When my neighbor lost her husband last spring, she spent three sleepless nights calling different funeral homes in Shawano, trying to find one that wouldn’t treat her like just another transaction. I know this is overwhelming – over 85% of families in Wisconsin choose funeral homes based on personal recommendations rather than online searches, which tells you everything about how important trust and genuine care really are in this industry.
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Finding the right funeral home during one of life’s most difficult moments shouldn’t add stress to an already overwhelming situation. You need professionals who understand that behind every arrangement is a family trying to honor someone they loved deeply.
Look, when you’re dealing with loss, the last thing you need is someone reading from a script or pushing expensive packages you don’t want. Most families tell me they chose their funeral home because a friend or neighbor said, “They took care of us when we needed it most.” That’s what really matters – not flashy websites or corporate marketing.
Nobody expects you to have all the answers right now. When you’re barely holding it together, you need funeral directors who listen to what you actually want, understand your family’s traditions, and adapt their services to fit your needs – not the other way around.
Quick Overview
Here’s what you need to know about your best options for Shawano funeral homes:
- Eberhardt Stevenson has been family-owned for over 100 years with their own crematory on-site – your loved one never leaves their care
- Gruetzmacher offers newly renovated facilities and works with you to create something truly personal at competitive prices
- Both places provide everything you need including pre-planning and cremation services
- Getting there easily and having compassionate staff matter most to local families
- You’ll need to call for pricing, but both are competitive and will work within your budget
- Family-owned businesses dominate here because they actually care about treating you right
When families own funeral homes for generations, they understand something big corporations miss – you’re not a transaction, you’re someone’s daughter, son, parent, or spouse going through the worst day of your life. They remember your family, they know your story, and they treat you accordingly.
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Both of these funeral homes in Shawano focus on making things easier for you, not harder. They have good facilities, experienced staff, and understand that every family is different. The biggest difference is that Eberhardt Stevenson has multiple locations and their own crematory, while Gruetzmacher focuses on one beautiful location with very personalized service.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| What Matters | Eberhardt Stevenson | Gruetzmacher |
|---|---|---|
| Been around since | 1914 (100+ years) | Newer establishment |
| Where they are | Multiple locations (Clintonville, Marion, Tigerton) | One location |
| Cremation | Their own crematory on-site | Cremation services available |
| Facilities | Expanded facilities at all locations | Recently renovated, modern |
| Cost | Competitive, call for quotes | Competitive with budget flexibility |
| Family-owned | 4 generations | Yes |
| What makes them special | Century of experience, everything on-site | Creative personalization, modern approach |
| Pre-planning | Available | Available |
| What families say | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 |
What Really Matters When You’re Choosing
When you’re dealing with loss, there are seven things that really matter when choosing a funeral home. Let me break this down in plain English.
- Getting there easily matters because you’ll be making multiple trips when you’re emotionally drained. If your elderly relatives can’t easily get to the funeral home, that’s a real problem.
- What services they offer determines whether they can handle what your family needs – whether that’s traditional burial, cremation, or something that honors your specific cultural traditions.
- How they treat you becomes crucial when you’re vulnerable and need clear guidance without feeling pressured or rushed.
- Their facilities should feel comfortable and dignified for your family gatherings, not institutional or outdated.
- Being upfront about costs helps you make decisions without surprise bills adding to your stress.
- Their reputation reflects how they’ve treated other families in your community during their worst moments.
- Understanding your traditions ensures your cultural or religious customs are respected and properly handled.
I know this feels like a lot to think about when you’re grieving, but most families tell me that once they find the right funeral home, everything else falls into place. The staff walks you through everything step by step.
Eberhardt Stevenson Funeral Home and Crematory
Best for Families Who Want Experience and Peace of Mind
Eberhardt Stevenson stands out as the area’s oldest locally-owned funeral home, with four generations of the same family providing continuous service since 1914. Here’s what really sets them apart: when you choose cremation, your loved one never leaves their building thanks to their on-site crematory.
Last month, I talked to Mike, whose mom passed after a long illness. “I chose Eberhardt Stevenson because she never left their building,” he told me. “I couldn’t handle the thought of her being moved around to different places by people I didn’t know.”
They operate multiple locations in Clintonville, Marion, and Tigerton, so you can choose what works best for your family’s location. After guiding thousands of families through their most difficult moments over the past century, they’ve developed approaches that focus on both dignity and making things as easy as possible for you.
When the same family runs a funeral home for four generations, they pass down not just the business, but the wisdom of how to truly care for grieving families. Each generation builds on what came before, creating consistent service that you can count on.
Having their own crematory on-site means no surprises, no delays, and no wondering about your loved one’s care. Everything happens under their direct supervision in their own facility.
What Makes Them Special
Their on-site crematory eliminates the worry that comes with sending your loved one to unfamiliar facilities. You won’t have to wonder about strangers handling your family member or worry about mix-ups that can happen when funeral homes outsource cremation.
The multiple locations give you flexibility. Whether you’re in Clintonville, Marion, or Tigerton, you can access their full services without long drives during an already stressful time.
Their pre-planning programs let you make arrangements in advance, which removes the burden from your family when they’re grieving. Their expanded facilities at all locations mean they can handle both small family gatherings and larger community celebrations.
The Good
Over a century of experience means they’ve literally seen everything and know how to handle complex family situations or unusual requests with grace. When you’re dealing with difficult family dynamics or have specific cultural needs, their experience shows.
The on-site cremation gives you complete peace of mind. There’s no handoff to strangers, no additional transportation, and no wondering about how your loved one is being treated.
Multiple convenient locations mean you can choose the spot that works best for your family’s needs. The family ownership ensures you get consistent, personal attention no matter which location you visit.
The Not-So-Good
All those premium services and extensive facilities probably cost more than smaller, basic funeral homes. Their comprehensive offerings might include services you don’t need, which could increase your final bill.
Their limited online presence makes it harder to research specific services or recent customer experiences before you call. You’ll need to contact them directly to get detailed information about what they offer.
How They Rate
- Easy to get to: Excellent – Multiple locations make them accessible across the region
- Services offered: Excellent – Full services including on-site crematory and pre-planning cover virtually any need
- How they treat you: Excellent – Four generations of family service shows deep commitment to caring for families
- Facilities: Excellent – Expanded facilities at all locations provide comfortable, dignified spaces
- Upfront about costs: Very Good – Competitive pricing but you need to call for specific quotes
- Community reputation: Excellent – 100+ years and county’s oldest locally-owned status speaks volumes
- Understanding traditions: Very Good – Long history suggests experience with diverse needs
What Other Families Are Saying
Families consistently praise Eberhardt Stevenson for going above and beyond during difficult times. Many mention how the staff accommodated special requests and cultural traditions without making it feel like a burden.
The on-site crematory gets particular appreciation from families who valued knowing their loved one never left the funeral home’s care. As one family put it, “It gave us such peace of mind during an already overwhelming time.”
How Much It Costs
Contact Eberhardt Stevenson directly for competitive pricing on their full range of services and pre-planning programs. Their website has contact information for all three locations. Give them a call – they’re used to talking to people who are having the worst day of their lives, and they’ll walk you through everything step by step.
As you plan, use the Eulogy Generator to craft a message that beautifully honors your loved one’s memory.
Gruetzmacher Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Best for Families Who Want Modern Facilities and Personal Touch
Gruetzmacher Funeral Home recently completed a comprehensive renovation, bringing modern design and updated amenities to their funeral services in Shawano. They’ve positioned themselves as the fresh alternative while keeping the personal touch that comes with family ownership.
Sarah, whose dad passed suddenly last year, told me, “The hardest part wasn’t the grief – it was calling funeral homes and feeling like they were reading from a script. When I called Gruetzmacher, they actually listened to what I wanted, not what they thought I should want.”
Their approach focuses on creative, personalized services that go beyond cookie-cutter funeral arrangements. Instead of rigid templates, they work with families to design unique celebrations of life that truly reflect the person being honored. The emphasis on competitive pricing makes them accessible to families with varying budgets.
The facility renovation shows they’re investing in creating spaces that feel welcoming and comfortable rather than institutional. Today’s families often prefer environments that don’t feel like traditional funeral homes, and Gruetzmacher responded to what people actually want.
They focus on personalized celebration-of-life experiences rather than standardized funeral formats. This means if your loved one was passionate about gardening, fishing, or music, they’ll help you incorporate those elements meaningfully into the service.
What Makes Them Special
The newly renovated facilities provide a fresh, comfortable environment that doesn’t feel outdated or depressing. Modern design touches create a more welcoming atmosphere for families and guests during services and visits.
Creative service options mean you can work with their staff to design something truly unique for your loved one. Whether that’s incorporating specific music, displaying meaningful collections, or arranging non-traditional ceremony elements, they’re willing to think outside conventional formats.
Family ownership ensures you’ll receive personal attention rather than corporate-style processing. The owners are directly involved and genuinely invested in your family’s satisfaction.
Their competitive pricing philosophy means they’ll work within your budget rather than pushing expensive packages you don’t need.
The Good
Brand new, modern facilities provide a comfortable, updated environment that many families find more welcoming than older, traditional funeral homes. The renovation shows their commitment to investing in your family’s experience.
Creative, personalized service options let you honor your loved one in ways that truly reflect their personality and interests. You’re not stuck with one-size-fits-all funeral formats.
Family-owned personal touch ensures you’re working with people who are genuinely invested in your satisfaction, not meeting corporate quotas or following rigid policies.
Competitive pricing makes quality funeral services accessible to families with different budget constraints. They emphasize affordability without sacrificing care or dignity.
The Not-So-Good
Being newer means less historical presence in the community compared to century-old competitors. Some families prefer funeral homes in Shawano with longer track records and deeper community roots.
Single location may be less convenient for families spread across different areas of Shawano County. You’ll need to travel to their specific location for all services and arrangements.
How They Rate
- Easy to get to: Very Good – Single location limits geographic convenience but excellent facilities once you arrive
- Services offered: Excellent – Wide range including cremation and creative customization covers most family needs
- How they treat you: Excellent – Family-owned with personalized approach shows strong commitment to caring service
- Facilities: Excellent – Recently renovated with modern updates provides excellent environment
- Upfront about costs: Excellent – Strong emphasis on competitive pricing and working within budgets
- Community reputation: Very Good – Strong community support but newer establishment
- Understanding traditions: Excellent – Customizable services and flexible approach accommodate different preferences
What Other Families Are Saying
Families appreciate Gruetzmacher’s willingness to accommodate unique requests and create personalized services that truly reflect their loved one’s life and personality. The modern facilities consistently get praise for their comfortable, welcoming atmosphere.
The competitive pricing approach gets positive feedback from families who felt other funeral homes were trying to oversell expensive packages. Many mention feeling heard and respected rather than pressured.
How Much It Costs
Gruetzmacher emphasizes competitive pricing with a focus on affordability. Contact them directly through their website for detailed quotes tailored to your specific needs and budget. They’ll work with you to find options that fit what you can afford.
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Other Options Worth Knowing About
Mickelson Funeral Service
Mickelson Funeral Service offers funeral service notifications and obituary services, though detailed information about their full services isn’t readily available online. They might work as a secondary option for families seeking basic funeral coordination or simple obituary assistance.
Their limited online presence makes it difficult to evaluate what they can do for you, but they could be worth contacting if you’re looking for more basic services or if the primary funeral homes don’t meet your specific needs.
Finding More Options
Funeralocity’s Shawano directory provides an online resource for locating additional funeral homes within 6-7 miles of Shawano. This directory can help you compare multiple options and discover services that may not have extensive online presence.
While not a funeral home itself, this resource becomes valuable if you want to explore all available options in the broader Shawano area or if you need specialized services that the main funeral homes don’t offer.
Questions You’re Probably Asking
How much is this going to cost me?
Funeral costs in Shawano vary significantly based on what services you choose and which funeral home you select. Basic cremation services typically start around $1,000-$2,000, while traditional burial services with viewing and ceremony can range from $5,000-$10,000 or more.
As you manage the details, the Eulogy Generator can help you focus on what really matters—honoring their life.
Both Eberhardt Stevenson and Gruetzmacher emphasize competitive pricing, but you’ll need to call them for specific quotes. Don’t hesitate to ask for itemized pricing and discuss your budget constraints – good funeral homes will work with you to find appropriate options.
When should I call a funeral home?
Call a funeral home as soon as possible after a death occurs. Most provide 24/7 availability for initial arrangements and can guide you through immediate next steps over the phone. Nobody expects you to have everything figured out immediately.
If you’re thinking about pre-planning, you can arrange services months or years in advance. This removes the burden from your family members and often locks in current pricing.
Do I need a funeral home for cremation?
Yes, Wisconsin law requires funeral home involvement for cremation services. However, you can choose basic cremation services without additional ceremonies or viewings if you prefer a simpler, more affordable option.
Both recommended funeral homes offer cremation services, with Eberhardt Stevenson providing on-site cremation that keeps your loved one in their care throughout the entire process.
Will they understand my family’s traditions?
Both Eberhardt Stevenson and Gruetzmacher show flexibility in accommodating various cultural and religious traditions. Their experience with diverse community needs means they can typically work with specific requirements for viewing procedures, burial timelines, or ceremonial elements.
However, discuss your specific needs upfront during initial conversations. Some requirements might need advance planning or coordination with religious leaders, and it’s better to confirm capabilities early.
When planning memorial services, many families find comfort in selecting meaningful eulogy quotes that capture their loved one’s essence. For those considering celebration of life ceremonies, our comprehensive celebration of life guide offers valuable insights into alternative memorial approaches.
Create a heartfelt, lasting tribute with the Eulogy Generator, designed to guide you through every word.
What if I’m not satisfied with their service?
Good funeral homes prioritize customer satisfaction and will work to address concerns promptly. Document any issues and communicate directly with management or ownership – family-owned establishments typically respond quickly to feedback.
Wisconsin’s funeral regulatory board also Wisconsin’s funeral regulatory board also provides recourse for serious service failures, though most issues can be resolved through direct communication with the funeral home.
Final Thoughts
I know this is overwhelming when you’re dealing with loss. Selecting a funeral home requires balancing what your heart needs with practical considerations. The two standout options in Shawano each offer distinct advantages: Eberhardt Stevenson brings century-long experience and comprehensive on-site capabilities, while Gruetzmacher provides modern facilities with creative personalization at competitive rates.
Here’s what really matters:
- Family ownership makes a difference – both funeral homes prioritize personal relationships over corporate efficiency
- On-site crematory services provide peace of mind for families choosing cremation
- How they treat you and the quality of their facilities matter more than rock-bottom pricing for most families
- Pre-planning options help reduce stress and financial burden on surviving family members
- Understanding and respecting your family’s traditions becomes crucial for meaningful services
When you’re barely holding it together, you might also struggle with finding the right words to honor your loved one’s memory. Writing a meaningful eulogy while processing grief can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to capture a lifetime of love and memories perfectly.
For additional support during this difficult time, consider exploring our comprehensive eulogy writing guide which provides step-by-step guidance for creating meaningful tributes.
If you’re struggling with what to say at the service, there are resources that can help. Eulogy Generator, created by bestselling author Jen Glantz, helps you craft a personalized tribute that truly reflects your loved one’s impact and legacy. Through thoughtful questions and guided reflection, we help you organize memories and emotions into a coherent, heartfelt eulogy that brings comfort to family and friends.
But honestly, speaking from your heart matters more than perfect words. For just $35, you get unlimited revisions and 24/7 access to create a tribute worthy of your loved one’s memory. While funeral homes handle the logistics, Eulogy Generator helps you find the right words to celebrate a life well-lived.
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Take your time with this decision. Both funeral homes in Shawano will be there when you’re ready to talk. And remember – there’s no wrong choice here, just what feels right for your family. They’re both used to helping people through the worst day of their lives, and they’ll walk you through everything step by step.
