Summary 

• According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the median cost of a funeral with burial is around $8,300 as of 2025. 

• A funeral with cremation averages approximately $6,280, not including cemetery or urn costs. 

• Funeral costs vary depending on services, merchandise, location, and level of personalization. 

• Preplanning can help families make informed financial and emotional decisions in advance. 

• Funeral homes assist families in understanding options and ensuring every detail reflects their loved one’s wishes. 

How Much Does a Funeral Cost? 

Families in Monona, Wisconsin, often wonder how much a funeral costs and what factors affect the total. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial is about $8,300, while a funeral with cremation averages approximately $6,280. These figures are national averages and may vary depending on location and service choices. 

Funeral costs typically include the professional services of the funeral director and staff, care of the deceased, use of facilities for the service, and necessary transportation. Merchandise, such as a casket or urn, and cemetery fees are often separate expenses not included in NFDA averages. 

Prices can vary based on the type of service, the chosen provider, and the level of personalization. A traditional service, for example, may include a viewing, ceremony, and burial, while a cremation service might involve a memorial or celebration of life. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) encourages families to review a funeral home’s General Price List (GPL) to understand all available options clearly. 

The NFDA recommends discussing preferences and arrangements ahead of time. Preplanning allows families to make decisions calmly and ensures that final wishes are honored. It can also relieve loved ones of emotional and financial stress when the time comes. 

Funeral homes, such as Gunderson Funeral Home – Madison, help families compare options, explain costs, and plan meaningful services that reflect each person’s life and values. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the average cost of a funeral? 

According to the NFDA, the national median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial is around $8,300, while a funeral with cremation averages $6,280. 

Why do funeral costs vary so much? 

Costs can vary based on the funeral home, selected services, merchandise, and location. Personalization and ceremony options may also affect pricing. 

Does preplanning a funeral help manage costs? 

Yes. Preplanning allows families to make informed decisions, compare prices, and ease the financial and emotional burden later on. 

Written for Gunderson Funeral Home – Madison, proudly serving families in Monona with compassion and care. 

About Gunderson Funeral Home – Madison 

Families in Monona, Wisconsin, can turn to Gunderson Funeral Home – Madison for caring and professional guidance when planning ahead. Located at 5203 Monona Dr, Monona, WI 53716, their dedicated staff can be reached at (608) 221-5420 to answer questions about funeral preplanning and options.