Where history whispers and memories linger, lies Elmwood Cemetery. This is no ordinary burial ground. Elmwood Cemetery is a tapestry of lives. It is a collection of stories etched in stone.
Elmwood Cemetery is located at 2905 North Thatcher Road in River Grove Illinois. It is a place of respect. It is a sanctuary for remembering loved ones. As of 1999, it was known as one of the Chicago area’s two main Greek-American cemeteries. Elmwood Cemetery also gathers Germans, Swedes, Albanians and many other cultures.
One notable feature is the cenotaph for comedian John Belushi. Though Belushi is not buried here, his mother Agnes Belushi rests in Elmwood Cemetery. The cenotaph serves as a place for fans to pay their respects. It is a reminder of Belushi’s comedic genius.
Elmwood Cemetery is home to several war memorials. These memorials honor the service and sacrifice of veterans. A tall column shaft stands as a memorial to U.S. Grant Post 28 of the Grand Army of the Republic. It includes five soldier statues. Union Gen. John A. Logan was a member. Washington Post 573 of the G.A.R. erected a memorial nearby. It is surrounded by the graves of its members.
In 1904, the Woman’s Relief Corps erected a memorial. This was in honor of Union soldiers’ widows. The Chicago Typographical Union erected a memorial too. It honors 15 members who died in World War I. Memorials also stand for Hellenic American and Assyrian American veterans.
Among those interred at Elmwood Cemetery are Johann Otto Hoch. Also buried here are John Siomos, Ron Sobie, and Jazep Varonka. Each marker tells a story. Each name represents a life lived. Elmwood Cemetery offers a glimpse into the past.
Consider this final thought as we conclude our visit to Elmwood Cemetery. It is more than a final resting place. It is a living testament to the enduring power of memory. It is a celebration of lives that have shaped our world.