Cemeteries

Oak Crest & Oak Hill Cemeteries

The Township of Downers Grove manages Oak Crest and Oak Hill Cemeteries. Oak Crest and Oak Hill Cemeteries are located between Maple Avenue and Elmore Avenue (east of Glenview Ave), in unincorporated Downers Grove.

If you have questions or are interested in purchasing graves in Oak Crest Cemetery, please contact the Supervisor’s office at (630) 719-6642.

Downers Grove Township is grateful for the support of the community. Numerous township residents have generously donated their time and labor to aid in the restoration of the cemeteries.

Many Downers Grove Boy Scout Troops have been working diligently to remove invasive vegetation surrounding the border of the cemetery property. Several years ago, local Eagle Scouts constructed three walk-in gates for pedestrian traffic through the cemeteries. In addition, Downers Grove Township conducted a headstone restoration program for many of the historical stones located in the Oak Hill Cemetery. These efforts are greatly appreciated and very beneficial in preserving our historical landmarks and grounds.

Cemetery Foundation

Mission Statement

Our mission is to honor the memory of those who have chosen our hallowed grounds as their final resting place. We include people of all faiths and offer ground burials as well as cremations. We are an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of this lovely historic site. To this end, we rely on individual and community support as well as donations.

Oak Crest and Oak Hill Cemetery Foundation, is a 501(c)(3) charitable not-for-profit organization. The purpose of the Foundation is to preserve the rich history of our founding fathers and their families.

Generous donations to the Foundation help to honor the respected members of the community who are buried within the cemetery grounds and maintain the dignity and peace that they deserve. If you would like more information about the Oak Crest & Oak Hill Cemetery Foundation, please fill out our Contact Form or call (630) 719–6642.

Cemetery Pricing

Oak Crest & Oak Hill Cemetery prides itself on being a naturally serene environment. We are a historical cemetery in the heart of the Downers Grove community. We are committed to the restoration and preservation of the four acres to ensure that its historical significance to the community endures.

Prices subject to change

Prices are subject to change without notice. For current information, please contact 630-719-6642.

Cemetery History

Oak Hill Cemetery was a large piece of land in 1835 when it was purchased by Dexter Stanley. In the 1800s, residents of the community mostly used the Main Street Cemetery. But due to flooding and icy conditions from St. Joseph Creek, burying people at the Main Street Cemetery became difficult. Residents eventually reached out to Stanley for help, and he donated part of his land, which was one of the highest points in this area. It was originally called Westside Cemetery. Local families buried at Oak Hill include members of the Downer, Stanley, Dixon, Carpenter and Rogers families. Oak Crest Cemetery is located between Howard Street and Elmore Avenue, in unincorporated Downers Grove, in both Downers Grove and Lisle Townships.

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Oak Hill and Oak Crest Cemetery Genealogy.

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Oak Crest Cemetery, once called Blodgett Cemetery, was a privately-owned cemetery. During the lifetime of Mr. William Blodgett, he sold lots in Oak Crest Cemetery, but at no time did he own the land. Mr. Blodgett died on February 8, 1933. Records show, in August of 1936, Florence L. Kester and her husband, Reg Ekstrom Jr., were the owners of the land. On December 5, 1936, the Kesters transferred the cemetery property to Edith Blodgett. On March 22, 1939, Ms. Blodgett transferred part of the property to Olive M. Carlson. Records also show that on May 15, 1945 Olive M. Carlson conveyed the cemetery to William and Harriet Prince Parrish. On July 17,1945, Edith G. Blodgett also conveyed the remaining land to the Parrishs. In 1960, before William Parrish died, he sold the land to Fred & Mae Marvin, who already had Oak Hill Cemetery. Since they could not afford a high price, Mr. Parrish sold it to them for $10.00.

Several notable individuals are buried here...

The first woman elected to both the Illinois House of Representatives and Illinois State Senate, Lottie Holman O’Neill, is buried at Oak Crest along with members of the Cooper, Parrish, and Herrick families. Additionally, Duke Schluder, and former Downers Grove Postmaster Kellog are buried there.