History & Staff

At Wilhelm's Portland Memorial, we have provided customizable memorial services for over 60 years. Personalized service options allow you to honor your loved ones in a way that is both meaningful and healing. We hope to provide support and caring while delivering memorial services that celebrate life and help families find the peace they deserve.
If you’re seeking an honorable celebration of life in null and the surrounding areas, we invite you to learn more about where we came from, our vision, and the dedicated people behind our work.

A History of Caring

Wilhelm's Portland Memorial began as the first crematory west of the Mississippi River – The Portland Cremation Association. The cornerstone was placed February 5, 1901, in the still-existing historic chapel structure. Today, Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial offers 8 stories and approximately 7 miles of corridors of carefully preserved architecture and elegance. Our mausoleum spans 2.5 city blocks, and is the largest on the west coast. The Portland Memorial Mausoleum has over 30 pieces of antique stained-glass art that were designed, constructed, and installed by the famed Povey Brothers and Gerlach, as well as Louis C. Tiffany. Our mausoleum also has a vast collection of larger than life marble statuary, hand carved from Carrara marble at the Taverelli Studios in Italy. The marble fronts that cover most of the walls in the mausoleum have been created over the last 90 years, and are sourced from 5 different continents. Our most famous statue is a breathtaking exact replica of Michelangelo’s “La Pieta,” created from marble sourced from the same quarry as Michelangelo used so many centuries ago. Our “La Pieta” weighs close to 7,000 lbs. and was put in place by crane in 1969.

The more than 100-year-old vision of our local citizens who started Portland Memorial is still alive in the majestic walkways of granite and marble, and in the many peaceful areas within the mausoleum serving as a final resting place for thousands of Oregonians. You can also join us for community events listed on our Facebook page, and learn the legacy of Wilhelm’s’ Portland Memorial Mausoleum.

Our Staff’s Dedication to Respectful Care

A funeral, or memorial service, should provide family members and loved ones with the chance to reflect, remember, and celebrate a life well-lived. At Wilhelm's, our goal is to create exceptional services and experiences that fulfill the wishes of your loved one. Our experienced Funeral Directors provide guidance on the crucial first steps toward healing.

Michael A. Salazar
Location Leader

Michael has been in the funeral industry for over 20 years. Michael received his associates of Mortuary Science from Mount Hood Community College in June of 2000. After graduation he moved back to Boise and had the opportunity to move back to Portland to continue his career in 2002.

In his free time, you can find Michael spending time with his three children, Nicholas, Peightynn and Brees. They like to watch movies, play video games, or go for walks by the river. He also likes to golf, read, and watch his beloved Red Sox.

Michael is committed to serving families during their time of need due to a loss of a loved one. And finds it rewarding helping a family during this difficult time.


Sarah Lewis
Family Service Advisor

Sarah was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She has been with The Portland Memorial Mausoleum and Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial since 2013, and feels very privileged to represent such a beautiful and historical mausoleum.

Certified by the Oregon Mortuary and Cemetery board and licensed as a life insurance producer in Oregon allows Sarah to write prearrangements for families and individuals. She feels honored by the opportunity to serve and meet the needs of each family with compassion and excellence. In her free time, Sarah loves living life to its fullest by hiking, camping & spending time in the great outdoors.