Cemetery

Burial benefits available for veterans buried in a private cemetery may include a government headstone, marker or medallion, a burial flag and a Presidential Memorial Certificate, at no cost to the family. Some veterans may also be eligible for Burial Allowance. There are not any VA benefits available to spouses and dependents buried in a private cemetery.

Only an eligible veteran may receive a government-furnished headstone or marker or medallion for placement in a private cemetery. Veterans' spouses and dependent children are not eligible.

Eligibility for Veteran

Eligibility is based on a veteran meeting military service and Wisconsin residency as listed.

Military service requirements for burial in Wisconsin State Veterans Cemeteries must be in accordance with the eligibility standards as set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - National Cemetery Administration, and as a minimum must meet one of the following:

• Veteran was discharged from active duty under other than dishonorable conditions
• Veteran died while on active duty
• Veteran served at least 20 years in the National Guard or Reserves and qualified for military retirement pay (or would have qualified except death occurred before age 60)

Wisconsin state residency requirement for burial in state veteran cemeteries must meet one of the following:

• Veteran was a Wisconsin resident at the time of entry or re-entry into military service
• Veteran was a Wisconsin resident at the time of death,
• Veteran was a Wisconsin resident for at least 12 consecutive months after entering or reentering service on active duty
• Note: There is no residency requirement for a veteran who dies while on active duty

Eligibility for Veteran's Family

Spouses, surviving spouse, and dependent children are eligible for interment even if the veteran is not buried or memorialized in a state veterans cemetery and the veteran would have met both military service and Wisconsin residency requirements. This includes, lost or buried at sea, missing or missing in action, or whose remains have been donated to science or cremated and the ashes scattered.

Eligibility Includes:

• Surviving spouse of an eligible veteran that has been interred who remarries retains his or her eligibility for burial
• Any natural or adoptive child of an eligible veteran who are under the age of 18 years or who are under 26 years of age and pursuing a course of instruction at an approved educational institution
• An adult child of an eligible veteran of any age if the child is physically or mentally disabled and incapable of self-support by reason of mental or physical disability

Pre-Registration

Pre-registration allows a veteran, spouse, and/or dependent child to establish eligibility for interment at one of the three state veteran's cemeteries. There is no cost for pre-registration and it does not obligate the veteran to be interred at the cemetery selected. Pre-registration is intended to establish eligibility and simplify the process for the veteran's next-of-kin at the time of death. A separate pre-registration is not necessary for dependents. Grave spaces are assigned at time of need; specific gravesites are not reserved.

To pre-register at one of our three cemeteries located at Spooner, King, or Union Grove, complete the pre-registration application (WDVA 2111) and email, or send to the address listed on the application, or to the cemetery of choice. Forward the appropriate documentation of your military service - DD214, Wisconsin residency and if married, a copy of your marriage license or certificate. Online registration is currently under development.

Once all documents have been received and/or eligibility has been established a notice of confirmation regarding pre-registration will be sent to you.

View a list of cemeteries and their contact information.

Contact Chippewa County Veteran's office for assistance with application and required documentation.