n 1876, John Zwaska, a pioneer born in Europe, established an undertaking and furniture business in Kewaskum, Wisconsin. While embalming was practiced by the ancient Egyptians, it was not in general use in this country when Zwaska started the business almost 130 years ago. The bodies were then kept on ice until time for burial services. Zwaska made his own caskets. They were little more than pine boxes covered with cloth. The hearse was drawn by horses, as were the carriages that carried the mourners.

fter his death in 1887, John’s wife, Anna, and his 14 year old son, Frank A, took over the business, supporting eight children, sending one to medical school.

n 1905, Frank A. moved the business to West Bend. In 1910, he came to Milwaukee and opened a funeral home at N. 24th and W. Center streets. The funeral home was operated by Frank’s sons Frank J. and Miles J. until 1968, when they moved to the current location at 4900 W. Bradley Rd. in Brown Deer.

n 1976, Robert F. Zwaska, Miles’ son and current president of Zwaska Funeral Home, became a funeral director representing a fourth generation. Michael J. joined the firm in 2001, as the fifth generation of Zwaska funeral directors serving Wisconsin.