Cemetery
How to Purchase a Plot
In order to purchase a plot, please click the plot you'd like to purchase on the map linked above and fill in the attached information or call City Hall. If you are the current owner of a plot, and would like to transfer ownership of your plot to another person, please fill out the below form. If the person who owns the plot has passed away, please fill out the below form, including authorization that you are the power of attorney for the original owner. For residents, plots are $400 for adults, and $150 for infants and children. For nonresidents, plots are $800 for adults, and $250 for infants and children. Fill out the online form below or download one of the pdfs and submit in person or via mail.
If you would like a memorial stone placed on your plot either before or after the funeral, a foundation for the stone must be poured. If not prearranged with the monument company, please contact Joe Dornak below to have the foundation poured.
If you would like a memorial stone placed on your plot either before or after the funeral, a foundation for the stone must be poured. If not prearranged with the monument company, please contact Joe Dornak below to have the foundation poured.
Schedule a Grave Opening
If you'd like to schedule a grave opening, please fill out the form below or call City Hall at (269) 561-8321. If you are working with a local funeral home, they will most likely make the arrangements for you. Grave openings on weekdays are $350 for adults, $100 for infants and children, and $125 for cremations.
CEMETERY RATES
CEMETERY RATES
Lot Purchase (includes perpetual care) Resident Non-Resident
Adult 400.00 800.00
Infant/Child 150.00 250.00
Grave Openings – Weekday
Adult 350.00 350.00
Infant/Child 100.00 100.00
Cremations 125.00 125.00
Grave Openings – Saturday or After Hours
Adult 500.00 500.00
Infant/Child 125.00 125.00
Cremations 150.00 150.00
*Headstones can be a maximum of 4ft H x 4ft W.
*Each plot can house one full burial or two cremains.
*No burials on Sundays or City holidays.
*Grave openings on Saturdays or after hours are $500 for adults, $125 for infants and children, and $150 for cremations.
*Grave openings on Saturdays or after hours are $500 for adults, $125 for infants and children, and $150 for cremations.
History of the Fennville Cemetery
The history of Fennville Cemetery dates back to the mid-19th century. The cemetery, located in Fennville, Michigan, was established in 1894 on a section of land donated by the Hopkins family.
Fennville itself was founded in 1860 as a small lumbering community and later developed into a thriving agricultural town. As the population of the area grew, the need for a proper burial ground became apparent. Fennville Cemetery was opened to serve as the final resting place for the residents of the town and surrounding areas.
Over the years, the cemetery expanded in size to accommodate the growing number of burials. It also became the final resting place for many prominent members of the Fennville community, including early settlers, veterans of various wars, and influential citizens.
One notable feature of the cemetery is the Soldiers' Monument, dedicated to local soldiers who fought in the Civil War. The monument, unveiled in 1896, stands tall as a tribute to the sacrifices made by these brave men.
Since its establishment, Fennville Cemetery has undergone several improvements and renovations. The grounds have been well-maintained, with trees and landscaping added to create a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The cemetery continues to be an active burial ground, serving the community to this day.
Fennville Cemetery holds a rich history, reflecting the growth and development of the Fennville community over the years. It stands as a testament to the lives and legacies of those who have lived and contributed to the town's history.
Fennville itself was founded in 1860 as a small lumbering community and later developed into a thriving agricultural town. As the population of the area grew, the need for a proper burial ground became apparent. Fennville Cemetery was opened to serve as the final resting place for the residents of the town and surrounding areas.
Over the years, the cemetery expanded in size to accommodate the growing number of burials. It also became the final resting place for many prominent members of the Fennville community, including early settlers, veterans of various wars, and influential citizens.
One notable feature of the cemetery is the Soldiers' Monument, dedicated to local soldiers who fought in the Civil War. The monument, unveiled in 1896, stands tall as a tribute to the sacrifices made by these brave men.
Since its establishment, Fennville Cemetery has undergone several improvements and renovations. The grounds have been well-maintained, with trees and landscaping added to create a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The cemetery continues to be an active burial ground, serving the community to this day.
Fennville Cemetery holds a rich history, reflecting the growth and development of the Fennville community over the years. It stands as a testament to the lives and legacies of those who have lived and contributed to the town's history.
Cemetery Rules and Regulations
Landscaping
In order that a landscaping scheme may be maintained:
1. No fences or posts shall be erected.
2. No change in ground level shall be made.
3. No plantings shall be made on any lot.
4. No crushed stone, patio blocks, wood chips, or other landscaping stones shall be placed on any lot.
5. No hoses or sprinkling of grass are allowed except by City employees.
6. Granite, marble, and bronze are the only materials allowed in the cemetery for markers, monuments, and statues.
7. All markers, monuments, and statues must be placed in the marker row and have a concrete foundation installed by a City authorized representative. Foundations shall not exceed ground level.
Decoration
8. Plantings must be in concrete or clay planters, or movable metal baskets; no plastic planters are allowed.
9. Plantings may only be placed in the marker row, not in front or back of the marker.
10. Markers, planters, and baskets shall not exceed the width of the lot; they cannot extend into alleys between lots.
11. The use of wire or other devices to anchor flower vases, baskets, or other objects to the ground are prohibited.
12. Glass containers and objects are prohibited.
13. The City reserves the right to discard any materials or objects that are not listed above as acceptable.
14. No marker shall be placed on any lot if there are any charges due on the purchase of the lot or if the grave-opening fees have not been paid.
15. All movable containers must be removed from the cemetery by October 1 of each year. Any containers, other than concrete planters, will be removed by the City and destroyed.
16. November 15 through March 1 of each year is the approved time period for winter wreaths in the cemetery. Wreaths not removed by March 1 will be removed by the City and destroyed.
17. The City may remove, without notice, all flowers or other decorations that in the determination of the Superintendent have become unsightly, a source of litter, or a maintenance problem.
Burial Materials
18. Cremation Urns are required to be placed into an urn vault made of either metal or burial grade plastic. Concrete is highly recommended.
19. All caskets must be contained in a vault.
General
20. No fertilizer shall be used on cemetery grass.
21. Grave openings are not available on Sundays or City designated Holidays.
22. The City disclaims any liability for damage done to personal property in the cemetery, excepting damage which the City Commission determines is attributable to City employees.
23. The City strongly recommends lot owners contact their insurance company regarding coverage for cemetery markers.
24. The City Commission may make by-laws relative to the management and care of the cemetery and of markers and monuments.
Additional Information
Cemetery plantings: As there is a significant amount of ground to cover for the City’s landscaping purposes, it can be difficult to identify every plant, especially depending on the season. If you are aware of any rare, sentimental, or otherwise noteworthy plantings or vegetation, please contact the City to have it marked so that it remains undisturbed. Likewise, if you notice harmful or invasive vegetation, please contact the City so that it can be safely removed.
Updated 9/17/2024
Updated 9/17/2024