
Cremation is very rare in Chicago
The funeral home industry has deep connections into the city and state government, so of course people just HAVE TO HAVE a traditional funeral instead of going with a cheaper cremation...
Satan (impatiently) to Newcomer: The trouble with you Chicago people is, that you think you are the best people down here; whereas you are merely the most numerous.
- - - Mark Twain, "Pudd'nhead Wilson's New Calendar" 1897