Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services Offering dignified services since 1919

Who We Are

Dignity. Respect. Empathy.

These words have guided Rhiel Funeral Home for nearly a century now. Three generations of the Rhiel family have followed the tradition of excellence established in Elmwood in 1919. In 1951, the Rhiel Family expanded to Durand, and in 2001, moved to a brand new building in Durand. In 1986, the Rhiel family expanded to Menomonie and associated with the Stanton family Funeral Home and continued to expand in 1992 and associated with Goodrich-Sampson Family Funeral Home and in 1996 moved into a new building in the Stout Technology Park across from the hospital in Menomonie. All three locations are family owned and operated.

Through the years, we've been proud to play an important role in our communities. In many cases, we know your family and we share your grief. We are a small family-owned operation with personalized services every step of the way.

Families will not go into this process alone. We will help you select your services and products, whether you choose traditional or cremation services. We are large enough to provide the resources you need, yet small enough to care and personal enough to help make choices for a memorable and appropriate service for your family.

Meet Our Staff

Rhiel Funeral Home and Cremation Services is family owned and operated. For three generations, the Rhiel family is proud to be an integral part of our communities. We are licensed funeral directors, with CFSP and CFD certification. We are also members of the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association and National Funeral Directors Association.

  • Richard J. Rhiel

    Richard J. Rhiel

    Richard was born and raised in Durand and is a graduate of the Durand High School. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Stout with a business degree and also received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota. Richard and his wife Lisa have two children. Richard is a member of the Menomonie Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce.

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  • James N.R. Sedlmayr

    James N.R. Sedlmayr

    James grew up in Nelson and graduated from the Alma Area Schools. He received his Associates Degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College in Milwaukee. He began working for the Rhiels in 2005. James worked for a couple of years in Milwaukee before coming home. James and his wife Vanessa live in Durand, where he is a member of the Durand Fire and Rescue Department and a member of the Durand Lions Club.

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  • William J. Rhiel

    William J. Rhiel

    William was born and raised in Durand and is a graduate of the Durand High School. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mortuary Science from the University of Minnesota. William and his wife Pamela have two children. He is also a member of the Durand Lions Club and the Durand Improvement Group.

  • Gary Asher

    Gary Asher

    Gary Asher has lived in Eau Galle since 1979. He has been assisting with funerals and helping out around funeral home since 2011. Gary was a long time employee of Erickson’s Supermarket Valu & Drug and the store’s transition to Econo Foods (Now Durand Fresh Market). When Gary is not working at the funeral home he enjoys traveling with his wife of 48 years Rosey, watching the Packers and Badgers, camping and spending time with his family.

    Gary has been a member of St. Henry Catholic Parish for 39 years, he has served on the finance council since 1988 and is a leader of prayer. Gary and his wife Rosey serve as the coordinators of the Watermark Mission and take trips to natural disaster areas to help rebuild the lives and homes of the people affected by them. Gary takes pride in helping families celebrate lives and making people feel comfortable when they come through the door.

  • Gary Russo

    Gary Asher

    Gary Russo has lived in Menomonie since attended UW-Stout in 1970. He has been assisting with funerals and helping out around the funeral home since 2012. Gary’s spent his career in insurance claims helping people with their losses. When Gary is not working at the funeral home you can find him and his wife of 45 years Sue helping with grandchildren, volunteering at their schools and attending their sporting events. Gary enjoys attending and watching Menomonie High School athletics and UW-Stout athletics. He also enjoys taking rides with his wife Sue on their motorcycle.

    Gary has been a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Menomonie for over 45 years, where he served on the council as President. He is a long standing member of the “coffee group” and Dean Sue’s. Gary is proud to help families through life celebrations and conversing with people as they come through the door.