About Us

Our Mission

The mission of the Descendant Community of Milwaukee County Grounds Cemeteries, Inc. is to provide programs and projects serving the individuals and families whose ancestors were buried at Milwaukee County Grounds Cemeteries, and those seeking to understand the history at the County Grounds. Those individuals buried at the cemeteries were marginalized because of indigence, disability or unknown identity at time of death, and were not properly memorialized.

Our Leadership

Meet the individuals guiding the Descendant Community’s mission. Our officers and directors bring expertise in history, genealogy, and community advocacy, ensuring that the stories of those buried at Milwaukee County Grounds Cemeteries are not forgotten.

Judy Houston
President

Judy, a family genealogist with four ancestors once buried at the County Grounds, founded the Descendant Community of Milwaukee County Grounds Cemeteries. She advocates for ethical change in the treatment of ancestral remains.

Ken Muss
Vice-President

Ken has two ancestors that were buried in Cemetery 2 on the Milwaukee County Grounds. He has a background in IT Project Management.

Avery Rainey
Secretary

As Secretary, Avery keeps everything running smoothly by tracking board meetings, handling correspondence, and making sure the team stays in the loop to push the nonprofit’s mission forward. With a knack for organization and a keen eye for detail, Avery helps keep things transparent, efficient, and on track!

Benjamin Neumann
Treasurer

A long-time county resident with non-profit experience, Benjamin created a memorial at Cemetery 3 as part of his Eagle Scout project. His background in computer science, focused on inclusiveness and research, supports the Descendant Community’s goal of honoring all individuals with dignity.

Chris Allswede
Director and Veteran Identification Project Administrator

Chris, a family genealogist for over 38 years, identifies military veterans buried in Milwaukee County Grounds Cemeteries and their living descendants. Her Great-Great-Grandfather, Johann Baly (Barley) was buried in Cemetery 2.

Additional Team Members

Mark Houston
Genealogical Project Administrator

Mark, an avid family historian, maintains County Grounds burial records, locating vital records, and updating Find-A-Grave memorials.

Michele Gerlach
Genealogical Database Architect & Administrative Liaison

Michele has one ancestor who was once buried in Cemetery 2 on the Milwaukee County Grounds. Her background is as a legal assistant/paralegal and has been doing genealogical research for the last 10 years.

We would like to acknowledge our additional volunteers whose contributions, dedication, energy, and passion, have created a significant impact in support of our mission.

Noteworthy Media Mentions

The Descendant Community has been featured in various media outlets, showcasing the importance of our mission to honor those buried in Milwaukee County Grounds Cemeteries.

2024

2023

2022