Cremation Services in Wisconsin
Compare 138 cremation providers across 753 cities. Average direct cremation: $2,100.
Cremation Laws in Wisconsin
Waiting Period
48 hours
Alkaline Hydrolysis
Not yet legalized
Human Composting
Not yet legalized
Regulatory Board
Scattering Ashes
Permitted on private land with owner consent; no specific state restrictions on scattering
Additional Notes
No person may cremate the corpse of a deceased person within 48 hours after death. Coroner or medical examiner must authorize cremation.
Cremation Cost Breakdown in Wisconsin
Typical price ranges for cremation services in Wisconsin
| Service | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Cremation Basic cremation with no ceremony. Includes transportation, paperwork, cremation, and return of remains in a simple container. | $1,155 | $1,785 | $2,520 |
| Cremation Memorial Cremation followed by a memorial service at the funeral home or other venue. May include a viewing before cremation. | $3,780 | $5,250 | $6,720 |
| Cremation Viewing Full-service cremation with visitation/viewing, funeral ceremony, and cremation. Requires embalming and casket rental. | $4,620 | $6,300 | $8,400 |
| Transport Transfer of remains from place of death to the cremation facility. Often included in package pricing. | $315 | $525 | $840 |
| Urn Basic Simple container for cremated remains. Ranges from a basic cardboard box (often included) to a modest urn. | $42 | $105 | $315 |
| Urn Premium Handcrafted or designer urn in materials like bronze, marble, ceramic, or hardwood. | $210 | $420 | $1,050 |
| Death Certificate Certified copies of the death certificate. Most families need 5-10 copies for insurance, banking, and legal purposes. | $11 | $21 | $42 |
| Traditional Burial Full traditional burial including casket, embalming, viewing, ceremony, burial plot, vault, and headstone. Shown for cost comparison. | $7,350 | $9,450 | $12,600 |
The Cremation Process in Wisconsin
Step-by-step guide to cremation in Wisconsin
Obtain a Death Certificate
When a death occurs in Wisconsin, a physician or medical examiner must sign the death certificate. The funeral home or cremation provider typically handles filing with the Wisconsin vital records office. Order 8-12 certified copies ($21-$42 each) - you'll need them for insurance claims, bank accounts, and legal matters.
Choose a Cremation Provider
Compare providers in Wisconsin - our directory lists 138 across the state. The FTC's Funeral Rule requires all providers to give you an itemized General Price List over the phone or in person. Direct cremation in Wisconsin averages $2,100, but prices range from $1,155 to $2,520.
Complete Authorization
Wisconsin requires written authorization from the next of kin or legal representative before cremation can proceed. There is a 48 hours mandatory waiting period after death. The medical examiner or coroner must also approve the cremation in most cases.
Transportation & Preparation
The cremation provider will transport the deceased from the place of death (hospital, home, nursing facility) to their facility. In Wisconsin, transportation typically costs $315-$840. For direct cremation, no embalming is required. If a viewing is planned, embalming may be necessary.
The Cremation Process
The cremation takes place in a specialized chamber called a cremation retort at 1,400-1,800°F. The process takes 2-3 hours. Afterward, the remains are processed into a fine powder (cremains) weighing 3-7 pounds.
Receive the Cremated Remains
Cremated remains are returned to the family within 3-10 business days, typically in a basic container or urn. In Wisconsin, you can keep the remains at home, inter them in a cemetery columbarium, scatter them following state guidelines, or choose a memorial option like a cremation garden or reef burial. Scattering rules: Permitted on private land with owner consent; no specific state restrictions on scattering
Cremation vs. Burial in Wisconsin
Cost Comparison
Direct cremation in Wisconsin: $1,155-$2,520. Traditional burial: $7,350-$12,600. Cremation is typically 60-80% less expensive. Even full-service cremation with a ceremony costs significantly less than burial.
Environmental Impact
Cremation uses fewer land resources than burial. Traditional burial involves embalming chemicals, a casket, and a concrete vault. Alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) is an emerging greener option.
Flexibility
Cremation offers more flexibility for memorial services - they can be held anytime, anywhere, without the time pressure of traditional burial. Families can split remains among multiple urns, scatter in meaningful locations, or create memorial products. 58% of Wisconsin families now choose cremation.
Timeline
Wisconsin requires a 48 hours waiting period before cremation. Traditional burial typically occurs within 3-7 days. Cremation can happen within 1-5 days after the waiting period, and memorial services can be planned at any later date.
Top Cities for Cremation Services in Wisconsin
Cremation Providers in Wisconsin
138 providers listed
Gunderson Funeral Home
Madison, WI
Malcore Funeral Home
Green Bay, WI
Valley Funeral Home
Appleton, WI
Wichmann Funeral Home
Appleton, WI
Ark Animal Hospital (Crematorium)
Eau Claire, WI
Fiss & Bills Poklansny Funeral Homes
Oshkosh, WI
Henke-Clarson Funeral Home
Janesville, WI
Brainard Funeral Home
Wausau, WI
Boston Funeral Home
Stevens Point, WI
Pisarski Community Funeral Home
Stevens Point, WI
Shuda Funeral Chapels
Stevens Point, WI
Cress Center
Middleton, WI
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation
Middleton, WI
Joyce Ryan Funeral Home
Middleton, WI
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Ritchay Funeral Home
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Wichmann Laemmrich Funeral Home
Menasha, WI
Shimon Funeral Home
Hartford, WI
Winn-Cress Funeral Home
Waunakee, WI
Evert-Luko Funeral Home
Hartland, WI
Informed Choice Funeral Alternatives
Elm Grove, WI
Jensen Funeral & Cremation
Columbus, WI
Miller-Reesman Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Union Grove, WI
Paris Pet Crematory
Union Grove, WI
Polnasek-Daniels Funeral Home and Crematory
Union Grove, WI
Koepsell-Murray Funeral & Cremation Services
Horicon, WI
Williamson White Funeral Home
Amery, WI
Kjentvet-Smith Funeral Home
Mondovi, WI
Scenic Rivers Cremation Center
Mondovi, WI
Talbot Funeral Home
Mondovi, WI
Toynton's Walworth Funeral Home & Crematory
Walworth, WI
Gesche Funeral Home
Neillsville, WI
John J. Buettgen Funeral Home
Schofield, WI
Northwest Cremation Services
Butler, WI
Keehr Funeral Hoome
Spring Valley, WI
Voie Funeral Home
Iola, WI
Sampson Funeral Home
Colfax, WI
Seland-Huston Funeral Home
La Farge, WI
Fox Cities Funeral & Cremation Services
Winnebago, WI
All Cities in Wisconsin
Cities with cremation providers or population over 10,000
Cremation Planning Checklist for Wisconsin
VA National Cemeteries in Wisconsin
Eligible veterans and their spouses can receive free burial or columbarium placement at national cemeteries
Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot
2405 West Forest Home Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Fort Crawford Cemetery Soldiers' Lot
413 South Beaumont Road, Prairie du Chien, WI 53821
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does cremation cost in Wisconsin?
The average direct cremation in Wisconsin costs approximately $2,100, which is close to the national average of $1,924. Prices typically range from $1,365 to $2,940 depending on the provider and services selected. Full-service cremation with a memorial ceremony can cost $5,250 to $7,350. We recommend comparing quotes from multiple providers in your area.
What percentage of people choose cremation in Wisconsin?
Approximately 58% of families in Wisconsin choose cremation, which is below the national average of 62%. This translates to roughly 34,832 cremations per year in the state. The cremation rate has been steadily increasing nationwide and is projected to reach 82% by 2045.
How many cremation providers are there in Wisconsin?
Our directory currently lists 138 cremation and funeral service providers across Wisconsin, serving 753 cities and towns. Providers range from large funeral home chains to independent local cremation societies. We recommend contacting multiple providers to compare pricing and services.
What is direct cremation in Wisconsin?
Direct cremation is the most affordable cremation option in Wisconsin, typically costing $1,365 to $2,100. It includes transportation of the deceased, necessary paperwork, the cremation itself, and return of the cremated remains in a basic container. There is no viewing, visitation, or funeral ceremony before the cremation. Families can hold a memorial service separately at any time.
Is cremation cheaper than burial in Wisconsin?
Yes, cremation is significantly more affordable than traditional burial in Wisconsin. Direct cremation averages $2,100, while a traditional burial with casket, vault, and cemetery plot typically costs $9,450 or more. Even a full-service cremation with a ceremony is usually 40-60% less expensive than a traditional burial. Cost savings is the number one reason families choose cremation.
Is there a waiting period for cremation in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin requires a 48 hours waiting period after death before cremation can take place. This waiting period allows time for the medical examiner to review the death certificate and for the family to make final arrangements. Additional time may be needed if the death requires investigation by the medical examiner.
Are alternative cremation methods available in Wisconsin?
Currently, Wisconsin primarily offers traditional flame cremation. Alternative methods like alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) and natural organic reduction (human composting) are being legalized in an increasing number of states. As of 2026, alkaline hydrolysis is legal in 28 states and human composting in 14 states. Check with local legislators and providers for the latest status in Wisconsin.
How does cremation cost compare to household income in Wisconsin?
With a median household income of $67,080 in Wisconsin, the average direct cremation cost of $2,100 represents about 3.1% of annual household income. This is roughly in line with the national average. Many providers offer payment plans, and some states have assistance programs for low-income families.