What are veterans eligible for at the time of death?

Memorial Day veterans benefitsMemorial Day is set aside to honor those who passed away bravely serving their country. For those of us in the funeral business, Memorial Day comes more than once a year. At Legacy Funeral Chapels, it’s a privilege for our staff to attend to veterans and their families at their time of loss.

That privilege often begins when we receive notification that a veteran has passed away. It’s heartwarming to see the respect we encounter when we carry a deceased veteran from a nursing home, hospital or private home. We drape an American flag over the deceased, instead of the usual quilt, and everyone we pass stops and takes notice.

In my career, I’ve handled hundreds of veterans’ funerals, and I’ve witnessed powerful and touching farewells that fittingly recognize the military service of the deceased.

When I speak with families of veterans, they’re sometimes unclear about funeral benefits. Just what are veterans eligible for at the time of death, and how much will it cost?

Eligibility is determined by the DD Form 214 – the military discharge papers, which can take time to receive if you don’t already have them filed away. Our staff can help with this process, or you can check with the county’s veterans service office. Everyone’s military service is different, so it’s important to talk with someone who’s an authority on military benefits to see what’s available.

Generally at no cost, each veteran is eligible for:

  • An American flag, made to drape over the casket, but often folded and given to the family as a keepsake.
  • A Presidential Memorial Certificate signed by the sitting president. The family of the deceased veteran can request multiple copies.
  • Military honors as a funeral service concludes. These may include a flag ceremony, taps and firing detail. The Gillett area has a good group of veterans who take these duties very seriously.
  • A veterans’ marker for placement at a burial site.
  • A no-cost burial at a cemetery for veterans. The nearest cemetery is in King, Wisconsin.
  • And possibly, a burial allowance. We work with families on a case-by-case basis to find out if funding is available.

Not everyone has served in the military, yet everyone can connect with the sentiments of patriotism and sacrifice that we recognize each Memorial Day. We at Legacy Funeral Chapels salute our veterans, past and present, and thank them for their service to our country.

Sandra Diane Wilke

Sandra Diane Wilke

December 01, 1933 – May 25, 2017

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Sandra D. (Husman) Wilke, age 83, Township of Menominee, passed away Thursday evening at home surrounded by family.

Sandra was born in Gillett on December 1, 1933. At a young age, the family relocated to Oshkosh, however Sandra kept strong ties to the Gillett area. She was married to Donald Redlin, and together they raised three children. He preceded her in death in 1982. Sandra was later married to Allan Wilke and together they made their life on Moshaquit Lake. She was a third
generation Berry Laker.

Sandra was an actively involved with the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, the Retarded Citizens of Oshkosh and also Special Olympics. She was a devoted wife and a beloved mother and grandmother. Sandra was a founder of “Ladies of the Lake” and the “Millionaires Club” and was also a longtime member of the Underhill Sportsman’s Club. She will be sadly missed.

Sandra is survived by her loving husband, Allan, her seven children: Kim (Mike) Cismoski, Karla Redlin, Kurt (Wendy) Redlin, Allen (Diane) Wilke, Jr., Annette (Larry) Chapman, Steven (Alicia) Wilke and Paul (fiancée Gail) Wilke. She also leaves a brother, Mark (Linda) Husman, twenty grandchildren: Brooke Ulrich, Anna (Drew) Greipentrog, Inga (special friend Curt) Kolderup, Ori-Anna (Mark) Ramsey, Brandon Redlin, Tim (Megan) Snow, Laura Sumpter, Dena Wilke, Jason Chapman, Crystal Chevalier, Kilene Chapman, Deanne Waupoose, Perry Chapman, Melissa (Tim) Sanders, Derek (DJ) Wilke, Danielle (Jason) Daebler, Kristen Wilke, Andrea (Steve) Thorpe, Garrett Keshena and Reese Wilke. She is further survived by 34 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Donald, a brother Bruce (Claire) Husman and a sister Barbara (Dale) Stark.

Memorial visitation will be Thursday, June 1, 2017 from 9 to 10:45 AM at ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH (101 W. Main Street, Gillett). A funeral service will be conducted at 11 AM with Reverend Kent Wallace officiating. Final rest will be in Lake View Cemetery, Oshkosh and will be private.

The family sends special thanks to Jane Winkler as well as the staffs of Evergreen Nursing Home and ThedaCare Home Hospice.

Legacy Funeral Chapels of Gillett and Green Bay is serving the family.

 

Services

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[column lg=”4″ md=”4″ sm=”4″ xs=”12″ ]Family Gathering
Thursday, June 01, 2017
9:00 AM – 10:45 AM

St. John’s Lutheran Church
101 W Main St
Gillett, WI 54124

Get Directions on Google Maps
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[column lg=”4″ md=”4″ sm=”4″ xs=”12″ ]Funeral Service
Thursday, June 01, 2017
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

St. John’s Lutheran Church
101 W Main St
Gillett, WI 54124

Get Directions on Google Maps
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Joseph Owen Kershek, Jr.

Joseph Owen Kershek, Jr.

April 16, 1927 – May 12, 2017

Joseph O. Kershek, Jr., of Gillett, passed away Friday, May 12th. He was born Apri 16th ,1927, to Joseph and Blanche Kershek at Spruce, Wisconsin. He married Jaquelen Gollhardt on October 14, 1950. He had been employed at Metzler Coal and Lumber, Seeling Construction and Scott Paper Company, before purchasing the family farm in 1960. Joseph and Jaquelen farmed together for 44 years, retiring in 1994. He enjoyed doing carpentry, making horse drawn wagons and metal yard sculptures. He especially enjoyed working with his Belgian Horses and spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include three sons: Jerry (Barb) Kershek, John (John) Kershek and Jeff (Lila) Kershek; six grandchildren: Jerry (Laurie) Kershek, Jim (Anny) Kershek, Tyler Kershek, Ross (Liz Buss) Kershek, Kaitlyn Kershek and Kyle Kershek; great-grandchildren Zoe and Gabe Kershek; two godchildren, Dean Campbell and Melissa Mier; sister Nancy Kershek and sister-in-law Karen Lewins; daughter-in-law Leah Kershek; Aunt Marion Coppens, many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Jaquelen, his parents, two brothers, Alvin and Gaylord Kershek and a sister Avrille Konitzer; his in-laws Orville and Beatrice Heimke, sister and brother-in-law Shirley and Bernard Taycher, brother-in-law Greg Konitzer and Joe’s special buddy Norbert Washbisch.

A private family service and burial will be held at Pine Hill Cemetery in Spruce.

The Kershek family would like to thank the staff at Atrium Post Acute Care for the excellent care. Memorials will go to Unity Hospice for the special care and kindness shown to Joe and his family in his final hours. Also, thank you to all his visitors, including his good friend Stanley and Mark.

Roger Pheng Vang

Roger Pheng Vang

August 27, 1944 – May 03, 2017

Roger Pheng Vang passed away peacefully in his home on May 3, 2017, at 5:30 P.M. Roger was 72 years old. Roger is survived by his wife, Pai Lee Vang, 5 sons, 9 daughters, 41 grandkids and 19 great grandkids.

Roger was recruited by the CIA to serve in the Special Force Unit during the Vietnam War when he was 18 years of age, which he served honorably until 1975. Roger and his family immigrated to Green Bay in 1979.

 

Services

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[column lg=”4″ md=”4″ sm=”4″ xs=”12″ ]Visitation
Friday, June 02, 2017
5:00 PM – 11:45 PM

Legacy Funeral Chapels
838 South Fisk Street
Green Bay, Wisconsin 54304

Get Directions on Google Maps
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[column lg=”4″ md=”4″ sm=”4″ xs=”12″ ]Visitation
Saturday, June 03, 2017
8:00 AM – 11:45 PM

Legacy Funeral Chapels
838 South Fisk Street
Green Bay, Wisconsin 54304

Get Directions on Google Maps

Visitation goes over night

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[column lg=”4″ md=”4″ sm=”4″ xs=”12″ ]Visitation
Sunday, June 04, 2017
12:00 AM – 11:45 PM

Legacy Funeral Chapels
838 South Fisk Street
Green Bay, Wisconsin 54304

Get Directions on Google Maps

Visitation goes over night

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[column lg=”4″ md=”4″ sm=”4″ xs=”12″ ]Visitation
Monday, June 05, 2017
12:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Legacy Funeral Chapels
838 South Fisk Street
Green Bay, Wisconsin 54304

Get Directions on Google Maps
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[column lg=”4″ md=”4″ sm=”4″ xs=”12″ ]Graveside Service
Monday, June 05, 2017
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Woodlawn Cemetery
Webster Avenue
Green Bay, WI 54301

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