HISTORY
With a history that dates back to the mid-1800s and includes several name changes (German Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Doty Street Lutheran Church
Cemetery), Peace Lutheran Cemetery is one of Peace Lutheran Church’s oldest missions. A non-profit cemetery, we embrace Christ’s example of universal
acceptance and are open to all.
In 1885, Mr. Ebernau donated a strip of land next to the Northwestern railroad track at Town Road to Peace Lutheran Church for their cemetery. From 1885 until
1892, the cemetery was managed by Mr. August Abraham. During this time, lots were donated to members of Peace when a death occurred in their family.
Beginning in 1892, a committee was elected to administer the cemetery. In 1895, additional property was purchased from the McCone property. Shortly after this, the entire McCone property was purchased for cemetery use. These sections of land make up the present cemetery, which occupies about 12.5 acres. Each new section of the cemetery was developed as lots were purchased, with the final area prepared for the sale of lots in 1960. At some point in the early 1900s, Mr. William Radtke erected a windmill and tank for water that could be used by lot owners. Water was piped to various areas of the cemetery, and water keys were sold for 25¢ per year to help defray the cost of operation and upkeep of the self-made water system. Later, water use was charged at a higher price. For many years, members of the Konrad family volunteered their time to maintain the cemetery grounds. Konrad family members also served on the Cemetery
Committee. In 1948, the grave assessment was raised to $3.50 a grave to provide for perpetual care of the cemetery.
Costs increased greatly after the cemetery was annexed by the City of Oshkosh. This brought water run-off charges, as well as driveway apron and road repair
assessments. Today, Peace Lutheran Cemetery is managed by a sexton, Robert Reinke Jr., in partnership with a 6-member Cemetery Board. Current board members are: Steve Berholtz, Kim Dawson, Andy Janke, Rock Jungwirth, Dirk Kagerbauer, and Paul Schmidt. Pastor Maggie Berndt-Dryer (Peace Lutheran Church) and Robert Reinke Jr. are ex-officio board members. Randy Hartman is the Cemetery Treasurer. Much has changed since land was first set aside for Peace’s cemetery. What hasn’t changed, is the cemetery’s commitment to honor those who’ve gone before us. Peace Lutheran Cemetery is one way the members of Peace have been doing that for over 130 years. Our goal is to continue doing that for many years to come. If you have thoughts or ideas on how Peace can continue its mission of honoring loved ones who have passed away, please share them with Bob Reinke or any Cemetery Board member.
With a history that dates back to the mid-1800s and includes several name changes (German Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, Doty Street Lutheran Church
Cemetery), Peace Lutheran Cemetery is one of Peace Lutheran Church’s oldest missions. A non-profit cemetery, we embrace Christ’s example of universal
acceptance and are open to all.
In 1885, Mr. Ebernau donated a strip of land next to the Northwestern railroad track at Town Road to Peace Lutheran Church for their cemetery. From 1885 until
1892, the cemetery was managed by Mr. August Abraham. During this time, lots were donated to members of Peace when a death occurred in their family.
Beginning in 1892, a committee was elected to administer the cemetery. In 1895, additional property was purchased from the McCone property. Shortly after this, the entire McCone property was purchased for cemetery use. These sections of land make up the present cemetery, which occupies about 12.5 acres. Each new section of the cemetery was developed as lots were purchased, with the final area prepared for the sale of lots in 1960. At some point in the early 1900s, Mr. William Radtke erected a windmill and tank for water that could be used by lot owners. Water was piped to various areas of the cemetery, and water keys were sold for 25¢ per year to help defray the cost of operation and upkeep of the self-made water system. Later, water use was charged at a higher price. For many years, members of the Konrad family volunteered their time to maintain the cemetery grounds. Konrad family members also served on the Cemetery
Committee. In 1948, the grave assessment was raised to $3.50 a grave to provide for perpetual care of the cemetery.
Costs increased greatly after the cemetery was annexed by the City of Oshkosh. This brought water run-off charges, as well as driveway apron and road repair
assessments. Today, Peace Lutheran Cemetery is managed by a sexton, Robert Reinke Jr., in partnership with a 6-member Cemetery Board. Current board members are: Steve Berholtz, Kim Dawson, Andy Janke, Rock Jungwirth, Dirk Kagerbauer, and Paul Schmidt. Pastor Maggie Berndt-Dryer (Peace Lutheran Church) and Robert Reinke Jr. are ex-officio board members. Randy Hartman is the Cemetery Treasurer. Much has changed since land was first set aside for Peace’s cemetery. What hasn’t changed, is the cemetery’s commitment to honor those who’ve gone before us. Peace Lutheran Cemetery is one way the members of Peace have been doing that for over 130 years. Our goal is to continue doing that for many years to come. If you have thoughts or ideas on how Peace can continue its mission of honoring loved ones who have passed away, please share them with Bob Reinke or any Cemetery Board member.