Veteran services at Thomas Saksa Funeral Home
Veteran families in Granite City, IL can turn to Thomas Saksa Funeral Home for honors and benefit coordination. Directors guide families through VA benefit claims, military honors, and burial at veterans cemeteries. Published pricing lists a quoted rate for basic burial and $2,160 for direct cremation. Veterans may qualify for county or federal allowances toward these costs.
Published pricing at Thomas Saksa Funeral Home: direct cremation from $2,160. That places direct cremation roughly 13% below the Illinois median ($2,495). 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 Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in MO, about 19 miles from Thomas Saksa Funeral Home. 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 1,192 funeral homes in Illinois. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Thomas Saksa Funeral Home cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $2,160. 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 Thomas Saksa Funeral Home located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Thomas Saksa Funeral Home is located at 2205 Pontoon Road in Granite City, IL. You can reach the home at (618) 876-4321. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
Does Thomas Saksa Funeral Home offer cremation for veterans?
Yes. Direct cremation at Thomas Saksa Funeral Home starts at $2,160. Cremated veterans remain eligible for inurnment in a VA national cemetery.
Does Thomas Saksa Funeral Home help veterans with VA burial benefits?
Thomas Saksa Funeral Home assists veteran families with VA burial benefits, military funeral honors, and coordination with national and state veterans cemeteries. Eligible veterans may receive a burial allowance and a free government headstone.
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.