Honoring Service, Sacrifice, and Legacy
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs operates and maintains three veterans cemeteries throughout the state. These cemeteries serve as a final resting place for veterans and their eligible family members, preserving their legacy and honoring their sacrifices.
N4063 Veterans Way
Spooner, WI 54801
Phone: 715-635-5360
Fax: 715-635-5363
N2666 County Road QQ
King, WI 54946
Phone: 715-256-5000
Fax: 715-256-3513
21731 Spring Street
Union Grove, WI 53182
Phone: 262-878-5660
Toll-Free: 1-888-823-3789
Burial Information & Procedures
Eligibility for Burial
- Veterans must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
- 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, at a minimum, must meet one of the following:
- Veteran was discharged from “active duty” under other than dishonorable conditions, or
- Veteran died while on “active duty”, or
- 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).
- Spouses and dependent children are eligible, even if the veteran is not buried in a state cemetery.
- Wisconsin state residency is no longer required for burial at any of the Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemeteries.
- Exceptions & special cases may apply (e.g., veteran convicted of a capital crime).
Appeals for Eligibility
A veteran, their legal representative, or their next-of-kin may appeal an eligibility decision. The appeal must be in writing and filed with:
Appeals for Eligibility
Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs
Office of Legal Counsel
PO Box 7843, 2135 Rimrock Road, Madison, WI 53707-7843
How to Arrange an Interment
- Services are scheduled Monday – Friday (excluding state holidays) from 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM.
- Funeral directors must contact the cemetery office to schedule a service and verify eligibility.
- To schedule an interment service the following documents or forms must be provided to the cemetery:
- Veteran – Military Discharge (DD Form 214) or other type of discharge document.
- Spouse – Copy of a legal marriage certificate.
- Dependent Child – Copy of birth certificate or legal adoption papers and supporting documents from health care provider or a disability determination.
- Final disposition papers and copy of a death certificate (when available).
- If a dependent predeceases the veteran, the same procedures apply.
Gravesite Assignment & Reservations
- No advance reservations, except for:
- Spouses of interred veterans.
- Surviving veteran parents or children of a veteran killed in action.
- Spouses and eligible dependent children of interred veteran.
- Parents and children of a veteran killed in action may be eligible.
Memorial & Committal Services
- Spooner, King, and Union Grove Cemeteries: Limited to committal services (20-30 min).
Types of Burial Options
Ground Burial of Casket
- Granite or marble markers include name, branch of service, rank, and dates of birth and death.
- For veterans, spouses, and dependent children choosing ground casket burial.
- Uses pre-set liners with upright granite or marble markers.
Ground Burial of Cremated Remains
- Granite or marble markers include name, branch of service, rank, and dates of birth & death.
- Uses pre-set liners with upright granite or marble markers.
- For veterans, spouses, and dependent children choosing ground cremated burial.
Columbarium For Cremated Remains
- For veterans, spouses, and dependent children choosing columbarium placement of cremated remains.
- A niche unit that may accommodate two urns.
- Granite or marble niche covers include name, branch of service, rank, and dates of birth and death.
Scattering Garden (For Cremation)
- Southern and Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemeteries offer scattering gardens that allow families to place cremated remains in-ground without a burial container.
Pre-Registration for Burial
- Veterans, spouses, and eligible dependent children can pre-register to establish eligibility.
- How to Pre-Register:
- Fastest Method: Use the MyWisVets Benefits Portal.
- Paper Application: Download and submit WDVA 2111 Form.
For Assistance: Call 1-800-WIS-VETS (947-8387).
Fees & Costs
No interment fee for eligible veteran unless a private burial vault is used.
- Interment/Burial Fee: (spouse/dependent children) $1,700.00
- Interment/Cremains Fee: (spouse/dependent children) $978.00
- (The interment fees are not charged for the eligible Veteran)
- Disinterment Fee – casket: (Veteran/spouse/dependent children) $1,400.00
- Disinterment Fee – cremation: (Veteran/spouse/dependent children) $700.00
- Private Burial Vault Fee: (Veteran/spouse/dependent children) $2,200.00
Fees include gravesite, marker, opening and closing, and perpetual care.
Fees are only collected at the time of burial and are subject to periodic increases.
Floral and Grounds Regulations
Fresh Floral Tributes
- Allowed year-round.
- Water and vases available April – October.
- Remove all packaging before placing flowers.
Artificial Flowers & Holiday Wreaths
- Permitted November 1 – March 15.
- Wreaths must be leaned against marker or columbarium bases.
- Not allowed: Wreath stands, grave blankets.
Flags
- Placed by cemetery staff for Memorial Day only and removed within 10 days.
Pet Policy
- Pets must be leashed or remain in vehicles.
- Owners must remove pet waste.
Prohibited Activities
- Planting of trees, flowers, and shrubs.
- Statues, lights, banners, flag holders, breakable containers, and commercial decorations.
- Decorations attached to markers, columbarium, and memorial walls.
- Decorations exceeding ground burial marker height.
Vehicle Guidelines
- Vehicles must remain on paved surfaces.
Grave Markers
- Vandalizing a veteran’s cemetery marker is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison and fines under 18 U.S. Code 1369, as these markers are protected government property.
- Lithochrome (black ink) fades over time and is no longer used in new sections.
Special Provisions
- Cemetery staff are not responsible for damage by wildlife that may occur to floral tributes.
- The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs reserves the right to remove any items inconsistent with cemetery dignity.
These regulations preserve the honor, solemnity, and beauty of our veterans’ final resting place.
Support & Donations
Learn More About Donations on our Volunteer and Donation page.
Donations help maintain and enhance the beauty of these sacred spaces. Contact the cemeteries directly for details and brochures. Monetary gifts may be designated for:
General support
Benches
Flowerpots
Wall of Honor
Bricks/Stones
Flagpoles
General donation wall
Armed Forces Wall
Donations may be tax-deductible (check with a tax consultant).
Federal Information
Burial at Sea
For Navy personnel: Contact U.S. Navy Mortuary Affairs at 1-888-647-6676 (Option 4).
National Cemetery Administration (USDVA) – Information on national and state cemeteries and USDVA burial benefits.
Nationwide Gravesite Locator (USDVA) – Search for burial locations of veterans and their family members in USDVA National Cemeteries, state veterans cemeteries, various other military and Department of Interior cemeteries, and for veterans buried in private cemeteries when the grave is marked with a government grave marker.
Benefits, Programs, & Services Inquiries
For Benefits, Programs, & Services Inquiries call, email, or use the chat feature to get the support you need.