VA National Cemeteries
Burial at Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot: A family guide
Milwaukee, Wisconsin · national cemetery · closed
In 1846, with the founding of the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, local leaders recognized the necessity of a local cemetery. Forest Home Cemetery was established in 1850 to meet this need. An example of the rural cemetery movement, Forest Home Cemetery originally contained 72 acres of pastoral land located outside of the city center. It is one the oldest rural cemeteries in the region, as well as the final resting place for many significant individuals in Wisconsin history. Sixteen mayors of Milwaukee and five governors of Wisconsin are interred at Forest Home Cemetery. Over the years the cemetery has expanded and today it is 200 acres. Eligible veterans, spouses, and dependent children may be buried at Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot at no cost. Below: the cemetery's history, notable veterans interred there, eligibility specifics, visiting hours, and the procedure Wisconsin families follow to schedule a burial.
History of Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot
In 1846, with the founding of the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, local leaders recognized the necessity of a local cemetery. Forest Home Cemetery was established in 1850 to meet this need. An example of the rural cemetery movement, Forest Home Cemetery originally contained 72 acres of pastoral land located outside of the city center. It is one the oldest rural cemeteries in the region, as well as the final resting place for many significant individuals in Wisconsin history. Sixteen mayors of Milwaukee and five governors of Wisconsin are interred at Forest Home Cemetery. Over the years the cemetery has expanded and today it is 200 acres.
The 0.038-acre soldiers' lot, located in section 24, block 5, was purchased from Forest Home Cemetery by the federal government in 1872. Most of the initial burials in the soldiers' lot came from general hospitals in the Milwaukee area. There are 21 interments within this lot.
Forest Home Cemetery, including the soldiers' lot, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in November 1980.
Notable veterans buried at Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot
The National Cemetery Administration documents the following veterans of note buried at Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot, listed by section and site as recorded in the cemetery's official register.
- Under Development.
Eligibility for burial at Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot
Planning ahead for a Veteran's or loved-one's final resting place can eliminate unnecessary delays and reduce stress on a family at a difficult time.
The Department of Veterans Affairs covers the grave plot, opening and closing of the grave, perpetual care, a government-furnished headstone or marker, and a U.S. burial flag at no cost to eligible families.
Visiting hours
Visitation Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset. Office Hours: Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed federal holidays except Memorial Day.
How to schedule a burial at Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot
- The funeral home or family contacts the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 1-800-535-1117 (24/7 for active funeral arrangements).
- Provide the veteran's full name, date of birth, social security number, dates of service, branch, and date of death.
- Fax or email the DD-214 to the cemetery's interment office for verification.
- Once eligibility is confirmed (typically 30–60 minutes for complete documentation), the cemetery assigns a date, time, and committal shelter.
- The funeral home transports the deceased to Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot at the assigned time. The cemetery handles opening, closing, and perpetual care from that point.
Where Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot sits in the Wisconsin cemetery system
Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot is one of the veteran cemeteries operating in Wisconsin. The cemetery is currently closed to new in-ground burials but may accept cremated remains in some cases. Families should verify status before planning.
For families considering alternatives, the nearest veteran cemeteries appear in our cemetery sidebar. If Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot is fully reserved, those alternatives are typically the next options.
Common Questions
Frequently asked
Is burial at Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot free for the family?
Yes, for eligible veterans, spouses, and dependent children. The VA covers plot, opening and closing, perpetual care, headstone or marker, and a U.S. burial flag. The funeral home's transportation and any pre-burial services are the only out-of-pocket costs.
Can I reserve a specific plot at Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot in advance?
Generally no. The cemetery assigns plots in order. Pre-need reservation is available in narrow circumstances (Medal of Honor recipients, members buried alongside an already-interred spouse). For plot choice, families typically use a private cemetery with a VA-furnished marker.
What if Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot is full or closed to new burials?
Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot is closed to new in-ground burials. Cremated remains may still be accepted in some cases. The nearest open veteran cemeteries are listed in the cemetery sidebar; the funeral home can coordinate transport to any of them.
Are military funeral honors provided at Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot?
Yes. Military funeral honors — flag fold, presentation, Taps — are provided at no cost by the deceased's branch of service at any VA national, state, or tribal veteran cemetery. The funeral home arranges the honors detail.
EverSettled · After the Veteran Funeral
The veteran's spouse may qualify for VA Dependency & Indemnity Compensation.
DIC is a tax-free monthly benefit for surviving spouses, dependent children, and (in some cases) parents of veterans whose death is service-connected. EverSettled walks veteran families through DIC eligibility, survivor pension, life-insurance claims, probate, and the federal-account paperwork that follows.
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