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Our History

Harder Funeral Home was founded in 1942 by Herman Harder and has served the Milwaukee area as a family-owned and operated business for over 80 years.

Herman’s son, Dean, graduated from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in 1970 and joined the family business. Together they opened the Brookfield Chapel on Capitol Drive in 1974, with the desire to provide the best personalized funeral services to the communities located in Waukesha and Milwaukee counties.

Dean’s son, Eric, completed his schooling at the Milwaukee Area Technical College in 1995 and joined his father at the family business as well. Today, Eric and their caring staff continue to respect and follow the guiding principles Harder Funeral Home was founded on all those years ago.

Since the inception of Harder Funeral Home, our specialized care and attention to detail has been our signature. Our collective purpose is to:

  • Continually educate families on all available options in order to help them make decisions according to their unique needs.
  • Work alongside third party vendors to coordinate service details and create a welcoming environment.
  • Create personalized memorials to celebrate the life your loved one led.
  • Provide a peaceful and supportive environment where families feel able to honor their loved one.
  • Build lasting relationships with the families and community members we serve.


Harder Funeral Home is a name you know and can trust to create a positive memorial experience.

Herman Harder with Pastor WJ Schaefer: Ground Breaking for the Brookfield Chapel in 1972
Flyer for the Brookfield Chapel Grand Opening in 1974
Harder Funeral Home, Brookfield Chapel - Winter of 1974
Harder Funeral Home - Fond Du Lac Avenue Chapel 1942 - 2004
Founder, Herman Harder 1908 - 2003
Dean Harder
Eric and Dean Harder

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