What to do when death occurs
When someone dies, it can be difficult to know what to do first. You do not have to go through this alone. The Cremation Society of Milwaukee is available 24 hours a day to help guide you through the next steps.
OUR Support
Guidance from Cremation Society of Milwaukee
Step 1 : Call Us
Call the Cremation Society of Milwaukee at
414-384-2424.
Our phones are answered 24 hours a day.
We will ask for some basic information, including:
• The name of the person who died
• Where the death occurred
• Your name and contact information
• The name and contact information for the next of kin
• Whether any prearrangements were made
You do not need to have every answer before calling us.
Step 2 : We Will Help Determine What Happens Next
What happens immediately after a death depends on where the death occurred.
If the death occurred at a
hospital, nursing home, hospice facility, or other care facility, their staff will generally guide you through the immediate steps and coordinate with us when appropriate.
If the death occurred at a
private residence, call us at
414-384-2424. We will help guide you through what needs to happen next.
If the Medical Examiner or Coroner is involved, we will coordinate with their office as needed.
Step 3 : Complete the Arrangements
Most families complete arrangements online from the comfort and privacy of their own home. Our online arrangement process will guide you step by step through the information and selections we need.
If you prefer to make arrangements with a funeral director in person, please contact us to schedule an appointment. Additional fees apply for in-person arrangements.
Step 4 : Information You May Need
As you complete the arrangements, it may be helpful to have the following information available:
- Full legal name of the person who died
- Date and place of birth
- Social Security number
- Parents' names, including mother's maiden name
- Legal marital status
- Education information
- Veteran discharge papers (DD-214), if applicable
- Prearrangement information, if applicable
- Information needed for the death certificate
Do not worry if you do not have everything immediately. We will help you identify what is still needed.
Step 5 : What Happens After Arrangements Are Completed
Once the necessary arrangements, authorizations, and payment have been completed, our staff will continue coordinating the cremation process.
We will notify Social Security of the death and work with the appropriate medical professionals and county offices to complete the necessary paperwork.
Death certificates typically take approximately
one to one and a half weeks
after the required information and paperwork are completed.
Cremated remains are generally ready within approximately two to three weeks, although timing can vary.
We will keep you informed as we move through the process and contact you when the death certificates and cremated remains are ready.
We're Here to Help
Cremation Society of Milwaukee
You do not need to figure everything out at once.
If a death has occurred or you have questions about what to do next, please call the Cremation Society of Milwaukee at 414-384-2424.
Phones are answered 24 hours a day.