How to Find Wisconsin Death Records: Difference between revisions

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== '''Deaths from 1907 thru 1997'''  ==
== '''Deaths after 1907'''  ==


The state of Wisconsin began recording deaths in 1907.  
The state of Wisconsin began recording deaths in 1907.  
==== '''STEP ONE: Find Death Information'''  ====


For deaths that exist during this time period, try the following databases. Try each link.  
For deaths that exist during this time period, try the following databases. Try each link.  
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| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Wisconsin Deaths Databases - Includes Index and Digital Images'''  
| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Wisconsin Deaths Databases - Includes Indexes Only'''  
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| width="25%" | [http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_select.aspx 1853-1970 - At Wisconsin Division of Culture and History]
| width="25%" | {{RecordSearch|1708699|1835-1968 - At FamilySearch.org}}
| width="65%" | '''Free;''' dates vary by county and some only go to 1962; [http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_dcsearch.aspx list of county coverage (right side of the screen)]
| width="65%" | '''Free;''' index to death and burial records from the state of Wisconsin
|-
|-
| ''Try 2nd:''  
| ''Try 2nd:''  
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| {{RecordSearch|1417434|1853-1970 - At FamilySearch.org}}  
| {{RecordSearch|1947978|1959-1997 - At FamilySearch.org}}  
| '''Free;''' dates vary by county and some only go to 1962; [http://www.wvculture.org/vrr/va_dcsearch.aspx list of county coverage (right side of the screen)]; click on "view partner website" to see a copy of the image
| '''Free;''' index of deaths from the Wisconsin Vital Records Office
|-
| ''Next try:''
| <br>
| <br>
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| align="left" colspan="3" | '''Includes Index Only'''
| <br>
| <br>
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| align="left" colspan="2" | ''Choose one of the following:''
| <br>
| <br>
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| width="10%" | <br>
| [http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2568 1853-1973 - use at FamilySearch Centers/Libraries]
| '''Free at FamilySearch Centers and Libraries;''' [https://www.familysearch.org/locations Find your local FamilySearch Center]
|-
| <br>
| <br>
| <br>
|-
| width="10%" | <br>
| [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=2568 1853-1973 - use your Ancestry subscription]
| '''$,''' [http://www.ancestry.com/cs/offers/freetrial?o_iid=48816&o_lid=48816&o_sch=Web+Property To obtain a subscription to Ancestry]; Ancestry is often available through your local public library for free
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| <br>
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| <br>  
| <br>  
| ''Can't search the index listed above?''  
| ''Can't search the index listed above?''  
| Go to Step Two listed below and order a search for your ancestor from the [http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/vital/birthcert.asp Wisconsin Department of Health State Office].
| Order a search for your ancestor from the [http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/VitalRecords/index.htm Wisconsin Department of Health Services].
|-
|-
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the index?'''  
| align="left" colspan="2" | '''Can't find your ancestor in the index?'''  
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==== '''STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate'''  ====
==== '''Obtain the Certificate'''  ====
 
If the image was not included in the index entry above, you can order a copy of the death record for a fee from the following locations:
 
{| width="100%" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="6" border="1"
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| align="center" colspan="4" | '''To Order Death Certificates'''
|-
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://vitalrec.com/wv.html#County From County of Death]
| width="50%" align="center" colspan="2" | [http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/vital/birthcert.asp From WV Dept. of Health State office]
|-
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Pros'''
| width="25%" align="center" | '''Cons'''
|-
| May be less expensive and faster than ordering from the state
| County websites can be more difficult to use
| Offers a search of the state index for an additional fee
| May be more expensive than ordering from the county
|}


'''If you do not know the exact date or place of death:'''<br> For a fee, the [http://www.wvdhhr.org/bph/hsc/vital/birthcert.asp Wisconsin Department of Health office] will do a 3 year search (click on the death certificates tab).<br>
To get an image of the certificate, you can order the corresponding Family History Library film if the indexed information included a film number OR you can order a copy of the death certificate for a fee from the following locations:  


'''''Restrictions for persons who died within the last 50 years:'''''<br> To obtain a copy of the death certificate for those who died within the last 50 years, you must be:
*[http://health.state.ga.us/programs/vitalrecords/birth.asp Wisconsin Department of Health Services]
*[https://www.vitalchek.com/death-certificates/wisconsin VitalChek]


:*The parent or grandparent of the person on the certificate
'''If you do not know the exact date or place of death:'''<br> For a fee, the [http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/VitalRecords/death.htm#D2 Wisconsin Department of Health office] will do a search.<br>
:*The spouse of the person on the certificate
:*The child or grandchild of the person on the certificate
:*The sibling of the person on the certificate
:*Funeral director
:*Anyone who has legal interest in the certificate
::'''NOTE:''' A copy of the death record cannot be obtained by anyone except those listed above until 50 years have passed from the date of the death.


'''If you do not want to order the death record, there are [[Substitute Records For United States Death Information|other records with death information]] you can search.<br>'''  
'''If you do not want to order the death record, there are [[Substitute Records For United States Death Information|other records with death information]] you can search.<br>'''  
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:*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]
:*[[United States Marriage Records|United States Marriage Records]]


[[Category:United_States_Vital_Records]] [[Category:West_Virginia]]
[[Category:United_States_Vital_Records]] [[Category:West_Virginia|Wisconsin]]

Revision as of 12:50, 28 May 2013

How to Find United States Deaths Gotoarrow.png Wisconsin Deaths

Statewide registration of deaths began in 1907 in Wisconsin and was generally complied with by 1908.

Next Step: When did the death occur? [edit | edit source]

Choose a time period to search for your ancestor's death record:

Learn more about U.S. Death Records

Deaths before 1907[edit | edit source]

Statewide registration of deaths began in 1907. Before 1907, deaths were not recorded by the state; however, some counties recorded deaths. But registration was voluntary.

Wisconsin Deaths Databases - Includes Index Only
Try 1st:


Pre-1907 - At Wisconsin Historical Society Free; index begins in 1852 but dates may vary by county
Try 2nd:


1850-1907 - At FamilySearch.org Free; obtained from the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services

Can't search the index listed above? Try searching other records for death information.
Can't find your ancestor in the index? Tips for searching indexes
No death record for your ancestor? Other records with death information


If you cannot find a death record in the indexes above, try searching substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.

  Records that give death information:
Cemetery Records
Newspapers
Probate (wills, etc)
Tax Records
Church Records
Census
Bible Records
Return to top: Choose another death year




Deaths after 1907[edit | edit source]

The state of Wisconsin began recording deaths in 1907.

For deaths that exist during this time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

Wisconsin Deaths Databases - Includes Indexes Only

Try 1st:


1835-1968 - At FamilySearch.org Free; index to death and burial records from the state of Wisconsin
Try 2nd:


1959-1997 - At FamilySearch.org Free; index of deaths from the Wisconsin Vital Records Office

Can't search the index listed above? Order a search for your ancestor from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
Can't find your ancestor in the index? Tips for searching indexes
No death record for your ancestor? Other records with death information

Obtain the Certificate[edit | edit source]

To get an image of the certificate, you can order the corresponding Family History Library film if the indexed information included a film number OR you can order a copy of the death certificate for a fee from the following locations:

If you do not know the exact date or place of death:
For a fee, the Wisconsin Department of Health office will do a search.

If you do not want to order the death record, there are other records with death information you can search.

Return to top: Choose another death year



Related Wiki Articles[edit | edit source]