Veteran services at Ritchay Funeral Home
Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI supports veteran families with military funeral arrangements. In their own words: "Ritchay Funeral Home is dedicated to honoring veterans, providing specific services to acknowledge their sacrifices for the country." Published pricing lists $4,295 for basic burial and $2,095 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
On-site facilities of note include space for funeral/memorial services. 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 Ritchay Funeral Home: direct cremation from $2,095. That places direct cremation roughly 27% below the Wisconsin median ($2,885). 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 Central Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in WI, approximately 33 miles from Ritchay Funeral Home. Ritchay Funeral Home can coordinate transport, scheduling with the cemetery's interment office, and the timing of military honors with the receiving committal shelter.
Wisconsin has approximately 539 licensed funeral homes serving its population, of which a subset specifically lists military funeral honors and VA benefits assistance among their services. Ritchay Funeral Home is among them.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Ritchay Funeral Home cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $2,095. 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 Ritchay Funeral Home located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Ritchay Funeral Home is located at 1950 12Th Street South in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. You can reach the home at (715) 423-1414. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Ritchay Funeral Home offer veteran families?
Ritchay Funeral Home provides personalized services, veteran services, grief support, preplanning services, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Ritchay Funeral Home help veterans with VA burial benefits?
Ritchay Funeral Home is dedicated to honoring veterans, providing specific services to acknowledge their sacrifices for the country.
Which faith traditions does Ritchay Funeral Home accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Catholic families, among others.
What sets Ritchay Funeral Home apart
- Long-standing family ownership and operation since 1957, with a third-generation funeral director (Joseph A. Ritchay).
- Two convenient locations: Wisconsin Rapids and Nekoosa.
- Specialized services for honoring veterans.
- Licensed preplanning specialist on staff, also a licensed life insurance agent for pre-need services.
- Deep community involvement by staff, including local church and youth sports affiliations.
- Personalized service options to create unique tributes tailored to individual preferences, religions, or budgets.
Military & veteran services offered
On-site facilities
Affiliations & specializations
Industry affiliations
- · NFDA
- · WFDA
Specializations
- · Honoring Veterans
- · Preplanning
Religious traditions & languages
Religious traditions accommodated: Catholic.
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.