Finding Peace of Mind: Tribute Companies’ Compassionate Services for Families with Disabilities

At GiGi’s Playhouse, we know that planning for every season of life brings peace, clarity, and comfort—especially for families navigating the unique journey of raising a child with a disability. That’s why I want to share my recent conversation with Matthew Pagel, General Cemetery Sales Manager at Tribute Companies, a fourth-generation family-owned business that has been serving Wisconsin communities with heart, compassion, and dedication.

Tribute Companies owns and operates four cemeteries across Wisconsin, including the serene and beautifully maintained Restlawn Memorial Park, located at 235962 North Troy Street in Wausau, WI. What truly sets Tribute Companies apart is their commitment to offering discounted services for individuals with disabilities—a gesture that speaks volumes about the compassion behind their mission. As a parent, and a member of the GiGi’s Playhouse community, that kind of support brings immense peace of mind.

Matthew, a Wisconsin native who has been with Tribute Companies for 4.5 years, shared how deeply he and his team care about easing the burdens and sorrows families face during the most difficult times. His empathy and sincerity were clear throughout our conversation. “Our job is to provide comfort and take on some of that emotional weight,” he said, “so families can focus on healing and remembering.”

Restlawn Memorial Park isn’t just a final resting place—it’s a space designed with intention, reverence, and beauty. From its meticulously landscaped grounds to the Cremation Nature Trail, every detail reflects the company’s commitment to honoring lives and preserving legacies. The park is not only peaceful but thoughtfully planned to provide options for every family’s needs and wishes.

What truly resonated with me was the company’s vision:
“To be the recognized cemetery leader in our community, to remain family owned and operated, and to provide caring, compassionate service for many generations. We will maintain beautiful and peaceful surroundings for the deceased and their families, while continuously honoring the memory of those who have passed away before us by preserving the genealogy and heritage of their lives.”

This vision isn’t just words—it’s a lived experience. Tribute Companies’ dedication to long-term service, especially for individuals with disabilities, reflects values that align so closely with what we hold dear at GiGi’s Playhouse: dignity, inclusion, and love.

While it’s never easy to talk about death, being prepared is a natural and important part of life. Knowing that organizations like Tribute Companies are here, walking beside families through both the joyful and the difficult times, is incredibly comforting. They’re not just in the business of memorial services—they’re in the business of caring.

If you’re considering pre-planning or want to learn more about Restlawn Memorial Park and Tribute Companies’ services, especially those available for disabled individuals, I wholeheartedly encourage you to connect with them. We will also have information and brochures at the Playhouse. In a world that often overlooks our community, it’s reassuring to find partners who genuinely see and support us.

Thank you, Matthew Pagel and Tribute Companies, for the incredible work you do—for honoring the past, supporting the present, and preserving memories for the future.