Veteran services at Helke Funeral and Cremation Service
Veteran families in Wausau, WI can turn to Helke Funeral and Cremation Service for honors and benefit coordination. In its own description, the home mentions military funeral honors and VA benefits paperwork. On-site amenities include wausau chapel, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists $7,570 for basic burial and $3,695 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
The home lists these veteran-related services: cremation and burial with military honors. Ask the director which of them they arrange directly.
Facilities on site include wausau chapel.
Published pricing at Helke Funeral and Cremation Service: direct cremation from $3,695. That places direct cremation roughly 28% above the Wisconsin median ($2,885). 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 Northwoods National Cemetery in WI, about 50 miles from Helke Funeral and Cremation Service. 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 539 funeral homes in Wisconsin. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Helke Funeral and Cremation Service cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $3,695. 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 Helke Funeral and Cremation Service located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Helke Funeral and Cremation Service is located at 302 Spruce St. in Wausau, WI. You can reach the home at (715) 842-3993. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Helke Funeral and Cremation Service offer veteran families?
Helke Funeral and Cremation Service provides personalized service, cremation, burial with military honors, preplanning, aftercare, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Helke Funeral and Cremation Service help veterans with VA burial benefits?
In its own description of its veteran services, Helke Funeral and Cremation Service mentions military funeral honors and VA benefits paperwork. Ask the home how VA burial benefits apply to your family.
Which faith traditions does Helke Funeral and Cremation Service accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Baptist, Episcopal, Lutheran, Catholic, United Church of Christ families, among others.
What sets Helke Funeral and Cremation Service apart
- Oldest continuously operating business in Marathon County, established in 1926.
- Comprehensive grief support programs including "Everything After" for practical guidance and "Brighter Mornings" for emotional healing, with access to therapist-created courses and online support groups.
- Dedicated Aftercare Coordinator (Beth Juris) providing personalized guidance and hosting support gatherings.
- Specialized grief support groups for specific needs, such as Loss of Spouse (L.O.S.S.), Survivors of Suicide (SOS), and Camp Hope for grieving children and teenagers.
- Offers a Veterans Memorial Benefits Seminar to assist veterans and their families with funeral benefits.
- Accommodates unique family requests, including allowing family dogs at planning sessions and visitations (as noted in testimonials).
Military and veteran services listed
Burial and cremation services
Cremation
- · Cremation
On-site facilities
Affiliations and specialties
Industry affiliations
- · Crematory
- · Funeral Home
Specialties
- · Veterans Memorial Benefits
- · Away From Home Assurance
- · Grief Education
- · Children and Grief Support
Religious traditions and languages
Religious traditions served: Baptist, Episcopal, Lutheran, Catholic, United Church of Christ. Languages spoken at the home: English, Hmong.
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.