“Why I Chose Funeral Service” – From the Krause Team

If there’s one question many of us on staff at Krause Funeral Homes in Milwaukee, New Berlin, and Brookfield hear time and again, it’s this: Why did you choose funeral service as your life profession? We certainly understand the question. Helping families as they experience some of life’s most difficult moments is a unique role, and it can be very difficult sometimes. But as we often say at Krause, arranging details of funerals, receptions, and burials isn’t a job to us – it’s our calling.

This is especially true for the Krause family, who have owned and operated Krause Funeral Homes for more than 80 years. President Mark Krause’s dad and uncles were the founders, so Mark grew up coming to the funeral home with his siblings and cousins. Gregg P. Krause has served as vice president since 1999. Mark’s daughter, Nicole Krause, is a funeral apprentice studying to become a licensed funeral director, and Kelly Krause serves as an assistant service coordinator. Even Mark and Joan Krause’s family pet contributes! Portuguese Waterdog Bennie was trained by Mark’s wife, Joan, to be a certified grief therapy dog, and he offers comfort to so many who walk through our doors.

How did other valued team members decide to make serving hurting families their life’s work? Here are a few of their stories:

Funeral Director Jacob L. Waterworth manages our New Berlin location, but first joined the Krause team as an apprentice in 2009.

Jacob says, “I first became interested in funeral service after reading a collection of essays about the profession during college (I was an English major then). The profession covers so many facets of life: religion, psychiatry, sociology, history, anatomy, chemistry, law, and business practices. In my training, and as a licensed funeral director, I have learned so much about so many different fields. The profession is intellectually stimulating. On top of all of this, it is a rewarding profession. At the end of each day, I know I have made a difference in someone’s life. We meet with people at their worst times. If we do our jobs correctly, we can give these families the experience and knowledge they will need in order to restart their lives after the loss of their loved one.”

Funeral Director and Certified Celebrant Elaine Petry has been a part of our team for well over a decade.

Elaine says, “I chose to go into funeral service because I wanted to help people get through a difficult time, and hopefully make it easier for them by guiding them through the many options and decisions that need to be made. I felt that serving grieving families with compassion, kindness, and expertise was a way to add to the positive energy in the world. Over the years, I have found the families to be a source of inspiration. I am so honored to have the privilege of being a funeral director.”

Funeral Director and Certified Celebrant Brenda Buchanan, who manages our Milwaukee location, came to Krause in 1999.

Brenda says, “I grew up [the funeral care industry] and saw numerous times how little gestures of caring can help a family begin their grief journeys. As I talk to families and help them design a tribute to celebrate the life lived by their loved ones, I enjoy incorporating my creative mind and imagination to assist them.”

Helping Milwaukee-area families is our passion, and as you can see by the longevity of our staff, it’s a responsibility that offers real meaning and fulfillment. If you’re interested in meeting with us to preplan your own funeral arrangements or have funeral care needs arise, don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime. No matter what you’re going through, we are here for you.

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