Cemetery Policy

1. The cemetery of St. John Lutheran Church is intended for burial plots of members in good standing.

2. A free burial plot will be assigned by the cemetery sexton at the time of burial. There will be no pre-picked plots.

3. Surviving spouses of members already buried in the church cemetery may reserve a plot next to their deceased spouse. If this spouse transfers from the congregation, they can keep their reserved plot as long as they remain a member in good standing of a sister Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod congregation.

4. A non member requesting burial in St. John's Lutheran cemetery, must meet the following criteria:

A. Be an active member of the LCMS in good standing at their home congregation.

B. Have at least one past spiritual connection with St. John Lutheran Church, such as:

A) Baptized at St. John

B) Confirmed at St. John

C) Married at St. John

D) Past member of St. John

C. Must pay $400.00 per plot. If plot for spouse is also desired, an additional $400.00 will be required at time of first burial.

D. Failure of spouse to be an active member in good standing with a sister LCMS congregation, will result in forfeiture of the $400.00 and burial rights at time of death.

5. Individuals that have no connection with St. John will pay $800.00 per plot at time of burial, no spouse or children accepted unless the same arrangement is made.

6. Other requests for a cemetery plot, in emergency or special situations are to be made with the church elders of St. John Lutheran Church. The elders will decide whether or not to grant the request. The elders may consult the Church Council and/or the Voters' Assembly of St. John Lutheran Church if time and situation allows.

7. Grave size will be a 10' x 10' for a double plot and a 10' x 5' for a single plot. An easement of 24 inches (2 feet) will be maintained around all sides of the grave. Borders or other items must be inside the 10' x 10' or 10' x 5' area.

8. Prior to any placement of headstones and/or curbing by individuals or monument companies, they must contact the cemetery sexton for approval of such items.

9. The planting of flowers and/or shrubbery must be maintained by family members. Cemetery maintenance may remove any plants not properly maintained.

10. Cemetery maintenance using their judgement shall reserve the right to remove: cans, jars, wreaths, boxes, and like used for decoration after having served their usefulness.