Owner of Carlinville funeral home gets license revoked

The owner of Heinz Funeral Home in Carlinville had his license to operate in Illinois revoked Thursday in light of an investigation into the facility's handling of human remains.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation said that Albert "August" Heinz, who runs the Macoupin County facility, had his license permanently revoked due to "vital records non-compliance, professional incompetence or untrustworthiness in funeral practice, taking undue advantage of clients amounting to perpetration of fraud, performing any act or practice that violates funeral regulations, unprofessional conduct and charging for professional services not rendered."

The revocation of the license comes as officials in Sangamon and Macoupin Counties, along with Illinois State Police, investigate the facility's practices as it comes to handling human remains afrer several Sangamon County families reported receiving the wrong ashes after a significant other passed away.

Jim Allmon, Sangamon County Coronor, said that they have recovered over 40 sets of remains from the funeral home, some of which were not marked at all. Through the investigation, they have found that the incidents occurred with remains from other counties, with other coronors and law enforcement agencies being involved, Allmon said.

Among those voicing concern over the funeral home was Rep. Wayne Rosenthal, R-Morrisonville.

"It's appalling to me allegations of illegal practices have been ongoing within this family-owned funeral home that has affected multiple families," Rosenthal said. Rep. Steve McClure, R-Springfield, also added:

"It's heart-wrenching to imagine what the families are enduring over the handling of their loved ones. If these allegations are true, the funeral home needs to be held accountable to set an example so that this never happens again."

The funeral home has been a family-owned business for over 160 years.