How to apply for Iowa Veterans Cemetery (Van Meter / Adel): burial for veterans, spouses, and dependent children

Who it's for

The Iowa Veterans Cemetery sits on a hilltop above the Raccoon River Valley along Interstate 80 in Dallas County, near Van Meter (mailing address 34024 Veterans Memorial Dr., Adel). Any service member honorably separated from the service, their spouse, and eligible dependent children may be buried there, under the same rules as cemeteries run under U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs standards. Honorably discharged veterans are buried at no charge; spouses and dependents are buried for a $300 fee. A U.S. government-issued granite headstone or niche cover is provided. Families can pre-register using the Pre-Registration for Burial Determination Form. Call the cemetery office at 515-996-9039 to check eligibility.

What you'll need

• Call to ask what to bring
• Pre-Registration for Burial Determination Form (optional, to confirm eligibility ahead of time)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Iowa Veterans Cemetery (Van Meter / Adel): burial for veterans, spouses, and dependent children. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need call to ask what to bring, pre-Registration for Burial Determination Form (optional, to confirm eligibility ahead of time) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Call the cemetery office at 515-996-9039 to check eligibility before you apply. Eligibility follows VA national cemetery rules.
2. Ask the cemetery staff what documents to bring or submit for your situation.
3. Complete the Pre-Registration for Burial Determination Form if you want to confirm eligibility ahead of time.
4. Apply online or by phone through the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.
5. If you are applying for a spouse or dependent child, be prepared for the $300 burial fee. Honorably discharged veterans are buried at no charge.
6. Plan for committal services in the shelter on weekdays. Gravesites cannot be reserved, and there are no graveside services.

What to expect: After you apply, the cemetery reviews the information and confirms whether the person qualifies for burial. Processing times vary, so ask the cemetery for an estimate if needed. If approved, burial follows the cemetery’s rules, including weekday committal services in a shelter. There is no renewal for this benefit.