History & Staff

We have years of experience caring for families, from all walks of life. Each family comes to us because they know we are leaders in our profession, dedicated to excellence in service, and have the highest integrity.

In 1916, Philip L. Gorgen bought the funeral business of Alfred J. Bishop 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.

In 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 woman 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 the area's first funeral homes, which still serves families at it's 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.

In 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. 

In 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.   

In 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.

In 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.

In 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 are  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.

For more information about our funeral services, please contact us by telephone or email. One of our directors would be more than happy to answer your questions.

Our Valued Staff

  • Grant W. Gorgen

    Grant W. Gorgen Funeral Director

    Grant is a graduate of Mineral Point High School in 1981 and Worsham College of Mortuary College, Chicago in 1988. Grant and his wife, Ann, have 4 children, Grady, Gunnar, Lexie and Tyra.Grant and his family attend the Congregational United Church of Christ in Mineral Point. He is a member of the Mineral Point Lions Club, serving as President in 1996 - 1997, and the Fayette Sportsman Club.

  • Michael R. Gorgen

    Michael R. Gorgen Funeral Director

    Mike is a graduate of Mineral Point High School in 1985 and Milwaukee Area Technical College - Funeral Service Department in 1991. He has worked Sheboygan, Milwaukee, Madison and Stoughton, before purchasing the McGinley Funeral Home in Dodgeville in 1999. Mike and his wife, Jennifer, have 3 sons, Matthew, Joshua and Ryan. Mike is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the Dodgeville Lions Club, where he served as President in 2005 - 2006 and 2012 - 2013. He was a Past President of the Southwest Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association and served on the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association from 2008 - 2014.

  • Gregory W. Gorgen ~ In Memory 1939 - 2018

    Gregory W. Gorgen ~ In Memory 1939 - 2018 Funeral Director

    Greg is a third generation funeral director Gorgen family. He graduated from Mineral Point High School in 1957 and Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science, Milwaukee in 1960. Greg and his wife, Joan, have four children, Grant, Mike, Steve and Beth, and 12 grandchildren. Greg is a member of St. Mary's - St. Paul's Catholic Church in Mineral Point, the Knights of Columbus, the Mineral Point Kiwanis Club, the Mineral Point Lion's Club, where he served as Charter President in 1981 - 1982. He is an avid Notre Dame fan and a die hard Chicago Cub fan.