Veteran services at Smith Funeral Chapel
Veteran families in Eau Claire, WI can turn to Smith Funeral Chapel for honors and benefit coordination. In their own words: "Smith Funeral Chapel assists veterans and their families with funeral and cremation arrangements, as indicated by numerous obituaries mentioning military service (e.g., US Air Force, US Army, US Marine Corps, US Navy, Army National Guard) and affiliations like the American Legion." On-site amenities include chapel and projector in chapel, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists $4,595 for basic burial and $1,995 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
Veteran-related services offered include cremation services and graveside services. Each service is coordinated with the family and, where applicable, with the deceased's last unit or branch honor detail.
On-site facilities of note include chapel and projector in chapel. 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 Smith Funeral Chapel: direct cremation from $1,975. That places direct cremation roughly 32% 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 Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in WI, approximately 70 miles from Smith Funeral Chapel. Smith Funeral Chapel can coordinate transport, scheduling with the cemetery's interment office, and the timing of military honors with the receiving committal shelter.
Smith Funeral 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.
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. Smith Funeral Chapel is among them.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Smith Funeral Chapel cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $1,975. 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 Smith Funeral Chapel located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Smith Funeral Chapel is located at 2222 London Road in Eau Claire, WI. You can reach the home at (715) 832-1141. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Smith Funeral Chapel offer veteran families?
Smith Funeral Chapel provides funeral services, cremation services, pre-planning, graveside services, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Smith Funeral Chapel help veterans with VA burial benefits?
Smith Funeral Chapel assists veterans and their families with funeral and cremation arrangements, as indicated by numerous obituaries mentioning military service (e.g., US Air Force, US Army, US Marine Corps, US Navy, Army National Guard) and affiliations like the American Legion.
Which faith traditions does Smith Funeral Chapel accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Jewish, Lutheran, Catholic, Christian families, among others.
What sets Smith Funeral Chapel apart
- First funeral home in Eau Claire County to install an on-site crematory (1982)
- Three generations of family operation
- Agnes’ Dining Hall for luncheons and gatherings
- Live pianist on a baby grand piano available for services
- Livestream and recording services for remote attendees
- Chapel equipped with a 150-inch projector and 8 televisions for tribute videos
Burial & cremation services
Burial
- · Graveside Services
Cremation
- · Cremation Services
On-site facilities
Affiliations & specializations
Specializations
- · Cremation services
- · Graveside services
- · Green burial
Religious traditions & languages
Religious traditions accommodated: Jewish, Lutheran, Catholic, Christian.
Branches of service supported
Based on the home's stated services and specializations, Smith Funeral Chapel has documented experience supporting the following branches:
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.