Source: National Cemetery Administration · cem.va.gov · scraped May 2026
History of Northwoods National Cemetery
Northwoods National Cemetery is the fourth Rural Initiative cemetery to be built by the VA's National Cemetery Administration. The VA purchased the land in September 2015 and awarded a contract to build the cemetery in August 2017. The cemetery was dedicated in August 2020.
Notable interments
Veterans, public figures, and citizens of note buried at Northwoods National Cemetery, listed by section and site as recorded by the National Cemetery Administration.
We are developing content for this section.
Eligibility for burial at Northwoods National Cemetery
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
Cemetery is located Northwest of the Rhinelander Airport. From the airport, head south toward Airport Rd, turning left to stay on Airport Rd shortly after. Turn right onto US-8 W, then another right in 2 miles onto N Rifle Rd. In another 2 miles turn left onto Co Hwy K/Co Rd K. In about 9 miles you will turn right onto Lakewood Rd, where you will find the Cemetery on the right.
Floral and grounds policy
Fresh cut flowers may be placed on graves at any time of the year. Portable cone containers for flowers can be found throughout the cemetery in stone containers. Flowers will be disposed of by cemetery personnel when they are withered, faded or otherwise unsightly. Artificial flowers may only be placed on graves from October 1 through April 1 because the wires from artificial flowers have caused damage to the mowing equipment, and pose a safety hazard to workers and visitors during mowing operations. They will be removed when they are faded or unsightly. Floral items should only be placed at either side of headstones in line with the headstone row. This allows for equipment operations and prevents damage to floral items. Flower items should be placed at the bottom of a column at the Columbarium. Floral items and other types of decorations will not be secured to headstones, markers, or niches. NO GLASS or METAL of any kind is allowed. The cemetery assumes no responsibility for items left on gravesites. Due to the open nature of the grounds, we cannot guarantee against theft, vandalism, or the effects of nature. Northwoods National Cemetery does not sell or provide flowers, wreaths or other gravesite adornments and our staff cannot recommend a private florist. Planting of flowers, shrubs, potted plants, etc. are prohibited. Holiday wreaths or grave blankets may be placed on graves from November 1 through January 20. They will be removed after January 20 or when they become withered, faded or otherwise unsightly. Grave floral blankets cannot be larger in size than 2x3 feet. They cannot be secured to headstones or markers. Permanent plantings, statues, vigil lights, breakable objects, pinwheels, balloons, glass, shepherd's hooks, toys and stuffed animals and similar commemorative items are not permitted on the graves at any time. Small US, POW/MIA, US Armed Forces Branches, and Medal of Honor gravesite flags are authorized. Pets are not allowed in the National Cemetery. Working, licensed service dogs are permitted at any time. Sports or recreational activities of any kind are prohibited. Smoking and alcohol are not allowed on the grounds, in any building, or the committal shelter.
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
We are developing educational content for this national cemetery, and will post new materials as they become available. Visit the Veterans Legacy Program and NCA History Program for additional information. Thank you for your interest.
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Nearest cemeteries
The three closest veteran cemeteries to Northwoods National Cemetery (by straight-line distance):
- Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery — King, WI (97 mi · open)
- Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery — Spooner, WI (104 mi · open)
- Fort Winnebago Cemetery Soldiers' Lot — Portage, WI (145 mi · closed)
Nearby veteran-friendly funeral homes
The following funeral homes within a 50-mile radius of Northwoods National Cemetery have demonstrated a commitment to serving veterans through specialized services, VA benefits coordination, or dedicated honors details.
Carlson Funeral Service Inc is a premier funeral home located at 134 North Stevens Street in Rhinelander, WI. With deep roots in the community, they provide a peaceful and accommodating environment to honor the memory of loved ones.
Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is a premier funeral home located at 1025 Margaret Street in Woodruff, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including service room and reception hall. Professional offerings include personalization, burial services, and cremation services, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,715. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,100, while direct cremation is available from $2,715. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic, Baptist, Evangelical Free, Assembly of God, and Lutheran.
Generations Funeral Home & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 1400 North 4th St. in Tomahawk, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory and ada accessible facility. Professional offerings include personalized services, honoring veterans, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,300. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $4,800, while direct cremation is available from $2,300. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Catholic and Lutheran.
Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home & Alpha Crematory, Inc. is a premier funeral home located at 304 East Division Street in Eagle River, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including main chapel, hospitality room, and on-premise crematory. Professional offerings include traditional funeral services, rental casket cremation, and pre-planning, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $2,785. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,665, while direct cremation is available from $2,785. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Lutheran, Congregational United, Baptist, Catholic, and Anglican.
Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation - Eagle Drive is a premier funeral home located at 903 East 3Rd Street in Merrill, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including third street location and eagle drive location. Professional offerings include personalized service, cremation, and traditional burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $1,995. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $5,235, while direct cremation is available from $1,995. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Lutheran, Catholic, Non-denominational Christian, and United Church of Christ.
Strasser-Roller Funeral Home is a premier funeral home located at 504 Edison Street in Antigo, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including gathering spaces and on-site chapel. Professional offerings include burial services, cremation services, and direct burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,370. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $7,290, while direct cremation is available from $3,370. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Christian, Lutheran (Missouri Synod), and Lutheran (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod).
Bradley Funeral Home & Crematory is a premier funeral home located at 1550 Neva Rd. in Antigo, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including on-site crematory, chapel, and reception area. Professional offerings include immediate need, celebration of life, and burial, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,490. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $6,571, while direct cremation is available from $3,490.
Helke Funeral and Cremation Service is a premier funeral home located at 302 Spruce St. in Wausau, WI. The property features well-appointed spaces including wausau chapel. Professional offerings include personalized service, cremation, and burial with military honors, handled with the utmost care by their licensed directors. General services start at $3,695. For families preferring a traditional approach, basic burial services begin at $7,570, while direct cremation is available from $3,695. The staff is experienced in coordinating with various faith traditions, specifically Baptist, Episcopal, Lutheran, Catholic, and United Church of Christ.