When you’re driving down Vandalia Street, it’s easy to miss the small details. But for families in the Metro East, the name on the sign at 515 Vandalia Street carries a lot of weight. We’re talking about Kassly Funeral Home Collinsville IL, a cornerstone of the community that has seen this town through its quietest and hardest moments. Dealing with loss is messy. It’s loud, it’s quiet, and it’s deeply personal. Most people don't want to think about a funeral home until they absolutely have to, and honestly, that's completely fair.
But here’s the thing about the Kassly name: it isn’t just one building. There is often a bit of confusion because you’ll see the "Kassly" name in Fairview Heights too. In Collinsville, the location is formally known as Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home. It’s part of a partnership with the Meridith network, which basically means they have deep roots and a lot of shared resources across Southern Illinois.
Why Kassly Funeral Home Collinsville IL Still Matters
People often ask if these old-school funeral homes are still relevant in an era of "green burials" and DIY memorials. The answer is a resounding yes. When everything feels like it’s falling apart, you don't want a corporate algorithm or a generic call center. You want someone who knows the local cemeteries like Valley View or St. John’s.
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Kassly has been around since 1906. That’s not a typo. It started in East St. Louis as a sideline to a livery business—because back then, if you had the horses and the carriages, you were the one who handled the processions. John J. Kassly, Sr. and his wife Agnes built something that survived the Great Depression, the transition from home wakes to funeral parlors, and the rise of cremation.
What they actually do there
It’s more than just caskets and flowers.
The Collinsville location handles:
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- Traditional Burial Services: The whole nine yards—visitation, service at the chapel or a local church, and the graveside committal.
- Cremation Options: This has become huge lately. You can do a direct cremation or a full service followed by cremation.
- Veteran Honors: This is a big deal in our area. They coordinate with the VA for headstones, flags, and those incredibly moving Taps ceremonies.
- Pre-planning: Kinda like an insurance policy for your peace of mind. You pick the details now so your kids don't have to argue about it later.
The Reality of Funeral Costs in Collinsville
Let’s be real for a second. Funerals are expensive.
According to data from sources like Funeralocity, a traditional full-service burial at a place like Herbert A. Kassly can run north of $7,000. If you go the direct cremation route, you’re looking closer to $2,000. These aren't just random numbers; they cover the professional services of the director, the use of the facilities, the hearse, and the specialized care of your loved one.
Honestly, the "sticker shock" is one reason people avoid these conversations. But the staff at Kassly Funeral Home Collinsville IL are known for being pretty transparent. They aren't trying to upsell you on a gold-plated casket if that's not what you need. They get that every budget is different.
What Most People Get Wrong About Local Funerals
A common misconception is that you’re stuck with a "cookie-cutter" service.
That couldn't be further from the truth.
I’ve seen services where they’ve brought in a favorite motorcycle, or set up a display of handmade quilts, or played classic rock instead of hymns. The Meridith network partnership allows them to be flexible. If you want a "Celebration of Life" that feels more like a backyard BBQ than a somber vigil, they can help make that happen.
Another thing? People think they have to have everything figured out before they call.
Nope.
The directors—folks like the Kassly and Meridith families—are trained to guide you through the "Vital Statistics" paperwork, the obituary writing, and the coordination with the clergy. You just have to show up.
Navigating the Logistics
The facility at 515 Vandalia St. is designed to feel like a home, not a sterile office building. It’s got that classic Collinsville charm. If you're coming in from out of town, it's right in the heart of the city, easy to find from I-55/70 or Highway 159.
If you are looking for their sister location, that’s the big Kassly Mortuary in Fairview Heights on St. Clair Avenue. That one is massive—three lakes, wooded lots, and tons of wildlife. But for that tight-knit, downtown Collinsville feel, the Vandalia Street spot is where it's at.
Practical Steps for Families
- Locate the Paperwork: You'll need the Social Security number, birthplace, and parents' names of the deceased.
- Check for Veteran Status: If they served, find the DD-214 discharge papers. This unlocks a lot of benefits.
- Think About "The Talk": Even if no one is sick, sit down and ask: "Hey, do you want to be buried or cremated?" It’s an awkward ten minutes that saves ten days of stress later.
- Call (618) 344-5500: That’s the direct line for the Collinsville office. They are available 24/7.
When you lose someone, the world doesn't stop, but it feels like it should. Having a place like Kassly Funeral Home Collinsville IL to lean on doesn't make the grief go away, but it sure makes the "what do we do now?" part a lot easier to handle. They’ve been doing this for over a century for a reason. They treat your family like their own because, in a town this size, we’re all basically neighbors anyway.
To get started, you can visit the funeral home in person to tour the chapel or request a General Price List (GPL) to see exactly how the costs break down for different service tiers. If you’re handling an immediate need, your first step should be a direct phone call to ensure they can begin the transfer of your loved one into their care right away.