Established by First Saint Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1859
About Us
Our History
Founded in 1859, Wunder's Cemetery Association has served Chicago families for more than 165 years. Originally established as The First German Lutheran (Evangelical Lutheran) Cemetery, it was created to serve the city's growing German Lutheran community during a period of rapid expansion.
As Chicago grew beyond its original boundaries, Wunder's became one of the first cemeteries established outside the city, providing a peaceful and permanent resting place for generations of families.
In 1919, the cemetery was renamed Wunder's Cemetery Association in honor of Rev. Heinrich Wunder, the longtime pastor of First Saint Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Since then, the cemetery has remained under the faithful stewardship of First Saint Paul's congregation.
Today, Wunder's Cemetery continues its mission of preserving history, honoring loved ones, and providing a place of peace, remembrance, and reflection for generations to come.
Rev. Heinrich Wunder
Wunder's Cemetery Association is named in honor of Rev. Heinrich Wunder, the longtime pastor of First Saint Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church. Serving the congregation from 1851 until his death in 1913, Pastor Wunder dedicated more than 60 years to his church and community.
Beyond his pastoral ministry, Rev. Wunder welcomed countless German and other immigrant families arriving in Chicago through the Lake Michigan port. Together with the congregation of First Saint Paul's, he helped newcomers establish their lives by offering guidance, support, and a sense of belonging in their new home.
His legacy of faith, compassion, and service continues to be reflected in the mission of Wunder's Cemetery today.
Wunders Logo
The Wunder's Cemetery Association logo is rich in symbolism and reflects the cemetery's Christian faith and enduring mission. It was commissioned by former Board President Einar Svendsen and designed by former Board member and artist Daniel Hendricksen.
At the center of the design is the emblem of First Saint Paul's Lutheran Church, honoring the longstanding relationship between the church and the cemetery. The surrounding circle represents both eternity and those laid to rest within the cemetery's grounds.
The Cross of Christ extends beyond the circle, symbolizing Christ's victory over death and the promise of eternal life through His resurrection. At the top of the design, the stylized "W" represents both Wunder's and the Crown of Life—a reminder of the Christian hope found in God's promise of resurrection and everlasting life.
Our Grounds
Nestled on 14.5 beautifully wooded acres in Chicago's Lake View neighborhood, Wunder's Cemetery has provided a peaceful place of remembrance since 1859. The cemetery is bordered by Irving Park Road, Clark Street, Seminary Avenue, and the neighboring Hebrew Benevolent Cemetery.
Home to more than 15,000 gravesites, Wunder's Cemetery is the final resting place of generations of Chicago families, community leaders, veterans, clergy, and pioneers who helped shape the city's history.
Cemetery Sections
Wunder's Cemetery is divided into numbered sections to help visitors easily locate gravesites. When using our burial records, each location is identified by a section number followed by a lot number. The cemetery's layout reflects more than 165 years of history, with the earliest burials located in Sections 1–3. Over time, the cemetery expanded, and areas such as Sections 11 and 5R were thoughtfully developed from former roadways into burial sites. A printed copy of the cemetery map is available in the brochure holder outside the cemetery office for visitors who wish to locate a gravesite during their visit.
