By the end of which century did undertakers consolidate multiple functions into one?

The consolidation of multiple functions into one by undertakers primarily occurred in the 19th century. During this time, the profession began to evolve significantly due to a number of societal changes, including urbanization and the rise of public health standards.

Previously, burial practices were typically handled by various individuals such as ministers, carpenters, and grave diggers; however, as the funeral industry developed, the role of the undertaker emerged as a centralized figure who could manage all aspects of a burial or memorial service. This included preparing the body, organizing transportation, and facilitating the funeral service itself.

The 19th century also marked the establishment of more formal funeral homes and the practice of embalming became more commonplace, which further solidified the undertaker's role as a comprehensive service provider in the funeral process. Overall, this consolidation represented a significant shift towards professionalization in the industry, making the 19th century a pivotal time for the evolution of funeral services.