Veteran services at Gillies Funeral Home
Gillies Funeral Home, located in Lincoln, MI, assists those who served and their families. In their own words: "The funeral home's website lists 'Veterans Services' in its navigation, and the preplanning form includes a question about military service, indicating they assist with arrangements for veterans, though specific service details are not provided." On-site amenities include on-site chapel and reception hall, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists $4,395 for basic burial and $2,055 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
Veteran-related services offered include cremation services, traditional funeral service followed by cremation, memorial service, graveside service, permanent memorialization, and scattering of the cremated remains. 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 on-site 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 Gillies Funeral Home: direct cremation from $2,055. That places direct cremation roughly 7% below the Michigan median ($2,200). 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 Great Lakes National Cemetery in MI, approximately 127 miles from Gillies Funeral Home. Gillies Funeral Home can coordinate transport, scheduling with the cemetery's interment office, and the timing of military honors with the receiving committal shelter.
Michigan has approximately 836 licensed funeral homes serving its population, of which a subset specifically lists military funeral honors and VA benefits assistance among their services. Gillies Funeral Home is among them.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Gillies Funeral Home cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $2,055. 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 Gillies Funeral Home located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Gillies Funeral Home is located at 104 West Alger Street in Lincoln, MI. You can reach the home at (989) 736-8195. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Gillies Funeral Home offer veteran families?
Gillies Funeral Home provides cremation services, traditional funeral service followed by cremation, memorial service, graveside service, permanent memorialization, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Gillies Funeral Home help veterans with VA burial benefits?
The funeral home's website lists 'Veterans Services' in its navigation, and the preplanning form includes a question about military service, indicating they assist with arrangements for veterans, though specific service details are not provided.
What sets Gillies Funeral Home apart
- Offers a free GriefPlan Video Program by Dr. Jason Troyer, featuring over 65 videos and 50 activity sheets for grief support.
- Provides a "365 Days of Grief Support" email program, delivering weekly messages for a year after a loss.
- Features a comprehensive online preplanning form that allows for detailed customization of services, including musical selections, themes, readings, and even food/beverages.
- Family-owned and operated since 1956 by Aaron and Sara Healy, providing continuity and personal investment in service.
Military & veteran services offered
Burial & cremation services
Burial
- · Graveside Service
- · Traditional Burial
Cremation
- · Cremation Services
- · Traditional Funeral Service followed by Cremation
- · Keeping an Urn at Home
- · Placing the Urn in a Columbarium
- · Burying the Urn
- · Scattering of the Cremated Remains
On-site facilities
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.