Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston
| Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston | |
|---|---|
Interactive map of Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston | |
| Details | |
| Established | 2015 |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 43°40′30″N 92°03′43″W / 43.675°N 92.062°W |
| Type | Public |
| Owned by | MN Dept. of Veterans Affairs |
| Size | 169 acres (68 ha) |
| No. of graves | >1,000 |
| Website | Official |
| Find a Grave | Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston |
The Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston is an active cemetery. The land was donated by Fillmore County and the $10.7 million project was paid largely by the federal government.[1]
The facility includes an administration and visitor building, committal shelter, and a maintenance building designed by Bentz Thompson Rietow.[2] This cemetery, maintained by the State of Minnesota, includes the graves of more than 1,000 military service members and their family members.
The Preston cemetery was the second state cemetery. It was constructed after the Little Falls cemetery and was followed by the Duluth cemetery then Redwood Falls cemetery cemeteries.
History
In 2007, State Representative Greg Davids proposed the construction of a State cemetery in Preston.[1]
In 2012, Congressman Tim Walz held a congressional field hearing to garner input from locals.[1]
In 2013, the cemetery construction began.[1]
On 11 November, 2015, the first veterans, two former Preston mayors, were laid to rest in the new cemetery.[3][1]
On 29 May 2016, the cemetery held its official dedication ceremony.[3]
In 2019, the Preston cemetery won a best in the nation award after excelling in a National Cemetery Compliance Review.[4]
Notable Interments
- Cpl Edwin S. Caw, IMO (KIA April 24, 1945, WWII, USAAF)
- SP4 Gary L. Clancy (Author, Vietnam, USA)
- Capt Kenneth F. Dowell (Silver Star, WWII, USAAF)
- PFC Clayton E. Fishbaugher (POW, WWII, USA)
- TSgt Earl R. Hoff (Co-first cemetery interment, USAF)
- AO2 Clarence M. Quanrud (Co-first cemetery interment, USN)
- SSgt Harlan A. Welzel (D-Day, WWII, USA)
Events
- Each May, Memorial Day programs honor fallen service members.[5]
- Each December, Honor Wreaths are placed on gravestones.[6]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 David, Kim (30 May 2016). "Dedication Held for New State Veterans Cemetery". Rochester MN: KROC Radio. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
- ↑ "New Cemetery Buildings that Integrate with Environment". Bentz Thompson Rietow. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
- 1 2 "Memorials and Burials". State of Minnesota. Retrieved 14 June 2026.
- ↑ Lonien, Luke (11 August 2019). "Preston Veterans Cemetery Earns #1 Ranking in the Nation". Rochester MN: KFIL Radio. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
- ↑ Dudley, Maureen (26 May 2026). "Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston honors Southeastern Minnesota's veterans ahead of Memorial Day". Rochester MN: KIMT3. Retrieved 11 June 2026.
- ↑ "MNSVCP - Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery - Preston". Wreaths across America. Retrieved 11 June 2026.