Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
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 interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
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.
Request eligibility status for:
Veteran or servicemember Spouse Dependent family member Apply online »
Burial in a VA national cemetery is open to all members of the armed forces who have met a minimum active duty service requirement and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Directions
From Wood National Cemetery take National Avenue East to Highway 41 (43rd Street). Turn right on Highway 41. Go South to Forest Home Avenue. Turn left and go East on Forest Home Avenue to 24th Street. Cemetery is on the right.
From Mitchell International Airport (6.9 miles from the cemetery): From the airport take Wisconsin-119 West. Take Interstate 94 South/Interstate 894-ByPass. Take exit 136. Merge onto Interstate 43 South/Interstate 894 West. Take the 27th Street/Wisconsin-241 North exit #9B. Turn right on South 27th Street. Bear right on West Forest Home Avenue. Total distance is 6.9 miles.
Floral and grounds policy
Cemetery policies are conspicuously posted and readily visible to the public.
Floral arrangements accompanying the casket or urn at the time of burial will be placed on the completed grave. Natural cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time of the year. They will be removed when they become unsightly or when it becomes necessary to facilitate cemetery operations such as mowing.
Weapons policy
VA regulations 38 CFR 1.218 prohibit the carrying of firearms (either openly or concealed), explosives or other dangerous or deadly weapons while on VA property, except for official purposes, such as military funeral honors.
Possession of firearms on any property under the charge and control of VA is prohibited. Offenders may be subject to a fine, removal from the premises, or arrest.
Education and visiting programs
More than half of VA's national cemeteries originated with the Civil War and many are closed to some burials. Other sites were established to serve World War veterans and they continue to expand. Historic themes related with NCA's cemeteries and soldiers' lots vary, but visitors should understand "Why is it here?" NCA began by installing interpretive signs, or waysides, at more than 100 properties to observe the Civil War Sesquicentennial (2011–2015). Please follow the links below to see the interpretive signs for Forest Home Soldiers' Lot.
A National Cemetery System Forest Home Soldiers' Lot Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot (by straight-line distance):
- Wood National Cemetery — Milwaukee, WI (2 mi · closed)
- Wood National Cemetery Annex — Milwaukee, WI (2 mi · closed)
- Mound Cemetery Soldiers' Lot — Racine, WI (21 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Forest Home Cemetery Soldiers' Lot have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Rozga Funeral Home & Cremation is a premier funeral home located at 703 West Lincoln Ave. in Milwaukee, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including lincoln village chapel, rozga-walloch chapel, and mukwonago chapel. Professional offerings include cremation, traditional burial, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,370. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,750, while direct cremation is available from $2,370. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic.
Suminski Family Funeral Homes is a premier funeral home located at 1901 North Farwell Ave. in Milwaukee, WI. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones. General services start at $2,595. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,010, while direct cremation is available from $3,710. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglican, Pentecostal, Non-denominational Christian, and Other faiths (with clergy coordination).
Schaff Funeral Services is a premier funeral home located at 5920 West Lincoln Ave. in West Allis, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including chapels and reception hall. Professional offerings include personalized services, traditional burial, and immediate burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,175. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,250, while direct cremation is available from $3,175. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Polish National Catholic, Lutheran, and Christian (Non-Denominational, Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal).
Neka's Funeral & Cremation Services is a premier funeral home located at 4803 West Burleigh Street in Milwaukee, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including repast space. Professional offerings include traditional funeral services, cremation with memorial service, and graveside service arrangements, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist and Methodist.
New Pitts Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 2031 West Capitol Drive in Milwaukee, WI. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
The New Pitts Mortuary is a premier funeral home located at 2031 West Capitol Dr. in Milwaukee, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including funeral home and columbarium. Professional offerings include service options, personalization, and honoring veterans, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,350. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,795, while direct cremation is available from $2,350.
Feerick Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 2025 East Capitol Drive in Milwaukee, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including spacious facility, reception room, and gas fireplace. Professional offerings include funeral services, cremation services, and traditional funeral service, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Methodist, and Episcopal.
Hartson Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 11111 West Janesville Road in Hales Corners, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, three chapels, and visitation rooms. Professional offerings include traditional cremation service, memorial after cremation, and direct cremation, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $995. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $2,855, while direct cremation is available from $3,145. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Catholic, Lutheran, United Church of Christ, and Latter-day Saints. The firm's dedication to service is reflected in their 4.7-star Google rating across 90 reviews.