Cemetery

  • Cemetery Plots Price Increase on July 1, 2025

     Burying the dead is a corporal work of mercy that involves the generous stewardship of time, talent, and treasure. It is essential the cemetery be well maintained now and in the future. Effective July 1, 2025, the cost per grave plot will increase from $500 to $800 for parishioners and $800 to $1500 for non-parishioners. The last increase in cemetery rates occurred in 2003. Most of the revenue needed for general maintenance and
    upkeep is generated directly from plot sales. Additionally, it is necessary to ensure proper maintenance long after our current cemetery space is full. Look at the cost of a burial space as an investment into the future maintenance
    and beautification of our cemetery. Twenty-five percent of the purchase price of each burial space is designated for perpetual care, which is a fund from which the growing principle can never be used. I am proud to be the sexton of St. James
    Cemetery to which I have a personal connection. Over the past years, I have taken the initiative to make many needed improvements to our aging cemetery. We have scheduled spring and fall clean up days, many headstones have been
    cleaned, repaired, and straightened. Sunken graves have been leveled, water lines ran to the back of the cemetery, and other general land-scaping has been performed. Much of the maintenance, minus the lawn cutting and the opening and closing of graves is handled by
    volunteers; however, there is always equipment and other charges that cost money. I will be available after a few Masses in the spring to give you a chance to purchase plots before the price increase and to answer any other questions you may have. Please know that we are grateful for your generosity to the cemetery. We are always accepting donations to help continue our important work. We are also planning a weekend next year at which a second collection will be
    taken for the general maintenance of the
    cemetery. If you have any questions or wish to meet with me about the cemetery or purchasing plots, please contact me at 920-360-9356 or email at brandon.wotachek@outlook.com.
    Father Brian has remarked several times that we have one of the most beautifully maintained parish cemeteries in the diocese. With your generosity and support, it will continue to be so. Brandon Wotachek. 

  • St. James Cemetery is located on the west side of the church, at 18228 CTH R, Denmark, WI 54208, immediately behind the church parking lot. The oldest gravestone in St. James Cemetery is dated 1857. Two men from the area who served in the Civil War are buried here, as are many other servicemen from other wars. Land is owned adjacent to the current cemetery for future use. While St. James Church has overall jurisdiction over the cemetery, the day-to-day operations are handled by a Sexton. Our Sexton is Brandon Wotachek, and he can help individuals purchase burial sites, and also assist families when planning a funeral. 

    Cemetery Rules & Regulations

  • Donation Opportunity

    We have a peaceful, beautiful cemetery for our loved ones, but unfortunately there are many tilting, sinking and unlevel headstones. Our cemetery committee has approved purchasing a headstone lift to assist a team of volunteers to straighten the monuments. All donated money will be put towards this lift which costs over $3000.00. Thank you for helping us offset the cost of this equipment.

  • Cemetery Regulations
          Planting shrubs, trees or roses in the cemetery is not allowed. Flowers may be planted in front of the monument but may not exceed the width of the monument and surrounding platform. Family must take care of the flowers, and if not, they will be removed. Artificial flowers may be placed in front of the monument between May 1 and October 1; winter memorials between Nov. 1 and April 30. Iron or metal plant holders must be placed in front of the monument. Thank you for cooperating so that the grass can easily be mowed around the monuments. 

  • Plot Purchase Costs

    • $500 for parish members
    • $800 for non-parishioners

    Plots will increase from $500 to $800 for parish members, and from $800 to $1,500 for any others on July 1, 2025.

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