earned a B.A. degree in Biology. In 1956, he began working for his father-in-law, Peter Tiedemann and pursued further studies in Worsham College of Mortuary Science.
Now retired, the Dawson family is still quite active in the community. Clyde is a member of several organizations such as the Franklin Park Kiwanis Club, The Franklin Park Social Club, and the Leyden and Laurel Masonic Lodge. He was also a former member of the School District No. 84 School Board for 30 years. Clyde is presently an active member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.
Jean Tiedemann Dawson
Born into the business, Jean Tiedemann Dawson lived in the funeral home since it relocated to Belmont Avenue in 1936. Jean is the youngest child of Peter Thomas Tiedemann and Irma Tiedemann nee Freie. She graduated from Leyden High School and attended Grinnell College where she met her husband, Clyde. Jean holds a B.A. degree from Elmhurst College. One of her most notable achievements is a term as president of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ.
Jean regularly does volunteer work for the Women’s Association of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Her appreciation for the arts can again be seen in her active participation in the Bell Choir.
Mr. William Sean Sweetman, Funeral Director, Embalmer and Certified Cremationist
Sean has been licensed as a Funeral Director and Embalmer since 1991. Born and raised in Chicago, Sean has been involved with funeral service with his father and uncle for many years.
Sean had attended Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago and Worsham College of Mortuary Science, in Wheeling, Illinois, where he obtained an Associate Degree,.
Sean is with the Funeral Directors Services Association of Greater Chicago as Secretary - Treasurer.
Sean married his high school sweetheart, Ellyn and they are the proud parents of 3.
He is also active with a co-rec softball league and many activities with his family.
Ms. Beth A. Stolte, Funeral Director, Embalmer, Certified Cremationist
