undertaker

An undertaker is a professional who arranges and conducts funerals and prepares the deceased for burial or cremation. The term derives from the idea of undertaking the tasks involved in burial; in many countries the occupation is more commonly called a funeral director or mortician. The title “undertaker” persists in some regions and historical contexts, but contemporary practice often emphasizes professional licensing and standardized services.

Duties typically include coordinating all aspects of a funeral, arranging transport of the remains, supervising preparation and cosmetics, dressing and casketing, and advising families on choices for burial or cremation. Undertakers may also arrange permits and documentation, notify authorities, liaise with cemeteries or crematories, publish obituaries, and organize memorial services. They provide support to grieving families, manage logistics for service locations, and sometimes supply caskets, urns, and other funeral merchandise.

Training and regulation vary by country and region. In many places, funeral directors complete formal education in funeral service, complete an apprenticeship or practicum, and obtain a professional license. Ongoing professional standards and ethics requirements are common, with regular continuing education.

Workplaces include funeral homes, mortuaries, and sometimes hospitals or cemeteries. Equipment may include embalming equipment, refrigeration units, embalmed storage, hearses, and preparation rooms. Legal and ethical considerations cover handling of remains, consent, privacy, and compliance with health and safety and environmental regulations.

Popular culture sometimes uses the term in reference to the WWE persona “The Undertaker,” a fictional character portrayed by Mark Calaway since 1990. This usage is distinct from the professional role of funeral service providers.