When you grow up in a community, then dedicate your life to serving the people in it, a passion develops to give back in other ways. At least that’s how our staff feels here at Krause Funeral Homes. For us, it’s not about “talking the talk” when it comes to supporting our great city. It’s about finding ways to serve beyond helping families during their time of need. It’s about rolling up our sleeves and actively giving of ourselves.
This is how we invest in Milwaukee. During the day, we meet with families, helping them plan funerals, cremations, and burials. We help design services that are meaningful; that celebrate a loved one’s accomplishments, personality, and what made them so special to so many.
But our service doesn’t end there. We know how important it is to have a strong and healthy community and do whatever we can to make that a reality. Our Krause team strives to contribute in ways that benefit our friends, neighbors, and even those we’ve never met.
Staff members hold leadership roles, volunteer at local churches and hospices, and serve on various boards and committees. For us, it’s about taking what we’ve been given – our gifts, talents, and opportunities – and assisting whomever we can.
As a fourth generation funeral director, President Mark Krause leads by example. Among his many roles, Mark is a founder and past president of the Funeral Service and Cremation Alliance of Wisconsin (FSCA). He is also a past vice president of family support for the Greater Wisconsin Chapter of the National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Foundation. He was the first Wisconsin funeral director certified as a fetal death counselor, and helps teach that valuable program. Mark also uses his expertise to serve on the Advisory Board for the Mortuary Program at Milwaukee Area Technical College.
One of our Assistant Service Coordinators, Michael E. Williams, is a retired teacher/administration for Milwaukee Public Schools, where he worked for 13 years. Michael has been a licensed treatment foster parent for over 15 years. He is also the Lead Supervisor for the cleaning crew at the Milwaukee World Festivals, which produces Summerfest and many of the ethnic festivals Milwaukee is known for. Michael also volunteers conducting a Bible study at the Milwaukee Secured Detention Facility.
Funeral Director Russell E. Koehn, who has been with Krause Funeral Home since 1981, has been an usher at his church for 35 years. Funeral Director and Preparation Manager Jeffrey C. Van Calligan serves as president of Menomonee Falls Lions Club and is a member of Milwaukee Elks Lodge #46.
And the list goes on.
It’s our hope that the way we treat others in our community builds trust. Losing a loved one leaves a family in a vulnerable position, and we want you to know you can count on our caring staff when you need us most. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or during your time of need.