Our Dedicated and Experienced Staff
Many of the families that call on us for help each year have cited different reasons for doing so. Some say, because of the beautiful facilities we have, others have indicated that it was a matter of costs and value. We believe it is our associates. " Any doctor can stitch up a wound, but those with experience leave very little scarring." We surround ourselves with only the very best in what they do, we always have. We are very proud of the people we work side by side with and we think you will be too.
Each of the staff members at Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is committed to providing your family with the finest in personal care. In fact, for years, it’s been comforting for area families to know that we are available to help at any time of the day or night.
When a loved one is called home, all you need to do is make one phone call. From that moment on, we’ll take on the responsibilities of the physical care of your loved one, and the emotional care of those left behind.
Please take a few minutes to get to know our staff. We’re sure you’ll find each of us to be all that you would hope for in a trusted funeral professional.
Mark L. Dames, Funeral Director
(1932 -2020)
Our father was eternally grateful that the good Lord gave him time for a commitment-free life following retirement, because not everyone is graced with the opportunity to grow old. Being a dedicated Funeral Director leaves little time for anything other than helping those families when they call all hours of the day and night, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Upon retirement, a whole new world of adventure had opened up. His favorite thing in the world was spending quality time with his wife, children, grandchildren, family and friends; this would be living his best life. Traveling across this great country and overseas, with our mom by his side, was definitely in his the top ten of great moments. Walking and collecting shells on the Siesta Key Beach where he has spent most of his winters. Growing up we were astounded at our fathers ability to recall everyone's name, their spouse, their children, their parents names, where they worked and a myriad of other details. It didn't matter where we went in the country dad knew who he was talking to. Eating, drinking, dancing, laughing and telling jokes to anyone who would listen, and even to people that did not want to listen, was the retired Funeral Director way. We will miss his aura, the thing that made him unique, but we know we will see him again. We shall live our lives to the fullest because that is what he wants. Until we meet again, thanks for everything.
Jeffrey M. Dames, Funeral Director
Email: jeffrey@fredcdames.com
Jeffrey is a fifth-generation funeral director, semi-retired and the eldest son of Mark and Sharon Dames. He is married to Tina and has two children, Alexis "Lexie" and Jeffrey Jr. A graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Lewis University and Joliet West High School Class of 1980. Former commercial pilot ,chief pilot for hire flight and a licensed funeral service continuing education instructor. Former parishioner of the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus. A family man dedicated to his profession.
Brian L. Dames, Funeral Director
Email: brian@fredcdames.com
Brian, is also a fifth-generation director and now enjoying a well deserved limited schedule. Married to Shelley, he has three children, Sarah (Nick) Holloway, Shannon (Grant) Simotes and Shaun Dames; two stepchildren and four step-grandchildren and grandchild Nora. A graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, Joliet Junior College and Joliet West High School Class of 1983. Brian is starting to enjoy seniority, spending more time with family and less at the home. Given a lifetime of dedicated 24 hour call, we think that is ok.
Fred J. Dames, Funeral Director
Email: fred@fredcdames.com
Fred is the youngest of the fifth-generation of directors. He is married to Theresa (nee Valdez) and has two children Mark and Julia Dames. He also is a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science, University of South Florida and Joliet West High School. Fred, the youngest of the three, is now the first to arrive at work and the last to leave.
Patrick Prignano, Funeral Director and Manager
Email: patrick@fredcdames.com
Patrick is an Associate Director and can be counted on to be there day or night. His diverse skill set makes him an asset in any task that needs to be addressed. He is a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary science. He is married to Dawn and has three children.
Marlena Jurek, Funeral Director and Manager
Email: Marlena@fredcdames.com
Marlena Jurek is an Illinois Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer and Crematory Operator. She has a long and consistent record of exemplary service in her chosen profession. She demonstrates that she understands this calling and that setting the bar high everyday is the only way to conduct yourself in this profession. One of the kindest and most considerate souls that we have the pleasure of spending the day with.
She is a graduate of Chicago City Wide College of Mortuary Science. Marlena resides in Plainfield, where she is raising her son Nathan and her daughter Parker.
Michael Fantin, Funeral Director
Email: michael@fredcdames.com
Michael comes to us as a quite stalwart professional. He is a graduate of Ivy Tech of Mortuary Science. He is also a certified crematory operator. Michael has a daughter Alyssa who is the love of his life. Through rain or snow or dark of night, Mike will be there when he is needed.
Kelly A. Boyd, Funeral Director Email: Kelly@fredcdames.com
“There is no substitute for experience. Kelly is a graduate of Southern Illinois University in 1997 and has over 20 years of experience as a Funeral Director. She has three children Michael, Dugan and Audrey. As a former Cub Scout leader, she developed a love for camping and hiking with the kids. This is now their favorite family activity. A member of St. Mary Immaculate Parish and School in Plainfield, were she enjoys volunteering. Service to humanity are not just words, it is a lifestyle.
Kristen Klover Cheek, Funeral Director Email: kristi@fredcdames.com
Kristi was born and raised in Joliet, a graduate of Joliet Catholic Academy, College of St. Francis, and Worsham College of Mortuary Science. After taking time off to raise her children, she decided to go back into funeral service which she so deeply missed. Being a Funeral Director for her is not a career, but a way of life. She is so glad to be back in her hometown to serve and support the community which she so dearly loves.
Kristi is married to Todd, and has three children, Kenny, Andy , and Torey; and 2 step-children. She loves spending time with her family and friends and supporting all the kids in their activities.
Rogelio Trevino, Operating Superintendent and Funeral Director Student Intern. Email: rogelio@fredcdames.com
Rogelio started with us taking care of the the funeral home facilities. It became readily apparent that his strong reassuring confident demeanor would be a better fit as a Director. So while working a modified night schedule at the funeral home to provide for his family, he attended a full time commitment at Worsham College of Mortuary Science. To say we are proud of him would be an understatement. A former United States Marine, there is no task around the funeral home that is not completed with the comfort and experience of our families in mind. He tells us that he married to his high school sweetheart and best friend Cindy, they have three boys who are his self-described sidekicks. His family is his drive, motivation and sets an example by deed and not word. He loves family time, hiking, playing sports, doing anything adventurous, and traveling. We are grateful to have this soft spoken, well mannered, hard charging individual be a part of our organization.
Alicia Marasco, Graduate Student Funeral Director Intern Email: alicia@fredcdames.com
Graduate of Worsham Mortuary School 2024. Mom to 4 kids. She loves crafting, being outdoors, the beach and spending time with family. Alicia has been with us for sometime now and shows great promise as a student intern. We have asked her to stay on and continue her steadfast commitment to her profession and the families we serve.
Joseph Newton, Funeral Director
Email: joe@fredcdames.com
Joseph is semi-retired and can be counted on to come in from time to time and help out. Joe understands the personal commitment needed for every family you serve when it is your name outside on the sign. He has four children and six grandchildren. A graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science and the University of Illinois.
Ashley Borkus, Funeral Directors Assistant Email: ashley@fredcdames.com
Ashley has been a Plainfield and Joliet area resident most of her life. She brings a dedicated business acumen coupled with a kind and generous personality. Her reassuring voice brings an innate calm to those whom she interacts with. Ashley is married, and has added another child bringing them to a family of 6! Truth be told, her hobby is combining the right grapes into a perfect pairing for her own homemade wine. She enjoys being helpful in many ways and we enjoy the cohesive environment she helps to foster.
Tina Dames, Comptroller
Email: tina@fredcdames.com
Tina started as a fill in "temporary" bookkeeper 30 years ago. She is the part that touches almost everything. She does it all, answers the phones, pays the bills makes sure all of the details have been checked and rechecked. We appreciate her continued dedication to the best we can be. She is the moral support who everyone in the building turns to after a tragic or emotional day. She is, without a doubt, with her unwavering support, an intricate part of this high functioning team.
Lynnette Kunkle, Bookkeeper and Administrative Assistant Email: lynnette@fredcdames.com
Lynnette is proficient in making sure all of the obligations of the office are satisfied in a timely manner, which is what all good bookkeepers do. We especially like when she helps out in the office downstairs. She is just "kind to people." Married since 2001 to a wonderfully caring man, who is an excellent cook and provides excellently for his family. They moved to Minooka in 2006. Mother to three grown children - a budding Architect, one aspiring to become a Collegiate Bowler, and the last interested in theatre. Dan and Lynnette are the kids’ biggest fans. As a family, they enjoy camping, hiking, gardening and generally being outdoors. One of her proudest accomplishments is completing a College Degree from Joliet Junior College in 2018 (after a long break of 20 years), as a mom to 3 kids under 14.
Katie Peterson, Funeral Directors Assistant and Floral Design and Arrangement Specialist Email: katie@fredcdames.com
Katie has been with us for since 2008. She graduated from Joliet Junior College with a degree in Floral Design. She is a Morris native who has a passion for helping in any way in her community. When she isn't working she loves to travel, spend time outdoors and with family. Her greatest passion is taking care of her two sons.
Bernadette Mahoney-Wheet / Cremationist and Funeral Directors Assistant Email: bernadette@fredcdames.com
Bernadette is a certified crematory operator and performs many of the myriad of tasks that adds to comfort of each family that we serve. She grew up and resides in the Plainfield and Joliet area. When she is not enhancing the quality of our services, she enjoys outdoor activities with her husband and darling children.
Mark Dames, Facilities Maintenance Coordinator and Mortuary College Student Email: mark@fredcdames.com
Although he was named after our father, and potentially the sixth-generation funeral director in training where we all started, we are keeping it light. Attending Worsham Mortuary School while working full-time. Previous graduate of University of St. Francis, Minooka High School. Cross Country and a Crossfit Athlete.
