Veteran services at Downs Funeral Home
Downs Funeral Home in Superior, WI supports veteran families with military funeral arrangements. In their own words: "Downs Funeral Home provides services for veterans, including coordinating military honors, as evidenced by the mention of "Military Honors accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435 Honor Guard" in an obituary. Their website also features a dedicated 'Veterans' section under their 'Links' page, providing resources and information for Wisconsin, Minnesota, and general U.S. government veteran programs and benefits." On-site amenities include largest funeral chapel and private parking lot, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists $6,510 for basic burial and $3,485 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
Veteran-related services offered include memorial services and burial. Each service is coordinated with the family and, where applicable, with the deceased's last unit or branch honor detail.
On-site facilities of note include largest funeral chapel. These spaces accommodate full military honors details, family gatherings before and after the service, and the placement of the United States flag during the visitation period.
Published pricing at Downs Funeral Home: direct cremation from $3,485. That places direct cremation roughly 21% above the Wisconsin median ($2,885). Veterans who served on active duty for at least 24 months may qualify for VA burial allowance to offset funeral costs — this home accepts assignment of those benefits where eligible.
The nearest VA national cemetery is Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Duluth in MN, approximately 22 miles from Downs Funeral Home. Downs Funeral Home can coordinate transport, scheduling with the cemetery's interment office, and the timing of military honors with the receiving committal shelter.
Downs Funeral Home also accommodates Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Secular Humanist, and Lgbtq Affirming traditions for veterans whose religious or cultural observance shapes the service. Military honors can be integrated into the family's tradition with no conflict — the honor detail observes the family's pace.
Wisconsin has approximately 539 licensed funeral homes serving its population, of which a subset specifically lists military funeral honors and VA benefits assistance among their services. Downs Funeral Home is among them.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Downs Funeral Home cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $3,485. Eligible veterans can offset these costs with a VA burial allowance, and burial in a VA national cemetery is provided at no charge.
Where is Downs Funeral Home located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Downs Funeral Home is located at 1902 North 34Th Street in Superior, WI. You can reach the home at (715) 394-7746. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Downs Funeral Home offer veteran families?
Downs Funeral Home provides funeral services, pre-planning, memorial services, burial, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Downs Funeral Home help veterans with VA burial benefits?
Downs Funeral Home provides services for veterans, including coordinating military honors, as evidenced by the mention of "Military Honors accorded by the Richard I. Bong American Legion Post #435 Honor Guard" in an obituary. Their website also features a dedicated 'Veterans' section under their 'Links' page, providing resources and information for Wisconsin, Minnesota, and general U.S. government veteran programs and benefits.
Which faith traditions does Downs Funeral Home accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh families, among others.
What sets Downs Funeral Home apart
- Over 136 years of continuous operation, established in 1888.
- Purpose-built facility since 1955, designed specifically as a funeral home.
- Features the largest funeral chapel in the Superior area.
- Facility is fully handicap accessible with a private parking lot.
- Staff includes funeral directors licensed in multiple states (Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois).
- Offers extensive online grief support resources, including the Griefwords Online Library.
Military & veteran services offered
Burial & cremation services
Burial
- · Burial
On-site facilities
Affiliations & specializations
Industry affiliations
- · Rex Granite Company
Religious traditions & languages
Religious traditions accommodated: Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Secular/Humanist, LGBTQ+ Affirming, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopal, Baptist, Presbyterian, Assembly of God. Languages spoken at the home: English.
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.
Begin Veteran Estate SettlementHow honors are coordinated
Military funeral honors are guaranteed at no cost for any veteran discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. The funeral home arranges the honors detail by contacting the deceased's last unit or the nearest active-duty installation of the appropriate branch and submitting the DD-214 to verify eligibility.
For requests less than 72 hours from service time, families can call the Department of Defense's expedited honors line at 1-877-MIL-HONR (1-877-645-4667). See the full honors protocol.