Can you bury me next to great-great-grandpa?
Apr. 12—Dear Vault of All Knowledge: Are there any Minnesota laws or regulations regarding new burials at once established but currently abandoned cemeteries? I am the great-great-granddaughter of a Civil War veteran and am interested in being buried next to him. — Not Dead Yet Julie.
Dear Julie,
You say the words "abandoned cemeteries," and I think back to old episodes of "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?"
Alas, Peter Macken of Macken Funeral Home informs me that the term "abandoned cemetery" is something of a misnomer. (Yes, we can't trust old '70s cartoons.)
"There's no such thing as an abandoned cemetery," Macken said.
What you might mean is an inactive cemetery, one that hasn't been used in quite a while. But even these, Macken said, are often owned and cared for by some entity. Usually, it's a church or it might be the township in which the cemetery is located. He said one in the region was cared for by a 4H group.
But chances are, if the cemetery is in the plat of the township, someone owns and maintains it, Macken said.
So, what does that mean for you and great-great-grandpa eternally resting as tomb-mates?
"These old cemeteries are usually owned or cared for or adopted by someone," Macken said. "She just needs to find that entity."
He suggested starting with the local township. They'll likely have a record of ownership. Then it's a matter of working with the owner to secure a spot near great-great-grandpa for your final resting place.
"There's no law that says you can't be buried in a cemetery that hasn't had a burial in 100 years," Macken said.
In fact, he said his funeral home performs burials in these old cemeteries about once or twice a year. "We did one recently in Haverhill Township," he added.
So, start with that township clerk. Then move on from there.
And here's hoping you won't need that spot of dirt for quite some time.
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