Tw Parks Funeral Home Peoria

Let’s talk about death. Not in a gloomy, gothic-novel way, but in a weirdly fascinating way. Specifically, let’s talk about TW Parks Funeral Home in Peoria, Illinois.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “A funeral home? That’s about as fun as a flat tire on a rainy Tuesday.” But hold your horses. TW Parks has a history that’s more colorful than a clown car at a circus—if that clown was a mortician.

First, a little background. This place has been around since 1872. That’s older than your great-grandma’s favorite chair. And get this: it’s still family-owned by the same Parks family. Talk about job security that’s death-defying.

Here’s where it gets juicy. In the early 1900s, the funeral home was run by Dr. Thomas W. Parks. He wasn’t just a funeral director; he was also a real, live physician. So if you weren’t dead yet, he could maybe fix you up—and if not, he’d handle the cleanup. That’s what I call a comprehensive healthcare plan.

The Ghost Who Never Paid Rent

But the best part? According to local legend, TW Parks is haunted. And I’m not talking about a gentle “whoosh” of curtains. I mean full-blown, “did that coffin just move?” vibes. Reports say a ghost named “The Lady in Black” roams the halls. Rumor has it she was a widow who refused to leave her husband’s side—literally. She’s been hanging around since the 1920s. Talk about lingering loyalty.

Service Packages | T W Parks Colonial Chapel - Peoria, IL

One employee once told a newspaper that a vase full of flowers flew off a shelf by itself. The response? “Oh, that’s just Margaret.” Yes, they named the ghost. It’s like your nosy aunt, but with more poltergeist and less casserole.

A Building with a Past Life

Believe it or not, the building itself used to be a roller skating rink. I’m serious. Before it was a place to say goodbye, it was a place to roll around to organ music. So the next time you visit, imagine a dude in a top hat doing a figure-eight where the casket now sits. It’s a strange upgrade.

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And here’s a surprising fact: during the 1918 flu pandemic, TW Parks ran out of space. They had to stack bodies in the basement like styrofoam cups. That’s grim, but also a testament to how this place has seen more history than a library.

The Takeaway (If You’re Not Dead)

So why should you care about a funeral home in Peoria? Because TW Parks is a living, breathing—okay, mostly breathing—museum of weirdness. It’s proof that even in death, there’s room for a good story, a ghost named Margaret, and a legacy of skating rinks.

Next time you’re in Peoria, don’t just drive past. Wave. Maybe you’ll get a ghostly wave back. And if you’re feeling brave, ask for a tour. Just don’t touch the flowers, okay? Margaret’s watching.