About Us

We are dedicated to providing compassionate and personalized funeral services to honor the lives of your loved ones. With years of experience, we understand the importance of creating meaningful farewells that reflect the unique stories and cherished memories of those we serve. Our team is here to guide you through every step with care, offering support and comfort during difficult times. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, ensuring that your trust in us is well-placed. At Martin-Grau Funeral Home & Cremation Service, your family is our priority, and we are honored to be a part of your journey.

Our History

Henry Martin immigrated with his family to Sheboygan, WI from Prussia in 1855 at the age of five. A furniture and cabinetmaker by trade, he moved to Harpers Ferry in 1873 and relocated to Waukon in 1876, shortly before the railroad arrived. As was common for the period, his talent for making and access for selling furniture soon expanded to making and selling caskets. A stronger commitment to funeral service was made when he completed training at the Oriental School of Embalming in Chicago in 1887.

Continual Change

Henry's sons Otto and Willard joined the firm in 1912 and together they built a new facility on Allamakee St. in 1925. The 3 story building housed furniture on the first two floors and funeral and chapel space on the third. Otto's son Howard entered the business in 1937 and in 1939 the present funeral home location was purchased from the Hale family. Willard's son Roger joined the firm in 1957 and his son Dave came in 1976. Major remodeling's in 1964, 1988 and 1994 brought the facility to its present condition.

In 2020, Martin Funeral Home became Martin-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service after being acquired by Joshua Grau and Grau Funeral Homes, Inc.

On June 1, 2022, Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home in Lansing joined with Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon.