Affordable Cremations Costs in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin $1,395

Navigating the administrative and legal requirements after a loss in Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, West Allis, Bay View, or the surrounding Southeastern Wisconsin area requires an understanding of specific Badger State jurisdictional rules. As the central authority for DFS Memorials in Wisconsin, this hub provides the essential technical data and resources needed to manage final arrangements throughout the county.

Milwaukee County Jurisdictional Contact Data

In Milwaukee County, the Medical Examiner’s Office is responsible for investigating certain deaths and must issue a mandatory permit before any cremation can occur within the county.

• Official County Name: Milwaukee County

• Medical Examiner Office: Milwaukee County Medical Examiner

• Primary Address: 933 West Highland Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53233

  (Note: A new Forensic Science & Protective Medicine Facility at 9400 W. Doyne Avenue is expected to open in Spring 2026.)

• Main Contact Phone: (414) 223-1200

• Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Investigators available 24/7).

Our local providers coordinate directly with the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner to ensure all legal release authorizations and medical certifications are secured before the cremation process begins.

Milwaukee County Permitting and Mandatory Fees

Wisconsin law and Milwaukee County ordinances mandate specific permits and fees for final disposition by cremation.

• Cremation Permit Fee: Per Wis. Stat. § 979.10, the Medical Examiner of the county in which the death occurred must issue a cremation permit. In Milwaukee County, the 2026 permit fee is $393.00.

• 48-Hour Waiting Period: Per Wis. Stat. § 979.10(1)(a), a body may not be cremated until at least 48 hours have elapsed after the death (unless the death was caused by a contagious disease).

• View Requirement: The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office requires a physical viewing of the deceased by a staff member before issuing a cremation permit to ensure no further judicial inquiry is necessary.

The death certificate is the primary legal document required for estate settlement, social security, and veteran benefits.

• Vital Records Office: Milwaukee County Register of Deeds / City of Milwaukee Vital Statistics

• Physical Address: Milwaukee County Courthouse, 901 N. 9th St, Room 103, Milwaukee, WI 53233

• Main Contact Phone: (414) 278-4021

• Certified Death Certificate Cost: $20.00 for the first copy; $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.

• Estimated Turnaround: Certificates are typically available within 7 to 10 business days once the medical record is electronically signed by the attending physician or medical examiner.

Milwaukee County Major Institutional Infrastructure

We provide professional decedent transfer services from every major medical facility and hospice center within the Milwaukee County borders.

Major Hospital Systems

• Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center: 2900 W Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53215

• Froedtert Hospital: 9200 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53226

• Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital: 2301 N Lake Dr, Milwaukee, WI 53211

• Aurora Sinai Medical Center: 945 N 12th St, Milwaukee, WI 53233

• Zablocki VA Medical Center: 5000 W National Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53295

Major Hospice Facilities

We coordinate release protocols with Horizon Home Care & Hospice, Aurora at Home Hospice, and AccentCare Hospice teams.

Wisconsin and Milwaukee County provide assistance for families who lack the financial resources for a final disposition.

• Wisconsin Funeral and Cemetery Aids Program (WFCAP): This state program may provide up to $1,500 for unmet funeral expenses and up to $1,000 for cemetery/crematory expenses for eligible decedents.

• Milwaukee County Burial Assistance: For those not meeting WFCAP guidelines, Milwaukee County DHHS may provide up to **$400** ($200 for funeral and $200 for cremation) if eligibility requirements are met and the total cost of the service does not exceed $2,500 (funeral) and $1,500 (burial).

• Contact Information: (414) 289-6874

• Veteran Benefits: The Wood National Cemetery and the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove provide interment honors for eligible veterans at no cost.

Hub-and-Spoke Navigation

DFS Memorials serves all neighborhoods and surrounding cities throughout Southeastern Wisconsin at our consistent, affordable rate.

Primary Areas Served:

• Milwaukee (County Seat)

• Wauwatosa and Brookfield

• West Allis and Greenfield

• Bay View and St. Francis

• Shorewood and Whitefish Bay

• Oak Creek and Franklin

CALL FOR 24/7 ASSISTANCE: (414) 369-3608

Direct Cremations in Milwaukee, WI