How to Find Wisconsin Death Records: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 12:54, 28 May 2013

How to Find United States Deaths 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:

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.

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

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 either 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.