Klecatsky & Sons Southern Chapel

Veteran services at Klecatsky & Sons Southern Chapel

Klecatsky & Sons Southern Chapel serves veteran families in South Saint Paul, MN with military funeral planning. In their own words: "Klecatsky & Sons Funeral Homes provides Veterans & Military Honors services. Families are encouraged to bring veteran's discharge papers (DD-214) during planning. Former owner Tom Klecatsky is a U.S. Air Force veteran." On-site amenities include west chapel: 1051 south robert street, west st. paul, mn 55118, southern chapel: 414 marie avenue, south st. paul, mn 55075, and eagan chapel: 1580 century point, eagan, mn 55121, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists $4,595 for basic burial and $1,970 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs. A modest 9 Google reviews give the firm a 4.2-star average.

On-site facilities of note include west chapel: 1051 south robert street, west st. paul, mn 55118, southern chapel: 414 marie avenue, south st. paul, mn 55075, eagan chapel: 1580 century point, eagan, mn 55121, and rosemount chapel: 2930 146th street west, suite 114 rosemount, mn 55068. 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 Klecatsky & Sons Southern Chapel: direct cremation from $1,970. That places direct cremation roughly 32% below the Minnesota median ($2,877). 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 Fort Snelling National Cemetery in MN, approximately 9 miles from Klecatsky & Sons Southern Chapel. Klecatsky & Sons Southern Chapel can coordinate transport, scheduling with the cemetery's interment office, and the timing of military honors with the receiving committal shelter.

Klecatsky & Sons Southern Chapel also accommodates Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Secular Humanist, and Lgbtq Affirming traditions for veterans whose religious or cultural observance shapes the service. Military honors can be integrated into the family's tradition with no conflict — the honor detail observes the family's pace.

Minnesota has approximately 567 licensed funeral homes serving its population, of which a subset specifically lists military funeral honors and VA benefits assistance among their services. Klecatsky & Sons Southern Chapel is among them.

Frequently asked questions

What sets Klecatsky & Sons Southern Chapel apart

• Family-owned and operated since 1926, with a multi-generational legacy in funeral service.
• Multiple chapel locations across the Twin Cities metro area, including South St. Paul, West St. Paul, Eagan, and Rosemount.
• Certified crematory operators on staff, providing on-site cremation services at some locations.
• Commitment to transparent, fair, and low-cost services, explicitly stating no 'membership fees' typically found at cremation societies.
• Team of experienced funeral directors, including co-owners Bob Westrup and Josh Oxendale, and a dedicated pre-arrangement specialist, Rich Graner, who is also a Certified Preplanning Consultant.
• Staff members with diverse backgrounds and long tenure, actively involved in local community and religious organizations.

Burial & cremation services

On-site facilities

Affiliations & specializations

Religious traditions & languages

Religious traditions accommodated: Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Secular/Humanist. Languages spoken at the home: English, Spanish.

Branches of service supported

Based on the home's stated services and specializations, Klecatsky & Sons Southern Chapel has documented experience supporting the following branches:

What families have said

Tom Schultz coordinates each detail with attentiveness and care. Multiple families have used their services for parents, spouses, and children across decades. The new kitchen and gathering area reflect their ongoing investment in serving families.

How 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.