Looking for an alternative to cremation?

Our Section of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, our natural burial area, can provide options for those concerned about the environment and unsure if cremation is right for them.

  • diagram of the Natural Burial section
  • Natural Burial section with tall grass blowing in the wind
  • Natural Burial section with Pink and blue flowers
  • Natural Burial section with blue larkspur flowers
  • Natural Burial section with Black eyed susans
  • Natural Burial section with a fox
  • Natural Burial section with tall grass and blue flowers
  • Natural Burial section with yellow and blue wildflowers
  • Natural Burial section with a fence
  • Natural Burial section with tall grass
  • Natural Burial section with a yellow coreopsis
  • Natural Burial section with a Fawn laying in the flowers

Our natural burial section is different from our other sections. There are no manicured lawns and the majority of the section is covered in native green grasses, wild flowers and stands of trees. Paths will wander through the section to allow for visitation and memorialization is limited to an inscribed field stone, as no manufactured memorials will be permitted. Metal caskets and burial vaults are also not permitted. The body may be wrapped in a shroud or placed in a completely biodegradable casket. Our hope is to provide burial while reducing the environmental impact to the greatest degree possible. Due to the energy use and possible environmental concerns of the cremation process, cremated remains will not be permitted in the section of St. Kateri Tekakwitha.

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Natural Burial Guide

purple larkspur flowers
yellow and red coreopsis flowers

“Mike was excellent. Earlier today when I called the office I appreciated that Karen remembered my name when transferring me to Mike. It meant a lot to me that Mike was present, kind and respectful at my dad’s graveside ceremony. His commitment to good work, compassion, and service excellence shines right through. Thank you, Mike.”

“This is a very difficult time in our lives; Mike handled our situation with care. He showed empathy and kindness during our first meeting, at the time of our little boy’s funeral, and after. I have been to the cemetery every day since May 9th; all of the groundskeepers are pleasant. I will recognize Perry. He introduced himself to me and helped me understand where I could plant flowers. He also offered to help me clean old flowers. Everyone is very kind.”

“The weather on the day of burial was terrible (snow and high winds). Since it was not safe for a tent, they arranged for the committal service to be in the mausoleum which was more than expected. We appreciated this very much.”

“The staff at Gethsemane Cemetery was very helpful in explaining the procedures and costs up front. During a difficult time like this, it was a relief to know that we were working with very organized and professional staff. Tim was especially helpful and led us through the process.”

“This experience was not exactly a pleasant one. However, Larry was “exceptional” by his: thoroughness, his knowledge, his expertise, patient and certainly his cordial attitude. We found it very easy to handle this chore, primarily due to his total involvement.”

“The cemetery is a very welcoming, peaceful, sincere and loving cemetery. I am glad my dad’s final resting place is just that. It is very well kept and I would recommend this a peaceful resting place. Thank you so much for all of the sincere efforts put forth by your facility and staff in making my dad’s memorial services as sincere as they could be at a difficult time.”