Our Story

“They’ve done so much for us...”

Our funeral homes have a long history of serving the families of Moline, Orion, and the surrounding areas. This legacy keeps us focused on the needs of the families we serve, and assists us in continually looking for ways to improve our services and facilities to meet those needs, and those of future generations.

1891

Esterdahl Mortuary is established when A.V. Esterdahl opens his funeral home in downtown Moline. He starts a legacy of attentive service in the Quad-City area. The Esterdahl family name quickly becomes associated with quality funeral service.

1932

Esterdahl Mortuary relocated to 1216 5th Avenue. In those days, most funeral homes were either run out of family homes or refashioned from storefront properties. This facility was significant, because it was the first Esterdahl location specifically designed to be a funeral home. After the new location was built, a brochure was published to showcase its amenities, it can be viewed here.

1965

Phil Krebs comes to work for Esterdahl Mortuary while teaching school. He lived above the funeral home and helped out by washing cars.

1970

Phil Krebs joins the staff of Esterdahl Mortuary full-time.

1972

Phil Krebs becomes a partner at Esterdahl Mortuary.

1981

To expand community outreach and provide greater personal assistance in times of need, Phil Krebs and Don Esterdahl purchase the Kirk & Huggins Funeral Home in Orion in 1981, a family-owned funeral home with a rich legacy of caring for families in Orion since the mid-1920s. The firm is known today as Kirk, Huggins & Esterdahl.

1989

Don Esterdahl retires and Phil Krebs becomes sole owner of both locations. Together with wife Mary Ann, he continues to build upon family tradition of trust and service for which the Esterdahl name is known.

1998

Mary Ann Krebs carries on Esterdahl Mortuary’s mission after Phil’s death. She and three children; Meaghan, Chip and Bart, along with Sandy Bingman continue to serve families with the highest level of compassion, dignity, and respect in times of need.

2001

Esterdahl Mortuary closes its downtown location and moves to a new facility on John Deere Rd. The new location enables Esterdahl to offer the families of the Quad-City area greater comfort and convenience.

2011

Brothers, Chip and Bart Krebs, take ownership of both funeral homes and continue their family legacy.