Veteran services at Ertel Funeral Home
Ertel Funeral Home in Cortez, CO supports veteran families with military funeral arrangements. In its own description, the home mentions military funeral honors and VA benefits paperwork. On-site amenities include chapel and ample parking, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies.
The home lists these veteran-related services: traditional funeral service followed by cremation, memorial service, graveside service, and cremation services. Ask the director which of them they arrange directly.
Facilities on site include chapel.
Published pricing at Ertel Funeral Home: services starting at $3,000. If the veteran qualifies for a VA burial allowance, the family claims it with VA Form 21P-530EZ. Ask whether the home will help you file it.
The nearest veterans cemetery that isn't listed as closed is Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado in CO, about 117 miles from Ertel Funeral Home. For a burial in a VA national cemetery, the funeral home or the family calls the National Cemetery Scheduling Office at 800-535-1117.
We list about 240 funeral homes in Colorado. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Ertel Funeral Home cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, general services start at $3,000. 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 Ertel Funeral Home located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Ertel Funeral Home is located at 42 North Market Street in Cortez, CO. You can reach the home at (970) 565-3468. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Ertel Funeral Home offer veteran families?
Ertel Funeral Home provides traditional funeral service followed by cremation, memorial service, graveside service, cremation services, pre-planning, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Ertel Funeral Home help veterans with VA burial benefits?
In its own description of its veteran services, Ertel Funeral Home mentions military funeral honors and VA benefits paperwork. Ask the home how VA burial benefits apply to your family.
Which faith traditions does Ertel Funeral Home accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist families, among others.
What sets Ertel Funeral Home apart
- Fourth-generation family-owned and operated, maintaining a legacy since 1921.
- The main facility, built in 1936, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Specifically serves the Ute Mountain Ute and Navajo tribes, alongside Montezuma and Dolores Counties.
- Features a remodeled chapel with state-of-the-art multimedia equipment and a historic stained-glass panel depicting a ship at sea.
- Staff includes NFDA Certified Crematory Operators, ensuring specialized expertise in cremation services.
- Partners with HeartLight Center for comprehensive grief support services and offers access to the Griefwords Library.
Military and veteran services listed
Burial and cremation services
Burial
- · Graveside Service
Cremation
- · Traditional Funeral Service followed by Cremation
- · Cremation Services
On-site facilities
Affiliations and specialties
Industry affiliations
- · NFDA Certified Crematory Operator
- · HeartLight Center
- · National Register of Historic Places
Specialties
- · Serving Montezuma County
- · Serving Dolores County
- · Serving Ute Mountain Ute Tribe
- · Serving Navajo Tribe
- · Grief Support
Religious traditions and languages
Religious traditions served: Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist.
How to request military funeral honors
By law (10 U.S.C. § 1491), an eligible veteran's funeral can include, on request, an honors detail of at least two service members who fold and present the U.S. flag to the family and play Taps. The funeral director usually makes the request and will need the veteran's DD214 or other discharge papers.
VA suggests asking at least 48 to 72 hours before the service. More on what honors include and how to request them.