Veteran services at Gladfelter Funeral Home
Gladfelter Funeral Home serves veteran families in Ottawa, IL with military funeral planning. Directors guide families through VA benefit claims, military honors, and burial at veterans cemeteries. On-site amenities include chapel, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists $4,900 for basic burial and $2,175 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
The home lists these veteran-related services: cremation services, burial services, and veterans services. Ask the director which of them they arrange directly.
Facilities on site include chapel.
Published pricing at Gladfelter Funeral Home: direct cremation from $2,175. That places direct cremation roughly 13% below the Illinois median ($2,495). 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 Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in IL, about 36 miles from Gladfelter 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 1,192 funeral homes in Illinois. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Gladfelter Funeral Home cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $2,175. 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 Gladfelter Funeral Home located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Gladfelter Funeral Home is located at 1601 East Norris Dr. in Ottawa, IL. You can reach the home at (815) 433-0097. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Gladfelter Funeral Home offer veteran families?
Gladfelter Funeral Home provides funeral services, cremation services, personalization, burial services, veterans services, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Gladfelter Funeral Home help veterans with VA burial benefits?
Gladfelter Funeral Home assists veteran families with VA burial benefits, military funeral honors, and coordination with national and state veterans cemeteries. Eligible veterans may receive a burial allowance and a free government headstone.
Which faith traditions does Gladfelter Funeral Home accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Catholic, Methodist, Christian (Non-Denominational) families, among others.
What sets Gladfelter Funeral Home apart
- Established in 1862, providing over 160 years of continuous service to the Ottawa community.
- Operates from a modern, ground-level facility dedicated in 1998, replacing a historic downtown location.
- Offers specialized preplanning services with a dedicated Preplanning Specialist.
- Provides comprehensive Veterans Services, supported by a U.S. Army veteran on staff.
- Current owners, John and Vicki Roetker, are actively involved in daily operations and local community organizations.
Military and veteran services listed
Burial and cremation services
Burial
- · Burial Services
Cremation
- · Cremation Services
On-site facilities
Affiliations and specialties
Industry affiliations
- · Illinois Funeral Directors Associations
- · National Funeral Directors Associations
Specialties
- · Preplanning
- · Grief Support
- · Veterans Services
Religious traditions and languages
Religious traditions served: Catholic, Methodist, Christian (Non-Denominational).
Branches of service mentioned
Gladfelter Funeral Home's description of its services mentions these branches:
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.