Veteran services at Sommerfeld Chapel
Veteran families in New Buffalo, MI can turn to Sommerfeld Chapel for honors and benefit coordination. In its own description, the home mentions military funeral honors, flag presentation, VA benefits paperwork, veterans cemetery burial, and government headstones. On-site amenities include ample parking, chapel, and reception hall, suited to flag presentation and honors ceremonies. Published pricing lists a quoted rate for basic burial and $2,335 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
The home lists these veteran-related services: burial services, cremation services, direct burial, graveside funeral service, and veteran funeral services. Ask the director which of them they arrange directly.
Facilities on site include chapel.
Published pricing at Sommerfeld Chapel: direct cremation from $2,335. That places direct cremation roughly 6% above the Michigan median ($2,200). 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 Fort Sheridan National Cemetery in IL, about 62 miles from Sommerfeld Chapel. 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 836 funeral homes in Michigan. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Sommerfeld Chapel cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $2,335. 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 Sommerfeld Chapel located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Sommerfeld Chapel is located at 15 North Barton St. in New Buffalo, MI. You can reach the home at (269) 469-2233. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Sommerfeld Chapel offer veteran families?
Sommerfeld Chapel provides burial services, committal service, cremation services, direct burial, funeral services, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Sommerfeld Chapel help veterans with VA burial benefits?
In its own description of its veteran services, Sommerfeld Chapel mentions military funeral honors, flag presentation, VA benefits paperwork, veterans cemetery burial, and government headstones. Ask the home how VA burial benefits apply to your family.
Which faith traditions does Sommerfeld Chapel accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Christian, Islamic, Jewish, Roman Catholic, Lutheran families, among others.
What sets Sommerfeld Chapel apart
- Operates seven chapels across Southwest Michigan, including the largest funeral home in Southwest Michigan (Starks & Menchinger Chapel in St. Joseph).
- Starks & Menchinger Chapel in St. Joseph is configurable for up to 300 guests or five smaller private gathering spaces.
- Starks & Menchinger Chapel in St. Joseph is designed to be ecologically responsible.
- Offers eco-friendly burial options, including seagrass and wicker caskets, and biodegradable urns.
- Provides livestreaming and recording services for funeral events.
- Features private family lounges with kitchens and children's rooms with entertainment.
Military and veteran services listed
Burial and cremation services
Burial
- · Burial Services
- · Committal Service
- · Direct Burial
- · Graveside Funeral Service
Cremation
- · Cremation Services
On-site facilities
Affiliations and specialties
Industry affiliations
- · Lory's Place
Specialties
- · Eco-Friendly Burial
- · Military Funeral Honors
Religious traditions and languages
Religious traditions served: Christian, Islamic, Jewish, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, United Methodist, Baptist, Congregational, Church of God.
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.