10 Best Funeral Homes in Milwaukee, WI for Families in 2026

Finding the right funeral homes Milwaukee families can trust is one of the hardest decisions you will face. You are dealing with grief, paperwork and big decisions, often all at once.

This guide makes it simpler. We looked at the 10 top Milwaukee providers, from online direct cremation to full traditional services, so you can decide with confidence.

Whether someone has just passed or you are planning ahead, this list covers every main type of service available in Milwaukee.

Do you need immediate support arranging cremation services? The team at After is available 24/7 with transparent pricing and zero pressure. Call us at 1-844-717-5170.

‍

{{cta_red}}

‍

10 Best Funeral Homes in Milwaukee: Quick Comparison

How We Evaluated the Best Funeral Homes in Milwaukee

Five factors determined which providers made this list. Every provider was assessed on pricing transparency, service range, community trust, grief support and accessibility.

We used these points to evaluate our options:

• Pricing transparency: Providers who list costs publicly or give clear guidance before commitment ranked highest
• Service range: We looked at what each provider actually offers, from direct cremation to traditional burial to green options
• Community trust: We considered how long each provider has served Milwaukee and their depth of local connection
• Grief support: We noted providers who go beyond logistics to offer genuine human support after the service
• Accessibility: We favored providers with flexible scheduling, 24/7 phone access and digital options

1. New Pitts Mortuary: Best for Personalized & Multi-Faith Services

What it does: New Pitts Mortuary is a full-service Milwaukee funeral home offering burial, cremation and green burial for families of all backgrounds.

Best for: Families who want a compassionate, personalized provider that welcomes all religions, cultures and budgets.

New Pitts Mortuary guides Milwaukee families through every step of honoring a loved one's life. The team is experienced across burial, cremation and green burial services. They welcome families regardless of religion, culture or budget. 

That flexibility makes them a strong fit for Milwaukee's diverse communities.

They encourage families to hold a memorial or visitation alongside cremation, and their staff helps personalize every service to reflect who the individual was.

Key Features

• Personalized services: The team tailors each tribute to reflect your loved one's unique life and wishes
• Veterans' honors: New Pitts has experience coordinating military funeral honors for families of those who served
• Green burial options: Eco-friendly services are available for families who want a lower-impact approach
• Grief support: The team provides resources to help families through the stages of grief after the service

Pros and Cons

Pros:

✅ Serves all religions, cultures and budgets with genuine flexibility

✅ Full range of services from immediate burial to personalized memorials

✅ Green burial available, a less common option in Milwaukee

Cons:

❌ Pricing isn't published online, contact directly for a quote

❌ Limited information available on their website

What Users Say

"Pitts Mortuary did an outstanding job with our mother's funeral. I appreciate their professionalism and their ability to meet the needs of the most difficult family members." — Colette Allen, Google

"The funeral home director refused to talk to the immediate family and did not respect the family's wishes." — Kevin Johnson, Google

Pricing

New Pitts Mortuary doesn't list pricing online. Contact them directly for a full quote.

Bottom Line

New Pitts is a strong choice for families who want a provider that honors their loved one's individuality. Their inclusive, full-service approach covers everything from traditional burial to green burial across Milwaukee and the surrounding areas.

2. Jelacic Funeral Home & Cremation Service: Best for Transparent Pricing

What it does: Jelacic is a family-owned Milwaukee funeral home offering cremation and traditional services with published pricing.

Best for: Families who want clear pricing upfront and a personal relationship with their provider.

The Jelacic family has run this funeral home since 1946. Tom and Mark Jelacic still personally help each family they serve. That kind of consistency is hard to find. When you are under stress, working with people you can trust makes a real difference.

Jelacic is one of the few Milwaukee funeral homes that posts cremation pricing publicly. That makes it easy to compare costs without having to ask.

Key Features

• Three distinct cremation packages at different price points
• Personal involvement from the owners on every arrangement
• Veteran benefit assistance included in all arrangements
• Licensed to conduct services anywhere in Wisconsin

Pros and Cons

Pros:

✅ Clear, published pricing across multiple service levels

✅ 80 years of community trust in Milwaukee

✅ In-home arrangement options available

Cons:

❌ Traditional setup, no online arrangement process

❌ Pricing dates from May 2022 and may have changed

What Users Say

"Mark and Tom were wonderful. Extremely knowledgeable of the industry and the area, they walked us through the process, kept us informed on what to expect, and handled whatever details they could." — Vicki Rick, Google

"When I got the phone call from director Tom, his tone was rude from the start of the call. If that's how you talk to people who are grieving, you shouldn't be in this business." — Daren Rosario, Google

Pricing

• Direct Cremation: $1,395 (plus ~$355 crematory fee and ~$382 medical examiner fee in Milwaukee County)
• Cremation with Memorial Service: $2,345
• Cremation with Viewing: $4,595
• Traditional Funeral Package: $3,865

Call Jelacic at 414-466-2134 to confirm current pricing.

Bottom Line

Jelacic is a strong choice for families who want a personal touch and upfront costs before making any decisions.

3. Joseph E. Sass Funeral Home: Best for On-Site Cremation

What it does: Sass is a Milwaukee institution founded in 1928 with a recently added on-site crematory.

Best for: Families who want the security of knowing cremation is handled on-site by a trusted local team.

New ownership since 2020 under Robert Prostek, with over 30 years of experience, has brought fresh energy to a funeral home with nearly 100 years of community history. The trust built over that time is still there.

The on-site crematory means the remains never leave the building until they are returned to the family. Most funeral homes cannot offer that kind of peace of mind.

Key Features

• On-site crematory, rare in Milwaukee
• Multiple cremation service levels to match your budget and needs
• Over 100 years of combined staff experience
• Pre-planning options available

Pros and Cons

Pros:

✅ On-site crematory gives families clear peace of mind

✅ Published package pricing across cremation options

✅ Long community history in Milwaukee since 1928

Cons:

❌ Physical visits required for arrangements

❌ Less digital access than newer providers

What Users Say

"We used this place several times and always had a good experience. They're very prompt, effective and pleasant to work with." — zsazsa pedersen, Google

"If I could give it zero stars I would." — Lisa R., Google

Pricing

• Direct Cremation (no services): $995
• Memorial Service after cremation: $600
• Casket Service + Cremation: $3,495
• One-Day Traditional Service: $3,495

Bottom Line

Sass is the right choice if you want cremation handled locally and on-site by a team with deep Milwaukee roots and a long track record of care.

4. Dignity Funeral Services LLC: Best for Culturally Sensitive Care

What it does: Dignity is a locally owned Milwaukee funeral home offering cremation, burial and green burial with strong cultural awareness.

Best for: Families from diverse backgrounds who want a provider that understands different traditions.

Dignity was built with Milwaukee's diverse community in mind. The team takes time to learn about each family's culture, beliefs and values before making any suggestions. That means a lot to families who have felt ignored by bigger, less personal providers.

They offer flexible options from direct cremation to traditional burial, all at competitive entry-level pricing.

Key Features

• Serves multiple faiths and cultural backgrounds
• Green burial options available
• Tribute videos and personalized keepsake candles
• Transparent, guided process from first call to final arrangement

Pros and Cons

Pros:

✅ Culturally inclusive and deeply community-rooted

✅ Competitive entry-level pricing

✅ Warm, personalized care from a smaller team

Cons:

❌ Smaller operation, contact directly for full pricing details

❌ Limited online information about full-service options

What Users Say

"This funeral home is like no other I've ever been to. The staff was so compassionate, kind and very professional. Angie the director/owner made me feel relieved and comfortable." — Paula Collins, Google

Pricing

• Cremations starting at $995
• Funerals starting at $2,495

Contact Dignity directly for a full quote.

Bottom Line

Dignity is the right choice for families who want a provider that reflects their community, with genuine personal care and competitive pricing.

5. Krause Funeral Home: Best for Personalized Tributes

What it does: Krause is a full-service funeral home serving multiple Milwaukee-area locations with deeply personalized cremation services.

Best for: Families who want a tribute that truly reflects who their loved one was.

Krause serves families across four locations: Brookfield, Brown Deer Road, Capitol Drive and New Berlin. That wide coverage means most Milwaukee-area families have a Krause location nearby.

They tailor each service around the individual being honored, not a standard package.

Key Features

• Online memorial with printed guest messages for permanent record
• Customizable caskets with memory corner pieces and mural backdrops
• Therapy dog available for families who need extra comfort during the process
• Four convenient locations across the greater Milwaukee area

Pros and Cons

Pros:

✅ Exceptional personalization options, few providers come close

✅ Unique comfort offerings like a therapy dog, rare in Milwaukee

✅ Wide service area across Brookfield, Milwaukee and New Berlin

Cons:

❌ Higher starting price than basic cremation providers

❌ Full-service approach may offer more than some families need or want

What Users Say

"We can't say enough about their professionalism, kindness and dedication to our family. It's a comfort knowing they are here for when we need them most." — Contessa, Google

"Was quoted a price and then the price jumped by an additional $600. Also, never received my candle." — Darlene Thoresen, Google

Pricing

Krause publishes three cremation package options:

• Simple Cremation Tribute: $5,445
• Memorial Cremation Tribute: $9,820
• Personalized Cremation Tribute: $10,920

Bottom Line

If honoring your loved one's story matters most, Krause delivers one of the most personalized experiences in Milwaukee across four locations and with genuine attention to family comfort.

6. Heritage Funeral Homes: Best for History and Community Roots

What it does: Heritage is a family-owned Milwaukee funeral home formed by the merger of several long-standing local firms in 1995.

Best for: Families who want a provider with deep Milwaukee roots and a wide network of experienced directors.

Heritage was founded in February 1995 when James Scheuerell, John Klemmer, Timothy Johnson and Mark Reiss joined forces, but its roots run much deeper.

The Scheuerell family's history in Milwaukee funeral service stretches back to 1914. In 1995, Joseph G. Koch of Lohman’s Funeral Service joined Heritage, and the organization has continued to grow since. Today, that combined legacy serves families across the Milwaukee area, including through its New Berlin funeral home and crematory.

Key Features

• Multiple Milwaukee-area locations serving a wide geographic range
• Fourth-generation funeral directors on staff
• Pre-planning and pre-payment options with transferable plans
• Serves diverse faiths and cultural traditions

Pros and Cons

Pros:

✅ Extensive local experience and deep community trust

✅ Wide service area across greater Milwaukee

✅ Dedicated pre-planning team

Cons:

❌ Pricing not listed publicly, contact directly

❌ Large operation may feel less personal for some families

What Users Say

"Both my uncle's and our family's requests were given full consideration. The arrangements were thoughtfully and tastefully placed. If I required funeral arrangements for a family member, this provider would be among my top considerations." — John C., Yelp

Pricing

Contact Heritage Funeral Homes directly for pricing.

Bottom Line

Heritage is a solid choice for families who value long-term trust and local knowledge passed down through generations.

7. Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Homes: Best for Green Burial & On-Site Cremation

What it does: Prasser-Kleczka is a family-owned Milwaukee funeral home offering cremation, burial, green burial and veterans services with an on-site crematory.

Best for: Families who want a long-established, full-service provider with green burial options and the peace of mind of on-site cremation.

Prasser-Kleczka has served Milwaukee families since 1868, making it one of the oldest funeral homes in the area. Their on-site crematory means your loved one stays in their care throughout the entire process, with no third-party involvement. 

The staff are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year across their Milwaukee locations. They serve families across a wide area including Franklin, Oak Creek, South Milwaukee, Greenfield and Greendale, among others.

Key Features

• On-site crematory: Your loved one remains in Prasser-Kleczka's care from start to finish, with no outside facilities involved
• Green burial options: Full graveside ceremony with non-toxic preparation and transportation to a local green burial cemetery
• Veterans services: Dedicated support for families of those who served, including coordination of honors
• Preplanning: Online and in-person preplanning options are available for families thinking ahead

Pros and Cons

Pros:

✅ Over 155 years of Milwaukee service, one of the oldest providers in the area

✅ On-site crematory offers genuine peace of mind

✅ Wide service area covering Milwaukee and surrounding communities

✅ 24/7 staff availability year-round

Cons:

❌ Full payment required before services take place, with a 1% monthly late fee on outstanding balances

❌ No flexible payment plans mentioned on their website

What Users Say

"Joe took care of all of our needs and patiently took us through the process during these tough times. We can't say how impressed we are with not only Joe, but the entire Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Home." — Sue Hibben, Google

"They did not send me a death certificate as originally promised. They will say you'll be informed and be part of the process from the beginning and then they will not keep their word." — Sareena J., Yelp

Pricing

Basic services start at $2,590. Cremation with a memorial service starts at $5,850, and cremation with a graveside service starts at $3,490. Green burial with a graveside ceremony starts at $3,190. 

See the full pricing page for a complete breakdown.

Bottom Line

Prasser-Kleczka is a strong choice for families who want an established Milwaukee provider with green burial options and the reassurance of on-site cremation. Keep in mind that full payment is required before services take place, so it's worth confirming costs upfront.

8. Serenity Funeral Home: Best for Grief Education and Support

What it does: Serenity is a Milwaukee funeral home with a strong focus on compassionate service and detailed grief education.

Best for: Families who want guidance not just through the arrangement process but also through the early stages of grief.

Serenity stands out for the extra care it offers beyond the service itself. The team shares clear resources on the five stages of grief and what families can expect in the weeks after a loss. That kind of support is rare and Serenity makes it a key part of what they do.

Key Features

• Detailed grief education content and resources
• Both traditional and cremation services available
• Celebrant-led services available for non-religious families
• Guidance on cemetery types and burial options

Pros and Cons

Pros:

✅ Strong focus on grief support beyond the service itself

✅ Wide range of service and burial options, including preplanning

✅ Welcoming to families of all faiths and backgrounds

Cons:

❌ Pricing not listed publicly, contact for details

❌ Website provides limited service information

What Users Say

"Ms. Marilyn and all the staff at Serenity were very kind-hearted, caring and very professional." — Nikeya Harris, Google

"I've been waiting over a month for my mom's remains and still haven't received them. Every time we call we get nowhere." — MR Tate, Google

Pricing

Contact Serenity directly for current pricing.

Bottom Line

Serenity is a caring choice for families who want practical guidance through both the funeral process and the grief that follows.

9. Banks Funeral Service & Cremation: Best for Veterans' Families

What it does: Banks is a second-generation full-service Milwaukee funeral home with deep expertise in military funeral honors.

Best for: Families of veterans who want a provider experienced in navigating VA benefits and military honors.

Banks is one of the few Milwaukee funeral homes that gives clear guidance on military funeral honors, from eligibility to DD-214 documents and burial flag requests. For a veteran's family, having a team that knows this process well takes a big burden off your shoulders.

Key Features

• Full military funeral honors coordination
• VA burial benefit guidance and documentation support
• Domestic and international shipping of remains
• In-house chapel and obituary support

Pros and Cons

Pros:

✅ Expertise in veterans' benefits and military honors, rare in Milwaukee

✅ Second-generation local ownership

✅ Broad service offering, including international shipping

Cons:

❌ Pricing not listed publicly, contact directly

❌ No digital arrangement option listed

What Users Say

"Banks coordinated shipping my mom and reached out to the cemetery in Milwaukee to help ensure everything was done as smoothly as possible. Mr. Banks was compassionate and understanding throughout the entire process." — Erica Adkins, Google

Pricing

Contact Banks Funeral Service directly for pricing.

Bottom Line

Banks is the top choice for families working through the VA system. Their direct experience with military honors makes a hard process much easier.

10. Zwaska Funeral Home: Best for Cultural and Religious Diversity

What it does: Zwaska is a Brown Deer funeral home serving Milwaukee and surrounding areas with services tailored to diverse faiths and cultures.

Best for: Families who want a provider that can accommodate a wide range of cultural and religious traditions.

Zwaska serves families from all faiths and cultural backgrounds. Staff members have worked with many different communities and they encourage families to make requests that reflect their loved one's life, no matter how unusual those requests might seem.

Key Features

• Green burial options are available
• Personalized tribute videos and stationery with 500+ themes
• Keepsake candles and customized memorial products
• Pre-planning through an online form or an in-person consultation

Pros and Cons

Pros:

✅ Inclusive approach to diverse cultures and religious traditions

✅ Strong personalization options across services, like green burial

✅ Accessible pre-planning process

Cons:

❌ Pricing not listed publicly, contact directly

❌ Located in Brown Deer, may not suit all Milwaukee neighborhoods

What Users Say

"Michael went above and beyond to make sure all of our needs were met without busting our budget. In a time of grief, the last thing you need is to feel like you've been taken advantage of." — Kim Nicholas, Google

"The director was thoughtful, courteous and attentive. The space itself is clean and the facilities adequate." — Rachel F., Yelp

Pricing

Contact Zwaska Funeral Home directly for current pricing.

Bottom Line

Zwaska is a thoughtful and inclusive provider for Milwaukee-area families who want a service that genuinely reflects their culture, faith and traditions.

Which Milwaukee Funeral Home Should You Choose?

The right answer depends entirely on what your family needs most right now. Use this breakdown to match your situation to the right provider.

Choose Jelacic or Sass if you:

• Want full-service cremation with clear, published pricing
• Prefer a local provider with deep Milwaukee history
• Value personal involvement from the owners

Choose Dignity or Zwaska if you:

• Need culturally sensitive care from a community-rooted provider
• Want entry-level pricing with personal guidance

Choose Krause or Heritage if you:

• Want a rich, personalized tribute with full-service support
• Value a provider with strong community roots and an experienced team

Choose Banks if you:

• Are navigating VA benefits for a veteran's family
• Need detailed guidance on military funeral honors and documentation

Choose New Pitts Mortuary if you:

• Want a provider that welcomes all religions, cultures and budgets
• Need green burial options alongside traditional or cremation services

Choose Prasser-Kleczka if you:

• Want on-site cremation with over 155 years of Milwaukee history behind it
• Need green burial or veterans services from a full-service provider

Choose Serenity if you:

• Want grief education and emotional support beyond the arrangement process
• Are looking for celebrant-led services for a non-religious family

Avoid traditional full-service funeral homes if you:

• Only need direct cremation and want to keep costs low
• Prefer to manage everything online or by phone

Why After Is the Smarter Choice for Cremation in Milwaukee

For families searching for funeral homes in Milwaukee, the right choice comes down to what service you need and how quickly you need it.

For families who want a traditional service or burial, Jelacic and Heritage both have decades of Milwaukee trust behind them. Whatever you choose, make sure you understand pricing before you commit. The best providers will never pressure you and will be upfront about every cost from the start.

If cremation is your priority, After is the stronger choice. After handles everything online, transport, permits, paperwork and death certificates.

We don’t require you to visit an office or sit through a sales process. Pricing is listed upfront by zip code on the pricing page, so you know exactly what you're paying before you commit. Care Specialists are available 24/7 by phone, and most families receive their loved one's remains within two weeks.

Families who need flexible payment options can use LilyPay to spread costs over 3 or 6 months for a flat fee. Crowdfunding support is also available through LilyPay Community Gardens to help cover cremation costs.

Do you need support with immediate cremation arrangements in Milwaukee? Our team at After is available 24/7 to guide you through your options with transparency, care and zero pressure.

Call us at 1-844-717-5170.

‍

{{cta_red}}

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Best Funeral Homes in Milwaukee?

The best funeral homes in Milwaukee depend on what your family needs most. 

After leads for direct cremation with transparent pricing and 24/7 support. For full-service options, Jelacic and Heritage Funeral Homes are both strong local choices with long track records in the community.

How Much Does a Funeral Cost in Milwaukee, WI?

Funeral costs in Milwaukee range from around $2,789 for direct cremation to $9,035 for a full traditional burial. Full-service cremation averages $6,668, and affordable burial options average $5,284.

The final price depends on the provider and the services you choose. For exact cremation costs by location, check After's pricing page with your zip code.

What Is Direct Cremation and How Does It Work?

Direct cremation is a simple process where the individual is cremated without a viewing or formal service beforehand. The provider handles transport, paperwork and permits, then returns the remains to the family, usually within two weeks.

It’s the most affordable option and does not stop families from holding a separate memorial later.

Does Milwaukee Have Green Burial Options?

Yes, Milwaukee has green burial options. 

Dignity Funeral Services and Zwaska Funeral Home both offer eco-friendly arrangements for families who want a lower-impact approach. This is a good fit for those who cared deeply about the environment during their lives.

What Benefits Are Available to Veterans in Milwaukee?

Veterans in Milwaukee may qualify for VA burial and cremation benefits. The VA covers up to $1,002 for burial expenses and up to $1,002 for a plot. Service-related deaths are covered up to $2,000. 

Banks Funeral Service has strong experience helping Milwaukee families claim these benefits.

Can I Preplan Cremation in Milwaukee?

Yes, you can preplan cremation in Milwaukee, and most providers encourage it. 

If you are planning more than six months ahead, After's prearrangement option lets you lock in pricing and complete paperwork early. That way your family doesn’t face hard decisions while grieving.

How Do I Choose a Funeral Home in Milwaukee?

Choosing a funeral home in Milwaukee starts with knowing what type of service you need, cremation or burial. From there, compare pricing clarity, 24/7 availability and how the team makes you feel on the first call. 

After is a strong starting point for families focused on affordable cremation with no pressure.