Stewart Baxter Funeral Home & Memorial Services

Stewart Baxter Funeral Home & Memorial Services has been a cornerstone of the Cedar Rapids community since 1958, offering compassionate and personalized funeral and cremation services. The historic location at 1844 1st Avenue NE was originally built as a family home in 1908, and the warmth of that heritage still resonates today. Many families comment on the comforting, home-like atmosphere, far removed from the feel of a large institutional building. Over the years, thoughtful additions have been made, including a garage, selection room, and a large chapel completed in 1985, while the original woodwork, pocket doors, and detailed staircase remain beautifully preserved.

As a locally owned and operated business, Stewart Baxter is dedicated to helping families create meaningful tributes that honor the unique life of their loved one. The spacious gathering area can comfortably seat 130 people and is versatile enough to accommodate various service configurations. State-of-the-art audiovisual equipment allows for video tributes and special music, while family lounges provide a space to serve food and refreshments. The facility offers complimentary beverage service, including lemonade, iced tea, water, and a Keurig gourmet coffee machine, and the staff is happy to assist with catering and special requests.

Stewart Baxter offers a comprehensive range of services, including traditional funeral services, cremation services, memorial services, direct burial, and graveside services. They excel at creating unique celebrations of life that reflect the personality and interests of the deceased. Pre-planning assistance is available to help individuals make arrangements in advance, easing the burden on loved ones. The staff has years of experience in planning military services for veterans, ensuring that all details are handled with the utmost respect and professionalism.

The team at Stewart Baxter is known for their compassion, professionalism, and dedication. Jacob Wittrock, owner and funeral director, leads a staff that includes experienced professionals such as Michelle, Emily, and Rob, who are frequently praised in reviews for their caring guidance and support. Families appreciate the thorough aftercare follow-up and the staff's willingness to accommodate special requests without rushing the grieving process.

Stewart Baxter Funeral Home & Memorial Services has earned outstanding ratings: a perfect 5.0 on Google Maps from 201 reviews and a 4.9 on Legacy.com from 45 reviews. Testimonials consistently highlight the team's kindness, transparency about pricing, and ability to make a difficult time feel more manageable. The funeral home is wheelchair accessible, offers on-site parking, and provides prepayment plans to help families plan ahead. Available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, Stewart Baxter is a trusted partner for families in Cedar Rapids and beyond.