Our Story
Roots That Run Deep in Your Community
Our story extends all the way back to 1898, when Mr. Louis Wichmann purchased J.P. Grassberger Undertakers and Furniture Store on West College Avenue in Appleton. He founded Wichmann and Kronser Furniture Dealers and Undertakers. It was common during this time for furniture makers to also make caskets and perform funeral services for their neighbors.
The Seeds Are Planted
While so much has changed in Outagamie, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties since 1898, one thing never has: Wichmann Funeral Homes & Crematories has always been committed to offering their neighbors the highest quality funeral and cremation services.
When it’s time for you to plan a meaningful remembrance, trust us to get it right for you. Reach out to a caring member of our team today.
◆ 1922: Louis Wichmann builds a new location for Wichmann Furniture Dealers and Undertakers on West College Avenue.
◆ 1929: The funeral service portion of the business was relocated to 228 North Oneida Street.
◆ 1931: The family builds a new location at the corner of Franklin and Superior Street.
◆ 1959: A new facility is built at our current flagship location at 537 North Superior Street.
◆ 1978: We added a private crematory—the first cremation facility in the Fox Valley.
◆ 1988: Dan and Joanne Densow purchase the funeral home from the Wichmann family.
◆ 1998: A huge year of expanding our services to families! The Fargo Funeral Homes, Kaukauna and Kimberly merged with Wichmann Funeral Home, Appleton. In this year, we also acquired Fox Cities Funeral Home, Town of Menasha, and named it the Wichmann Funeral Home Tri-County Chapel.
◆ 2014: Dan Densow along with his son Lucas Densow purchase Martens Laemmrich Funeral Home in Menasha and renamed it Wichmann Funeral Home Laemmrich Chapel.
◆ 2016: Our entire downtown Appleton facility was reimagined and renovated to include soaring ceilings, an abundance of natural lighting, and a beautiful reception room for catered luncheons.
◆ 2021: Park Lawn Corporation purchases Wichmann Funeral Homes & Crematories from the Densow family. Dan Densow continues to serve as Executive Director. Dan and Joanne’s middle son Lucas Densow serves as Director of Operations alongside the same local management team and staff. All are sincerely committed to providing the highest level of compassionate service that the Wichmann name has stood for for over 125+ years.
