Friends of Calvary Cemetery, Inc. is a community based not-for-profit organization of professional and non-professional volunteers leading efforts to stabilize, restore, preserve and perpetuate the chapel/mausoleum in Calvary Cemetery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

“Calvary Cemetery has been a jewel in Milwaukee’s landscape since 1857. As the final home of such local luminaries as Solomon Juneau, Frederick Miller, and Patrick Cudahy, the cemetery contains a virtual Who Was Who of Catholic Milwaukee. Its crowning glory is a hilltop chapel designed by Erhard Brielmaier, the same architect responsible for St. Josaphat’s Basilica. As the winters take their toll and archdiocesan resources are channeled to other needs, it is vital for community members to step forward and help preserve this treasure in our midst.”

– John Gurda, Author and Milwaukee Historian

History of Friends of Calvary Cemetery

On July 7th, 1992, the Catholic Archdiocese of Milwaukee petitioned the Milwaukee Historic Preservation Commission to permit the razing of the chapel in Calvary Cemetery, a designated historical landmark. A group of interested citizens viewed this chapel as an historical treasure which must be stabilized, restored, and preserved. In February 1993, after reviewing the plan, the Archdiocese withdrew the petition to raze the chapel and gave its blessing to the volunteer group now known as Friends of Calvary Cemetery.
Since its founding, Friends of Calvary Cemetery has overseen significant restoration work. Three crumbling half-domes were restored by rebuilding the brickwork and re-roofing them with highly-durable nickle-coated copper; the central dome, as well as all upper roofs, were re-roofed; stonework on the dome, damaged by lightning, was rebuilt; flashing, gutters and downspouts were replaced; and, a steel-clad, temporary construction door was installed to prevent vandals from entering. Much remains yet to be done to ensure an enduring presence.

Board of Directors

Keith Schultz, President

Keith Shultz is a graduate of the School of Architecture at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the President of SchultzWerk Architecture, Inc. 

Tim Richter, Vice-President

Tim Richter holds a Bachelor of Computer Science degree with a minor in History from Marquette University. He currently serves as the Court IT Manager for the Milwaukee Municipal Court. Tim has a deep appreciation for Milwaukee’s rich history, diverse culture, and iconic architecture, which inspire his involvement in this preservation effort.

Fr. Michael Maher

Fr. Michael W. Maher is a Jesuit priest living and working at Marquette University. His educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Philosophy, two Masters’ degrees in Theology, and his Doctorate in History from the University of Minnesota. In addition to his work in Milwaukee, Fr. Maher does extensive work in the Jesuit archives in Rome. A native of Milwaukee, he has a great love for his native city and its history, especially buildings that reflect the various religious traditions that made Milwaukee what it is today.