A History Told in the Stories of Our Community
Celebrating more than 140 years, Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Cemetery and Mausoleum can trace its own history to that of the community it serves. Founded in 1885 by a group of community and business leaders, the more than 300 acres of gentle hills, greenery and trees soon became the final resting place of individuals and families – who worked, raised their families and helped to grow Omaha and surrounding areas into the city it has now become.
Today, Forest Lawn is considered one of the nation’s most beautiful cemeteries, with an arboretum featuring four champion state trees. It is also one of the only cemeteries in the United States to be designated as a bird sanctuary.
Then, as now, families and friends, community members and history buffs are welcome to explore the historic Forest Lawn Cemetery and the special areas of interest – or simply walk amid the natural beauty of the grounds.
Celebrating more than 140 years, Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Cemetery and Mausoleum can trace its own history to that of the community it serves. Founded in 1885 by a group of community and business leaders, the more than 300 acres of gentle hills, greenery and trees soon became the final resting place of individuals and families – who worked, raised their families and helped to grow Omaha and surrounding areas into the city it has now become.
Today, Forest Lawn is considered one of the nation’s most beautiful cemeteries, with an arboretum featuring four champion state trees. It is also one of the only cemeteries in the United States to be designated as a bird sanctuary.
Then, as now, families and friends, community members and history buffs are welcome to explore the historic Forest Lawn Cemetery and the special areas of interest – or simply walk amid the natural beauty of the grounds.
Growing to Serve Area Needs
We have also grown beyond the original cemetery services to include a funeral home, constructed in 2015, to ensure families had the ability to plan all end-of-life services in a single location. Our new mausoleum was constructed in 2021, to provide year-round comfort and accessibility in the area’s four-season climate.
Then in 2023, the Forever Friends Pet Cemetery was established on 10 acres within the Forest Lawn Cemetery. It allows families to provide a final resting place for their beloved pets – of all species – among the historic beauty of the grounds.
The Forest Lawn Crematory was one of Nebraska’s first.
Historic Points of Interest
History can be found nearly everywhere you look. Mausoleum row includes the private estates of many of Omaha’s founding families and business leaders who helped to shape the city’s growth and progress.
The breathtaking Historic Chapel was built in 1913. Its period architecture, stained glass windows and interior décor make it a marvel. It continues to be used for some funerals. It is also a marvelous setting for the weddings that are held there.
Special Monuments and Sections
Anyone who has driven or walked through Forest Lawn Cemetery notices the unique statues and monuments. Often, these are commissioned and set in celebration of civic organizations and special groups – some that no longer exist. In many cases they are surrounded by the graves of members, their spouses and families.
Make your own family history
For many, Forest Lawn is the final resting place for generations of family members – purchasing spaces near to each other in our cemetery or mausoleum. For future family members, it offers a unique view of their ancestry. At a time of loss, it brings its own comfort thinking that a loved one will be welcomed to eternity by family.
