Services

We are the closest full service funeral home to

Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

We will handle every aspect of the pre-qualification and interment application and process for our brave veterans and their spouses!

Many of us take our freedoms for granted, but our staff at Ernst Funeral & Cremation Services proudly acknowledges the sacrifices made by those who have served our country through their patriotism, love of country and willingness to protect others.

We are Ernst Funeral & Cremation Services will handle EVERY aspect that may arise with the VA System.  Below is a list of just some of what we provide our military families.

~We will obtain the official burial flag for the veteran; whether that be needed for a traditional burial or cremation rites.

~We will submit the application for getting the veteran and spouse pre-approved for interment rites at the cemetery.  One can provide us with their military discharge papers (DD214) and if a spouse will be interred with the veteran, a copy of their marriage certificate as well.  We offer this to those that are pre-planning and even those that just want help with the application without any commitment to our funeral home ever.  Always at NO cost to you!

~When the time arises, we will submit an application for interment at the cemetery.  The Iowa Veterans Cemetery offers interment times, Monday through Friday (excluding federal holidays) at specific times.  The current times they offer each day are: 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. We have an excellent working relationship with the office team at Iowa Veterans Cemetery and promise you fast and precise communication with all involved.

~We will complete the application for VA Burial Benefits and submit on behalf of your family.  Reimbursable expenses do vary on the veteran and where they pass, but can include reimbursement for: transportation to the funeral home from the place of death, transportation to the veteran's final resting place, private cemetery plot/grave allowance and private concrete outer burial container allowance.

~We will provide a FREE Certified VA Death Certificate to be used for VA purposes only.

~We will arrange with the active military (branch you served) and any local VFW or American Legion Posts to conduct military honors at Iowa Veterans Cemetery or the cemetery of your choice.  A detail will be sent to the cemetery (or location of your choice) to fold and present the flag to your loved one, render taps and perform color guard and a military rifle salute.

~We will assist on the completion of the headstone/niche marker front to make sure the information is accurate and any personal expressions are placed on the monument to help honor your loved ones.  We will also apply for the headstone, flat raised stone, flat bronze or niche bronze to adorn the grave at a private cemetery of your choice or to attach to an existing headstone.

Contact us today via phone (515) 987-6881 or by email at: ernstwaukee@gmail.com to find out more information or to start your NO obligation and NO pressure pre-planning or at-need consultation today!

What are VA burial benefits and memorial items?

The VA burial benefits are designed to assist service members, veterans, and their families plan and pay for a burial or memorial service in a VA national cemetery. Memorial items are provided through the Veterans Affairs to honor the service of those who have served the country.

Veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery, as well as other benefits, if they meet one of the requirements listed below:

Military funeral honors include the playing of “Taps,” a rifle detail, a color guard and uniformed service members who properly fold and present the United States flag to the grieving family. These flags are typically given to the deceased’s next of kin or close friend. In order for the survivors to qualify to receive the burial flag, the veteran or reservist must be described by at least one of the following:

The veterans death benefits help cover the burial, funeral and transportation costs associated with the deceased’s services and disposition. For those being buried in a national cemetery, survivors can receive assistance with the burial and funeral costs, the plot or internment, and the transporting of the veteran’s remains for burial.

You must file a claim for a non-service-connected burial allowance within two years after the veteran’s burial or cremation. There is no time limit to file for a service-connected burial, plot or interment allowance.
You can apply online at https://www.va.gov/burials-and-memorials/application/530/introduction or by mail after completing the VA Form 21P-530.
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A veteran who didn’t receive a dishonorable discharge or a service member who died while on active duty may be eligible for a headstone or marker if they meet certain requirements. To find out if your deceased loved one qualifies, visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/memorial-items/headstones-markers-medallions/ 
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The Department of Veteran Affairs also provides a headstone for unmarked graves of an eligible deceased veteran at no charge. To request a headstone, grave marker, or niche marker, fill out the VA Form 10-1330 and send to:
Department of Veteran Affairs
5109 Russell Road
Quantico, VA 22134-3909 

For more information regarding VA burial benefits and memorial items, visit https://www.va.gov/burials-memorials/ or contact the VA office at 1-800-827-1000.