History of Olson Burke/Sullivan

Olson Burke/Sullivan began on the west side of Chicago in the 1940’s. John Sullivan obtained his funeral director’s license and began his career at Burke Funeral Home. Shortly after, he purchased the funeral home from John Burke, and renamed the location on Chicago Avenue Burke-Sullivan Funeral Home. His wife, Mary Sullivan, became one of the first women funeral directors in 1954 and assisted her husband with the family business.

Two of their children, Jerry and Jeanne, went on to become funeral directors as well. The family business was expanded to the south suburbs of Chicago in the 1970’s, and to the northwest side of Chicago in 1994. Jerry purchased Olson Funeral Home from Nels Olson, which became Olson Burke/Sullivan Funeral & Cremation Center.

The family tradition carries on with Mary Sullivan, Jerry’s daughter. Our location offers three generations of experience in funeral care.