6 Best Funeral Homes in Wisconsin for Families in 2026

Choosing between funeral homes in Wisconsin is one of the hardest decisions a family can face. This guide covers 6 top providers across the state, from century-old funeral homes to a modern online option, so you can make a clear, confident choice without feeling overwhelmed.

Not sure where to start with arrangements? The team at After is here to guide you through your options with transparency, care and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170.

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6 Best Funeral Homes in Wisconsin: Quick Comparison

Here is a quick overview of every provider in this guide.

How We Evaluated These Wisconsin Funeral Homes

We reviewed each provider on this list using published service information, customer reviews and direct website research across Wisconsin's major regions.

• Service range: Whether the provider offers cremation, burial and memorial options
• Transparency: Whether pricing or process information is available without a pressure conversation
• Community roots: How long they have served Wisconsin families and in which regions
• Specialized options: Whether they offer green burial, veteran services or grief support
• Accessibility: Whether the provider is available 24/7 and can arrange services online or by phone
• Personalization: Whether families can customize services to reflect their loved one's life

This hands-on research helped us identify which Wisconsin funeral homes genuinely serve families well, not just which ones market themselves well.

1. Schramka Funeral Homes: Best for Milwaukee-Area Families

What it does: Schramka Funeral Homes is a 125-year, family-owned provider offering funeral, cremation and memorial services across three Milwaukee-area locations.

Best for: Families in the Brookfield, Menomonee Falls and Thiensville area who want personalized, full-service care from a long-established local provider.

They serve all faiths and traditions and offer a range of services from traditional burial to cremation and preplanning.

One standout feature is their HearAfter program, which captures voice messages from friends and family during the visitation or luncheon. Those recordings become a lasting keepsake that your family can return to for years.

Key Features

• Three Milwaukee-area locations: Brookfield, Menomonee Falls and Thiensville, all staffed by the same family-rooted team
• HearAfter program: Guests record personal messages during the service that are preserved as a keepsake for the family
• Healing Hearts grief support: A virtual grief support group meeting on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month via Zoom
• Memorial and graveside cremation services: Flexible options for families who want a service held at the chapel, a church or the cemetery
• Preplanning available: Families can make arrangements in advance with personalized guidance from their team

Pros and Cons

Pros:

✅ Over 125 years of Milwaukee-area service across generations

✅ HearAfter program is a genuinely distinctive keepsake offering

✅ Ongoing virtual grief support is included for the families they serve

✅ Serves all faiths and traditions with personalized guidance

Cons:

❌ Services centered on the Milwaukee suburbs and may not suit families elsewhere in Wisconsin

❌ Full-service model may cost more than families seeking simple direct cremation

What People Say

"Samantha answered all our questions and really helped keep the funeral smooth. She added so many personal touches and it was truly a great experience." — Kristen McEvoy, Google

"Peter and Amanda provided genuine personal attention and clear explanations of their services. We received excellent professional care for both my wife's funeral and my mother's funeral." — Michael Schindler, Google

Pricing

• Burial packages start at $4,250 for a graveside service and range up to $7,155 for a full Legacy Burial with visitation and funeral.
• Cremation packages start at $4,360 for a Private Goodbye and range up to $8,180 for a Legacy Cremation with full visitation and funeral service.

See the full pricing list for complete details.

Bottom Line

Schramka is a strong choice for Milwaukee-area families who want a full-service provider with deep community roots, meaningful personalization and genuine ongoing grief support. Their HearAfter program sets them apart from most providers in Wisconsin.

2. Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care: Best for the Greater Madison Area

What it does: Gunderson provides full-service funeral, cremation, burial and memorial care across 9 locations in the Greater Madison area.

Who it's for: Madison-area families who want full-service care, including green burial, veteran services and ongoing grief support.

Founded in 1922, Gunderson has served families in Monona, Middleton, Stoughton, Fitchburg, Oregon and other areas in Madison for over a century. 

Gunderson offers one of the broader service menus in southern Wisconsin. Their green burial program uses only biodegradable materials, hand-dug graves and no chemicals.

They also offer live-streaming, aftercare programs, and Elmer, a trained grief therapy dog, to support families throughout the process.

Key Features

• 9 locations across the Greater Madison area
• Green burial with biodegradable containers and no embalming chemicals
• Live-streaming of services
• Veteran services coordination
• Grief counseling, support groups and aftercare
• Pre-planning available online or in person

Pros

✅ Long history of service, over 100 years in the community

✅ Comprehensive green burial options

✅ Full aftercare and grief support programs

Cons

❌ Pricing not listed publicly. You need to contact them directly

❌ Traditional funeral home model, less suited to families seeking only direct cremation

What People Say

"Kasey spent the time with our family to plan every detail with such caring and patience. The Aftercare program was also very helpful to make sure we covered all bases pertaining to the estate and legal aspects of our loss." — Bambi Jackson, Google

"Because I was interested in cremation, the staff member made dismissive comments about cremation and I won't be going back." — Sandy Lang, Google

Pricing

Gunderson doesn’t list pricing on their website, but they do mention that they offer help with crowdfunding and using an insurance policy to cover costs. Contact Gunderson directly for pricing information. 

Bottom Line

Gunderson is a strong choice for Greater Madison families who want a full-service provider with deep community roots, green burial options and solid aftercare support.

3. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home: Best for Wisconsin Rapids Families

What it does: Herman-Taylor offers funeral, cremation and memorial services from an onsite crematory in Wisconsin Rapids.

Who it's for: Wisconsin Rapids families who want personalized service, an on-site crematory and the only Green Burial Council-certified funeral home in central Wisconsin.

Taylor Funeral Home was founded by Everett Taylor in 1953. Justin Herman took ownership in 2012, and the business became Herman-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Center. The funeral home has earned the NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award four out of the past five years.

Herman-Taylor's onsite crematory means loved ones stay in the care of their certified staff throughout. They are the only funeral home in central Wisconsin certified by the Green Burial Council. 

Their personalization options: tribute videos, Remember Pages, balloon and dove releases, go well beyond the basics.

Key Features

• On-site crematory, so your loved one never leaves their care
• Complete, immediate and direct cremation options
• Only Green Burial Council-certified funeral home in central Wisconsin
• Veteran services assistance
• Life tribute and memorial videos
• Balloon and dove release options
• Memorial service planning

Pros

✅ NFDA Pursuit of Excellence Award, four out of five recent years

✅ Onsite crematory with licensed, certified operators

✅ Unique eco-friendly burial certification for central Wisconsin

✅ Highly personalized services, including online memorials

Cons

❌ Pricing requires direct contact, not listed online

❌ Located in Wisconsin Rapids, may not serve all parts of the state

What People Say

"The compassion, helping us with all we needed, you took care of it all. You never rushed us and continue to check in afterward." — Patricia Nigh, Google

"Justin Herman & staff were wonderful to work with. No one is perfect all the time, but as caring & professional go, they were very, very close to perfect for our needs." — Barbara Benz, Google 

Pricing

Contact Herman-Taylor directly for pricing. 

Bottom Line

Herman-Taylor is a good choice for Wisconsin Rapids families who want award-winning personalized care, onsite cremation and green burial options in central Wisconsin.

4. Ryan Funeral Homes: Best for Personalized Tributes in Madison

What it does: Ryan Funeral Homes offers burial, cremation and green burial services with a high level of personalization for Madison-area families.

Who it's for: Madison families who want a fully customized tribute, from keepsake jewelry to live music and guaranteed pre-funding pricing.

Ryan Funeral Homes is the oldest fourth-generation family-owned funeral home in Madison. Current owner Roman Ryan reports a 97% or higher satisfaction rate across families served.

Ryan stands out for their wide range of personalization options. Families can choose custom casket exteriors, thumbprint jewelry, dove releases, live musical performances, companion urns and memorial tree plantings.

Key Features

• Traditional burial, cremation and green burial packages
• Live-streaming of services
• Offers keepsakes like thumbprint jewelry, pressed flower jewelry and cremation art
• Tribute video production and keepsake DVD
• Pre-funding with guaranteed pricing, no family upcharge

Pros

✅ Fourth-generation family-owned, long community commitment

✅ Some of the widest personalization options in Madison

✅ Pre-funding locks in pricing with no additional cost

✅ 97%+ satisfaction rate among families served

Cons

❌ Pricing not publicly listed, contact required

❌ Traditional model, less suited to families seeking simple, direct cremation only

What People Say

"Scott and his team were wonderful. All staff were very kind, understanding and professional. Our family was very satisfied with each detail they took to ensure our loved one had a perfect funeral." — Kurt Minten, Google

"The service at the church was disorganized. The funeral director failed to coordinate the pallbearers properly, which left my son unable to fulfill his role. Very bad on the funeral director's part." — Mary & Lambert Gietman, Google

Pricing

Contact Ryan Funeral Homes directly for pricing. 

Bottom Line

Ryan is the right fit for Madison families who want deep personalization and guaranteed pricing from a trusted, long-standing family business.

5. Wichmann Funeral Home & Crematories: Best for Fox Valley Families

What it does: Wichmann provides funeral and cremation services across Outagamie, Calumet and Winnebago counties, with private onsite crematories.

Who it's for: Families in Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, Kimberly, Little Chute and Kaukauna who want full-service care with private, local cremation.

Louis Wichmann founded this business in 1898, making it one of Wisconsin's oldest funeral providers. In 1978, Wichmann added the first private crematory in the entire Fox Valley. Today, they operate multiple locations across Outagamie, Calumet and Winnebago counties.

Wichmann’s private crematories are run only by licensed, local staff. Loved ones never leave for a third-party facility. Their 2016 renovation of their downtown Appleton location added soaring ceilings, natural lighting and a reception room for catered gatherings.

Key Features

• Two private onsite crematories, operated by licensed funeral directors
• Traditional burial with visitation, funeral and graveside services
• Direct cremation, cremation with memorial and private family goodbye options
• Veteran services coordination
• Personalized memorial options
• Pre-planning with flexible payment plans
• Multiple locations across Outagamie, Calumet and Winnebago counties

Pros

✅ 125+ year history in the Fox Valley

✅ Private crematories, loved ones stay in local, licensed care

✅ Multiple locations across the Fox Cities area

✅ Flexible pre-planning and payment options

Cons

❌ Pricing not listed publicly, contact required

❌ Services are centered on the Fox Cities area

What People Say

"My family is so grateful for the kind, caring and efficient services provided at Wichmann. Every detail was arranged just as Mom had wished." — David M., Yelp

"I went on their website to purchase a card and tree for a friend and have since been receiving nonstop spam emails." — Richard K., Yelp

Pricing

Contact Wichmann directly for pricing. 

Bottom Line

Wichmann is the top choice for Fox Valley families who want a historic, full-service funeral home with private, locally operated cremation facilities.

6. Cress Funeral & Cremation Service: Best Witness Cremation in Madison

What it does: Cress provides personalized funeral and cremation services across Madison, Sun Prairie and Middleton, with the option for families to be present during cremation.

Who it's for: Madison-area families who want a cremation specialist with grief support, transparent pricing and full family involvement throughout.

Cress has been arranging tributes since 1868. They own and operate two private crematories, one in Madison and one in Sun Prairie. Cress is the only cremation provider in Dane County with facilities that allow families to be present throughout the entire cremation process.

Their partnership with HeartLight Center adds grief support groups, helpful resources and special programs for grieving families. They take a clear approach to pricing, offering itemized price lists so families can see exactly what they are paying for.

It’s no surprise they won the 2025 People’s Choice Award for Best Funeral Service.

Key Features

• Two private onsite crematories (Madison and Sun Prairie)
• Family can witness the cremation, as they’re the only provider in Dane County with this facility
• Green funeral options with biodegradable caskets and urns
• Grief support through HeartLight Center partnership
• Veteran services coordination
• Memorial, graveside and traditional funeral services

Pros

✅ Only provider in Dane County where families can be present during cremation

✅ Grief support through HeartLight Center

✅ Itemized pricing for greater transparency

✅ 2025 People’s Choice Award for Best Funeral Service

Cons

❌ Specific pricing figures require direct contact

❌ Services limited to Madison, Sun Prairie and Middleton

What People Say

"Dan went above and beyond with getting the military paperwork we needed for full military honors. A staff member noticed it was cold and walked over to cover my grandmother with two blankets. That's the type of service you get at Cress." — Gladys Smith, Google

"My son was cremated, and we were not informed beforehand as requested. Their explanation was a communication error." — Gene Moran, Google

Pricing

Cress has a general price list that goes over what you’ll pay, as costs depend on the service and the specific add-ons you choose.

Their packages include:

• Classic burial, which has visitation and burial all take place in one day, starts at $8,235
• Legacy burial starts at $8,535
• Direct cremation that ranges anywhere from $5,130 to $10,075, depending on the container or casket you choose
• Simplified cremation includes a viewing arranged by the family and starts at $5,340
• Memorial cremation offers a service and cremation all in the same day, starting at $7,455
• Classic cremation, which includes a memorial service and a full-service cremation all in the same day, starts at $9,935
• Legacy cremation is a full-service offering that starts at $10,235

Bottom Line

Cress is the best option for Madison families who want specialists in cremation, family involvement in the process and ongoing grief support after the loss.

Why After Is the Smarter Choice for Cremation in Wisconsin

Traditional funeral homes serve an important purpose. But if cremation is your priority, After takes a fundamentally different approach. The funeral home model adds cost and complexity that most families don't need. You're paying for a physical location, a sales process and services you may never use.

After is an online direct cremation service that handles everything: transport, permits, paperwork and death certificates. There's no building to visit and no pressure to upgrade.

Direct cremation packages in Wisconsin start at $1,450 and include everything you need. Pricing is listed upfront by zip code on the pricing page, so you know exactly what you're paying before you commit.

A Care Specialist is available 24/7 to guide you through each step. 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 to 6 months for a flat fee. Crowdfunding is also available through LilyPay Community Gardens, so friends and family can help cover costs.

Which Wisconsin Funeral Home Is Right for You?

No two families are in the same situation. The right provider depends on where you are in Wisconsin, what type of service you want and how much time and money you have to work with.

Choose After if you want transparent, upfront pricing without visiting an office, need direct cremation handled simply with 24/7 support or want flexible payment options through LilyPay over 3 or 6 months.

Choose Schramka Funeral Homes if you are in the Milwaukee suburbs and want full-service care from a five-generation family provider with genuine ongoing grief support.

Choose Gunderson if you are in the Greater Madison area and need full-service care, green burial or veteran services across one of 9 nearby locations in southern Wisconsin.

Choose Herman-Taylor if you are in Wisconsin Rapids and want the only Green Burial Council-certified funeral home in central Wisconsin, with an onsite crematory and NFDA award-winning service.

Choose Ryan Funeral Homes if you are in Madison and want deep personalization, guaranteed pre-funding pricing and a fourth-generation family business with a long community track record.

Choose Wichmann if you are in the Fox Valley or Appleton area and want a 125-year local history with private, on-site crematories across the Fox Cities.

Choose Cress if you are in Madison, Sun Prairie or Middleton and want a cremation specialist with roots going back to 1868, grief support through HeartLight Center and the ability to be present during cremation.

Final Thoughts

All six of these funeral homes offer something great to families in Wisconsin, but After is the most affordable and straightforward option if cremation is what your loved one had in mind. 

Do you have questions about funeral homes in Wisconsin? Not sure whether After is the right path? Our team is here to guide you through your options with transparency, care and zero pressure. You can call us 24/7 at 1-844-717-5170.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Funeral Home in Wisconsin?

The best funeral home in Wisconsin depends on where you live and what type of service you need. After is the top pick for direct cremation anywhere in the state: clear pricing, no hidden fees and 24/7 support.

For full-service care, Gunderson covers Greater Madison, Wichmann serves the Fox Valley and Cress covers Madison and Sun Prairie.

How Much Does a Funeral Home in Wisconsin Typically Cost?

Funeral home costs in Wisconsin vary based on the type of service you pick. Direct cremation is the most affordable option, and After lists prices by zip code. Traditional services like burial, embalming and viewings cost more, so contact providers directly for a quote.

Can I Arrange a Cremation Without Visiting a Funeral Home?

Yes, you can arrange a cremation without visiting a funeral home. After handles everything online and by phone, no in-person visit is needed. A Care Specialist guides you through each step, and most families get the remains back within two weeks.

What Is the Difference Between Direct Cremation and a Traditional Funeral?

Direct cremation skips the viewing, embalming and formal service. The individual is brought into care and cremated once all legal steps are complete. Traditional funerals include embalming, a viewing and burial, so direct cremation is the simpler, more affordable choice.

Do Wisconsin Funeral Homes Offer Veteran Services?

Yes, most Wisconsin funeral homes offer veteran services. The VA covers up to $1,002 for burial costs and $1,002 for a plot, up to $2,000 for service-related deaths and up to $441 for a headstone or marker. Families can ask their funeral home for help with the process.

What Is a Green Burial and Which Wisconsin Funeral Homes Offer It?

A green burial uses only natural materials, no embalming, no metal caskets and no burial vault. Gunderson, Ryan, Herman-Taylor and Cress all offer green burial in Wisconsin. Herman-Taylor is the only Green Burial Council-certified funeral home in central Wisconsin.

Can I Preplan My Own Funeral in Wisconsin?

Yes, you can preplan your own funeral in Wisconsin at any time. After lets you lock in pricing and handle paperwork early. Funeral homes like Ryan, Wichmann and Gunderson also have planning specialists who can walk you through your options.