Who We Are

Recent Obituaries

History & Staff

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.

Our History

In April of 1944, John S. Jackson, his wife Ruth, and children Bill & Barbara moved to Rensselaer from Tipton, Indiana. John and Ruth purchased the Worland Funeral Home business located at the corner of Washington Street and McKinley Avenue. Then in 1949, they were given the opportunity to buy the W.J. Wright Funeral Chapel and business located at 250 N. McKinley Avenue. The funeral chapel was built in 1941 by Wright. It was then and remains today a very efficient and functional funeral facility. John and Ruth asked the community of Rensselaer to accept their service with only personal experience to offer. Graciously, the community came to recognize the skills and professionalism John and Ruth had to offer.

In 1957, son Bill returned from serving in the United States Navy and joined his father and mother in the family business. With an enthusiastic and refreshing personality, Bill surrounded himself with competent and professional staff and developed a fine reputation of meeting the funeral service needs of Rensselaer and the surrounding area.

In 1987, Bill’s elder son Craig joined the firm and brought new ideas and services to continue the tradition of offering honorable and memorable tributes to those in need.

In May of 1990, construction began on Jackson Funeral Service of DeMotte. The site was chosen with the public in mind and built to fully accommodate everyone. The 5,800 sq. ft. facility with full parking brought professional funeral service back to DeMotte. The success of the new business was tied directly to the support and long time friendship of the respected DeMotte and former funeral professionals Bruce & Adelaide Todd and family.

In 1991, Bills youngest son Eric returned to the family firm and thus completed the third generation of funeral directors of the Jackson Family.

In 2003, Craig and Eric Jackson expanded the business by purchasing the former Wheatfield Pentecostal Church of God building and renovating it to become Jackson Funeral Service of Wheatfield. This facility, which offers families a large chapel area and friendly, comfortable amenities, remains one of the warmest and most professional looking facilities in the area.

Today, we look back across the years, humbly grateful and marveling at our acceptance from the Rensselaer, DeMotte, Roselawn and Wheatfield communities. Their ever increasing support has enabled us to grow, increase in scope and quality the services and facilities which bring comfort at time of need.

So it is now that we look ahead and pledge ourselves to continue to earn that trust so generously given. It shall always be our aim to make fine service even finer.

Our Valued Staff

W. Craig Jackson, Funeral Director

Craig has been a funeral service professional since 1987. "Providing this service to people who have experienced loss is more of a ministry to me than work. I enjoy the personal relationships I make with the families I serve, and find reward in helping them through a most difficult time."

Craig is a life long resident of Rensselaer, and graduated from Rensselaer Central High School in 1982. He attended Purdue University, St. Joseph's College, Rensselaer and graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1986. Craig is co-owner of Jackson Funeral Chapels, Jackson Monuments & Memory Gardens of Rensselaer. He is a member of the DeMotte-Kankakee Valley Rotary Club, Prairie Lodge #125, F.&A.M., Scottish Rite of Indianapolis, and an Elder and member of the First Christian Church of Rensselaer. Craig was and continues to be active in the Boy Scouts of America. He resides in Rensselaer with his wife Lisa and their two children Connor and Ava.

Eric C. Jackson, Funeral Director

Eric is co-owner of Jackson Funeral Chapels, Jackson Monuments & Memory Gardens of Rensselaer. "Having been a funeral director for over 21 years now, I have had the pleasure of helping many people. Providing genuinely compassionate service to someone at their most difficult time in life offers me great rewards."

Eric, a life-long resident of Rensselaer, graduated from Rensselaer Central High School in 1985. He graduated from Ball State University in 1989 earning a degree of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and an Associate of Arts in Marketing/Retailing. Then in 1990 he graduated from Lynn University with an Associate of Science in Mortuary Science. Eric is co-owner of Jackson Funeral Chapels, Jackson Monuments & Memory Gardens of Rensselaer. He is a member and past president of the Rensselaer Rotary Club. He has experience in operating different types of businesses; including a movie theater, an oil change & lube business, and pre-cast concrete company with other related services.

His hobbies include jogging, motorcycle riding, weight lifting, camping, scuba diving, cycling, and international travel. As he is a commercially-rated instrument pilot, having flown since 1989, you can easily add "flying" to that long list of extra-curricular activities.

Julie A. Hesson, Funeral Director

Julie is a native of Boonville, Indiana where she graduated from Boonville High School in 1991. She attended the University of Southern Indiana, Evansville and graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1995. Julie served her internship with Jackson Funeral Chapel in 1996. A licensed funeral director, she holds her life insurance license and is skilled in all aspects of funeral service including monument & memorial design and sales, pre-arrangement counseling and Aftercare follow-up. She is a member of Tri-Kappa Sorority and the Trinity United Methodist Church of Rensselaer. She resides in Rensselaer with her husband Rodney and their daughter Addison.

Henry C. Smith, Funeral Director

Henry joined the staff of Jackson Funeral Chapels three years ago, in 2008. "I love being able to help people when they need it most."

Henry began the pursuit of his life-long dream of a career in funeral service in 1996. He graduated from Mid-America College of Funeral Service in Jeffersonville, Indiana in 1999. He served an internship and worked for a nationwide funeral service corporation as a Funeral Director & Embalmer in Indiana and Tennessee. He returned to Indiana in October of 2008 to join the staff at Jackson Funeral Chapels. Henry has a vast range of funeral service experience and knowledge and offers a level of genuine service to the families he serves.

Henry and his wife Renee look forward to becoming a part of Rensselaer, DeMotte and Wheatfield communities. They have two grown children, Ansel and Sherryll and five grandchildren.

He is a Sunday School teacher and Deacon at the First Baptist Church in DeMotte, and an active member of Sons of the American Revolution, and the DeMotte Lions Club.

William C. Jackson, Funeral Director

After retiring in 2000, Bill continues to help the family business in many aspects. He attended Butler University, Indianapolis and graduated from the University of Minnesota, Mortuary Science. He is a member of Prairie Lodge #125, F.&A.M., Murat Shrine of Indianapolis, past Elder of the First Christian Church of Rensselaer, past board member of the former Rensselaer State Bank/National City Bank, and past president of the Rensselaer Rotary Club. He recently celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife Mary Ann. They enjoy their winters in Naples, FL and have three children Beth Ann, Craig & Eric.

Cay P. Jordan, Executive Secretary/Bookkeeper

Cay has been the Executive Secretary for Jackson Funeral Chapels and Jackson Monuments since 1988. "I always strive to calm the anxiousness of our families regarding the paperwork which must be completed. Whether it is visiting with them over the telephone, writing items for publication on behalf of their loved one, contacting insurance companies, or obtaining needed military service documents, I want them to feel the comfort, caring and compassion they so deserve."

She is a 1971 graduate of Rensselaer Central High School, Business curriculum. Cay is a long time resident of Rensselaer. She and her husband Steve are the parents of three daughters, Kelly (husband, Eric), Cathy (husband, Andy) and Stephanie (husband, Andy) and are grand-parents of seven adorable grandchildren. A member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Rensselaer, she serves on the Mission committee and helps with the Wednesday night "SEEK"program. Community involvement is important to her. Cay has been a member of Sigma Alpha Chi, Theta Chapter Sorority since 1987; served on the Jasper County 4-H Council since 2006 and has been a volunteer at the Jasper County Fair for more than 25 years. She enjoys being with my family, flower gardening, reading, attending fairs and Purdue sports.

Mary Claussen, Executive Secretary/Bookkeeper

Mary has been the executive secretary and bookkeeper for Memory Gardens of Rensselaer and Rensselaer Eagle Vault/Septic Tanks, since 1997. "It keeps me very busy, and some days can be really hectic. But my fellow employees and the office atmosphere make the job more than enjoyable. I love the everyday challenges."

Mary is a long time resident of Rensselaer. She was formerly employed by Bank One of Rensselaer. Mary is also a board director for the Rensselaer Adult Learning Center, and has the responsibilities of the Secretary/Bookkeeper for that organization.

She and her husband Butch reside in Rensselaer and have two grown children, Christopher and Cary and five grandchildren, all girls, which they spoil whenever possible.

Sally Tillema, Office Manager

Sally, a long time resident of Wheatfield and Tefft, joined the staff in 1993. She is the office co-ordinator and bookkeeper for Jackson Funeral Service of DeMotte and Wheatfield. "I feel that with me being in the office, I can help our families with their aftercare needs, such as insurance claims, or benefits applications. In this way, I too can be a comfort to them."

She was formerly employed as a teacher’s assistant at the Kankakee Valley School Corporation. She enjoys her grandchildren, playing golf, and her friends and family. She and her husband Rich live in Wheatfield, Indiana and have two grown children, and four grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys golfing and traveling with her husband and family.

Sherri Zickmund, Marketing Director/Memorial Counselor

Sherri has been in the funeral service for several years. "My work is very important to me and provides me with the opportunity to help our families achieve their memorial goals. "The level of personal satisfaction is unmatched and an outstanding feeling." " I know I have helped them in a way few people can."

Sherri is a longtime resident of Rensselaer and graduate of Rensselaer Central High School Class of 1982. She is the mother of two daughters and a Grandmother of one grandson. She is currently working on a Bachelors Degree in Marketing at Indiana Wesleyan University. When not studying or working at the Funeral Chapel, Sherri enjoys her work as a member of the Jasper Foundation's Development/Marketing Committee, and her involvement as a member of the Mt. Ayr Methodist Church.

Brooke Kurtz, Funeral Director Intern

Brooke is a Funeral Director Intern, and has been with Jackson Funeral Chapels for the past four years. "I love the rewarding aspect of this job. I know many people get tired of hearing me say it, but there's nothing quite as satisfying as helping someone through a tough time. It's the last good thing you can do for the deceased, and their family always appreciates the compassionate care we provide their loved one. It's a good feeling, that you just don't get from many other careers."

Brooke graduated from Tri-County High School in 2008, and completed her studies at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 2010. In her time away from the funeral home, she loves to play slowpitch softball, basketball, and wakeboarding with her friends.

Diane Doolin, Funeral Service Assistant

Diane has been in funeral service for three years. "I feel blessed to have the privelege to be of service to people as they pay their final respects to family and friends. It brings me great satisfaction, and I love to come into the funeral home every day, knowing I will be given an opportunity to help someone."

She is a graduate of the Purdue University School of Licenesed Practical Nursing. Her last 10 years of Nursing was at the Clinic of Family Medicine as a Staff Nurse, and her speciality in nursing was caring for the elderly, and hospice patients. .

Diane has been married for forty-three years. They raised two daughters together, and now share the pleasure of spending time with their four grandchildren.

Her personal interests include making quilts, fishing and camping. She is a life member of Sigma
Alpha Chi Sorority, and a member of St.Augustine Catholic Church.

Alice Reimers, Funeral Service Assistant

Alice has been a Funeral Service Assistant for five years. "I like my job very much. I enjoy being with people, and find that reaching out to them in their time of challenge or need is met with gratitude."

She is no stranger to tending to the needs of others. She has worked since she was fourteen, in restaurants, grocery stores, clinical labs, retail stores, and senior care centers.

Alice is married with three children. She has volunteered with the Food Pantry for ten years, serving as President for four of those years. She attends Bethel Christian Reform Church, and has served as a GEMS counselor for fourteen years.

Randy Stan, Funeral Service Assistant

Randy has been a Funeral Service Assistant for three years now. "I never envisioned myself working at a funeral home, but I so enjoy the satisfaction I receive when I help a family through a tough time in their lives. They are always so willing to express their gratitude for what I did for them, and their words really warm my heart."

Randy is a graduate of East Chicago's Roosevelt High School. Prior to coming to Jackson Funeral Chapels, he was employed as a mantenance weldor for thirty-three years. He also worked for five years as a Union Safety Advocate.

He has been married for over thirty years. He and his wife Debbie raised two sons, and now enjoy the company of their grandson. Debbie and he share their day-to-day life with two cats, and a Golden Retriever named Grady.

Debbie Stan, Funeral Service Assistant

Debbie has been a Funeral Service Assistant for eight years now. "I enjoy being able to make the environment clean and hospitable, so that the family can find comfort and ease in their surroundings, if not the situation."

She is a graduate of Hammond Tech, and was emplyed at Ben Franklin, and as a customer support specialist at Alco.

Debbie is happily married, with two grown sons, and one grandson.

Vicki Robinson, Funeral Service Assistant

Vicky has been a Funeral Service Attendant with Jackson Funeral Chapels for almost two years. " I am very grateful for this opportunity to help people in their time of sorrow. The work, if you can call it that, is very rewarding."

Vicki has been married for forty-three years. She and her husband raised two daughters, and now they enjoy spending time with their three grandchildren. She is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, and an active member of the Ladies' Literary Club.