Our legacy
About Us
Through years of experience, we've gained valuable insights—like how to offer choices without overwhelming, and how to address the needs of multiple caring individuals. When people turn to us in their most challenging moments, we respond with compassion, clarity, and expertise.
Our goal is to create a memorable experience and ensure you always feel welcome. We dedicate our time to planning alongside families, staying informed on the latest industry developments, and making hard times a little easier.
Our Story
It is our profound privilege to comfort and guide families from every background through their most difficult moments. When a family walks through our doors, they do so trusting in our deep commitment to compassionate care and our enduring legacy of professional excellence. We honor that trust by serving our community with steadfast empathy, unwavering respect, and the highest ethical standards.
1916
Philip L. Gorgen bought the funeral business of Alfred F. Bishop, who started the business in 1879 with John Nancolas, to secure one of the finest undertaking businesses in Mineral Point. Philip and his wife, Mary Elizabeth Gorgen, who was one of the first licensed women funeral directors in the State of Wisconsin, started the Gorgen Funeral Home, which has been serving families of Mineral Point and the surrounding communities for four generations.
1942
Philip and Mary's son, William P. Gorgen, joined the family funeral business. He and his wife, Gladys, who was one of two licensed women funeral directors in Iowa County at the time, purchased the historic residence of Judge McIlhon and converted the stately Queen Anne-style house at 310 Ridge Street in Mineral Point into one of the area's first funeral homes, which still serves families at its present location. Before that, the funeral business was located at 246 High Street in downtown Mineral Point. The new building offered a chapel with seating capacity for 125, a new casket display room, preparation room, and living quarters in an upstairs apartment.
1960
Gregory W. Gorgen graduated from the Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in Milwaukee and joined his father in the family business after serving his apprenticeship at Hansen Funeral Home in Kenosha. In 1984, Greg and his wife, Joan, did some extensive remodeling of the Gorgen Funeral Home by adding a business office and conference room, as well as an office downstairs for the Gorgen Insurance Agency, which Greg ran from 1963 to 2005. In 1993, a handicapped entrance, handicapped restrooms, and a family lounge were added to the funeral home.
1985
Greg and Leo A. McGinley, of Dodgeville, purchased the Ayers Funeral Home in Ridgeway from Willard Ayers and Roy Ayers. A business that Bill started in 1940 and has been serving families of Ridgeway, Barneveld, and the surrounding communities ever since.
1988
Greg's oldest son, Grant W. Gorgen, graduated from Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago and joined his father, becoming the 4th generation of the Gorgen family to serve the community of Mineral Point.
1991
Greg's second son, Michael R. Gorgen, graduated from Milwaukee Area Technical College-Funeral Service Department and worked in Sheboygan, Milwaukee, and Madison before joining the family business in 1999. At that time, he and his family moved to Dodgeville and purchased the McGinley Funeral Home from Leo A. McGinley.
2002
Mike and Grant built the new Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers Funeral Home at 400 E. Grace Street, Dodgeville, closing the buildings located at 507 Main Street, Ridgeway, and 213 W. Division Street, Dodgeville.
The Gorgen Family has built their reputation of providing the families of Iowa County and the surrounding area the finest services available. This service is based on the belief that each of our clients is like a part of our family. The professional and caring manner in which we conduct our business creates an open environment where your questions and concerns about planning a funeral service are eased.
Each of our directors is committed to working with you to plan an unforgettable service to memorialize your loved one. We can help you develop a unique funeral or memorial service that is reflective of your needs and wishes
