Veteran services at Vander Ploeg Funeral Home
Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Boyden, IA supports veteran families with military funeral arrangements. In its own description, the home mentions VA benefits paperwork.
The home lists these veteran-related services: cremation services, veteran services, and memorial services. Ask the director which of them they arrange directly.
Published pricing at Vander Ploeg Funeral Home: direct cremation from $3,295. That places direct cremation roughly 13% above the Iowa median ($2,905). 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 South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in SD, about 52 miles from Vander Ploeg 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 577 funeral homes in Iowa. Only some of them name military funeral honors or VA benefits help among their services.
Frequently asked questions
What does a funeral at Vander Ploeg Funeral Home cost for veteran families?
From its published general price list, direct cremation starts at $3,295. 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 Vander Ploeg Funeral Home located, and can it coordinate a veterans cemetery burial?
Vander Ploeg Funeral Home is located at 712 Main St. in Boyden, IA. You can reach the home at (712) 725-2101. Staff can coordinate burial with nearby VA national and state veterans cemeteries.
What services does Vander Ploeg Funeral Home offer veteran families?
Vander Ploeg Funeral Home provides immediate need, traditional services, cremation services, personalization, veteran services, and can arrange military funeral honors for eligible veterans.
Does Vander Ploeg Funeral Home help veterans with VA burial benefits?
In its own description of its veteran services, Vander Ploeg Funeral Home mentions VA benefits paperwork. Ask the home how VA burial benefits apply to your family.
Which faith traditions does Vander Ploeg Funeral Home accommodate?
Staff coordinate services for Christian (Protestant), Christian (Catholic), Masonic families, among others.
What sets Vander Ploeg Funeral Home apart
- Multi-generational family ownership and operation, with Peter and Benjamin Eldridge actively involved as funeral directors.
- Extensive grief support programs, including a year of free daily grief emails, the GriefPlan Video Program by Dr. Jason Troyer, and free e-booklets.
- Comprehensive personalization options, such as custom online memorials, tribute videos from family photos, and direct flower ordering.
- Assistance with specific fraternal and religious services, including Masonic services and Rosaries.
- Multiple locations across Northwest Iowa (Paullina, Primghar, Sheldon, Boyden) providing broader regional access.
- Proactive pre-planning resources, including an online form and detailed checklist, to ease future burdens on families.
Military and veteran services listed
Burial and cremation services
Cremation
- · Cremation Services
Affiliations and specialties
Industry affiliations
- · Iowa Funeral Directors Association
Religious traditions and languages
Religious traditions served: Christian (Protestant), Christian (Catholic), Masonic. Languages spoken at the home: English.
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.