One of the oldest businesses in Forest Park has changed owners. The Zimmerman-Ehringer Funeral Home had been family owned for 100 years.
Originally named Zimmerman and Son, the funeral home that was established in 1905, is located at 7319 Madison St. When Fred and Glen Zimmerman retired in 1963, they sold their business to a group of partners, one of whom was named Fredrick D. Ehringer.
In 1981 the business was passed to its third generation Ehringer family owner, Donna Lange. Recently Lange decided to sell the home.
“I made the decision to leave the funeral home for personal reasons,” Lange said. “I’m sad to see it go, and I’m sad to leave Forest Park, but I am entering a new chapter in my life.”
The funeral home was sold to Forest Park residents Kevin and Maureen Harnett. They have lived in Forest Park for over 15 years.
“As a resident of Forest Park, I’m happy to have a business on Madison Avenue,” Kevin Harnett said. “I’m happy about carrying on a business with such a long history behind it. It’s new to me, but it’s 100 years old to the community.”
“There should be no noticeable difference in the way the business is run. The new owners are wonderful people who are very knowledgeable,” Lange said.
Laurie Kokenes, executive director of the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce, said, “I am happy to welcome the Harnetts and am sure that they will continue the proud tradition of that funeral home.”
The new owners look forward to starting a long family tradition of their own. “We are here for the long stay; I’ve done this all my life, and it’s what I want to do, and this is where I want to do it,” Harnett said.
