Veteran services at Joseph E. Ratterman & Son, Inc.
Joseph E. Ratterman & Son, Inc. serves veteran families in Louisville, KY with military funeral planning. In their own words: "Joseph E. Ratterman & Son Funeral Home provides comprehensive veteran services, including facilitating military funeral honors (flag presentation, playing of Taps), assisting with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) headstones and markers, and offering a unique Dignified Flag Retirement Program for cremations. This program involves draping an unserviceable U.S. flag over the veteran, followed by the family receiving a Certificate of Last Deed of Service and a symbolic star swatch." On-site amenities include large chapel for traditional gatherings, non-denominational chapel, and on-site parking, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists $5,465 for basic burial and $1,400 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
On-site facilities of note include large chapel for traditional gatherings, non-denominational chapel, and outdoor space/garden. 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 Joseph E. Ratterman & Son, Inc.: direct cremation from $1,400. That places direct cremation roughly 30% below the Kentucky median ($1,995). 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 New Albany National Cemetery in IN, approximately 11 miles from Joseph E. Ratterman & Son, Inc.. Joseph E. Ratterman & Son, Inc. can coordinate transport, scheduling with the cemetery's interment office, and the timing of military honors with the receiving committal shelter.
Kentucky has approximately 552 licensed funeral homes serving its population, of which a subset specifically lists military funeral honors and VA benefits assistance among their services. Joseph E. Ratterman & Son, Inc. is among them.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Joseph E. Ratterman & Son, Inc. cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $1,400. 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 Joseph E. Ratterman & Son, Inc. located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Joseph E. Ratterman & Son, Inc. is located at 7336 Southside Dr. in Louisville, KY. You can reach the home at (502) 361-7112. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
Does Joseph E. Ratterman & Son, Inc. offer cremation for veterans?
Yes. Direct cremation at Joseph E. Ratterman & Son, Inc. starts at $1,400. Cremated veterans remain eligible for inurnment in a VA national cemetery.
Does Joseph E. Ratterman & Son, Inc. help veterans with VA burial benefits?
Joseph E. Ratterman & Son Funeral Home provides comprehensive veteran services, including facilitating military funeral honors (flag presentation, playing of Taps), assisting with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) headstones and markers, and offering a unique Dignified Flag Retirement Program for cremations. This program involves draping an unserviceable U.S. flag over the veteran, followed by the family receiving a Certificate of Last Deed of Service and a symbolic star swatch.
Which faith traditions does Joseph E. Ratterman & Son, Inc. accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Christian (various denominations), Catholic, Methodist, Non-denominational, Multicultural families, among others.
What sets Joseph E. Ratterman & Son, Inc. apart
- Family-owned and operated since 1864, spanning six generations.
- Offers a Dignified Flag Retirement Program for veterans choosing cremation.
- Assistance with crowdfunding for funeral expenses and immediate funding from life insurance policies.
- Ability to serve diverse religious and cultural needs, including a non-denominational chapel and multicultural funerals.
- Described as an "Affordable option" and an "alternative to high cost" by third-party reviewers.
On-site facilities
Affiliations & specializations
Industry affiliations
- · Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky
- · Fall Cities Funeral Directors Association
Specializations
- · Independently Owned
- · Multicultural Funerals
- · Veterans Funeral Benefits
- · Personalized Planning
Religious traditions & languages
Religious traditions accommodated: Christian (various denominations), Catholic, Methodist, Non-denominational, Multicultural.
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.