ABOUT US

“Service to the Community Since 1947"

In 1940, Frank F. Opyt graduated from the Worsham College of Mortuary Science and was drafted shortly thereafter into the U.S. Army during World War II where he served as a medic. Upon his return from service, he married Helen Christoff. In 1947, Frank and Helen Opyt opened the Frank F. Opyt Funeral Home at 13350 S. Baltimore Avenue in Chicago, Illinois. Mrs. Opyt acquired her Funeral Directors license in the 1960s. For many years, Mr. and Mrs. Opyt worked together to establish a funeral home built on respect, compassion and commitment. After Mr. Opyt’s passing in January 1991, Mrs. Opyt continued to carry on her dedication to the Funeral Home they built together until her passing in January, 2015.

Leo Stodden attended the Worsham College of Mortuary Science and became a licensed funeral director in 1986. He began his employment with the Frank F. Opyt Funeral Home in 1988 where he had the privilege and honor to work and learn alongside Mr. and Mrs. Opyt. After attending the City Wide Mortuary College and becoming licensed in1993, Rosario Stodden was invited to work at the funeral home in 1996. Having the opportunity to observe Mrs. Opyt, and their parent’s dedication to the funeral profession; Felicia and Alicia Stodden, Leo and Rosario’s daughters, attended the Worsham College of Mortuary Science and also became licensed funeral directors and embalmers in 2006 and 2013, respectively.

Mrs. Opyt was committed to ensuring that the future of the Opyt name and the loyal and comforting service that she and Frank provided to the community would continue for years to come. In April, 2007, she made the decision to transfer ownership of the Frank F. Opyt Funeral Home to Leo and Rosario Stodden, whom she trusted and was very confident would carry on the tradition of providing families with the respect, compassion and commitment she and Frank worked so hard to earn and establish.

The Stodden Family collectively have 94 years of professional experience as licensed funeral directors and embalmers. Their principle focus is to preserve the tradition of a family owned establishment and, in keeping with Opyt’s legacy, to provide the highest level of service to the community with dignity, kindness and understanding. 

The Stodden family recognize that their client families experience one of the most strenuous moments in their lives, and they are devoted to not only providing the necessary support needed but to bring comfort and an understanding during those difficult times. The Stodden family wishes to thank Mr. and Mrs. Opyt for their mentoring and guidance and to Mrs. Opyt for entrusting them with the greatest honor of continuing to serve the community with the same quality of care that she and Frank established in 1947.