Cemetery

Amended August 11th, 2025

The Byron Village Council and Cemetery Committee are committed to maintaining Byron Cemetery as a peaceful, dignified, and well-managed resting place for loved ones. These rules exist to protect lot owners, uphold cemetery standards, and ensure long-term care and order.

INTERMENTS AND REMOVALS

Burial Fees:

Payment for a grave and opening/closing services must be made in full at least five (5) days prior to a private cremains burial. Funeral homes may pay on the day of interment or submit payment within ten (10) business days following the service.

Cemetery Oversight:

The Sexton or designated assistant will oversee and manage all interments. They cannot be held responsible for errors due to unclear instructions about plot location. Be precise when submitting interment requests.

Remains and Lot Use:

No lot owner will be compensated for interments. Remains may not be removed without written consent from the Sexton. Lots are reserved solely for human remains – no alternative use is permitted.

Grave Disturbance:

Graves will only be opened for official investigations with proper legal authorization.

Multiple Interments:

Only one body and one set of cremains (or two sets of cremains) may be interred in a single grave. An exception is made for a mother and infant or two children.

Burial Notice Requirement:

Funeral directors or responsible parties must provide at least two (2) days’ notice before a burial. Exceptions may be made for emergencies.

LOT IMPROVEMENTS AND GENERAL CARE

Authorized Work Only:

All improvements or maintenance must be carried out by the Sexton or authorized cemetery staff.

No Raised Graves:

Raised graves are not permitted. All interments must remain level with the surrounding ground.

Sod and Soil:

Only the Sexton or authorized personnel may disturb the sod on any lot.

Flowers and Decorations:

Artificial flowers, wreaths, and urns must be placed behind the marker and may not exceed the length of the marker or 24 inches in width.

All decorations must be maintained by the lot owner. Neglected items may be removed at the discretion of the Sexton.

Unsightly vases or arrangements may be removed without notice.

Planting Restrictions:

No trees, shrubs or perennial plants may be planted. Existing growth that spreads beyond lot boundaries or requires maintenance may be trimmed or removed by cemetery staff.

Stonework Guidelines:

All stonework installations require Sexton approval. Work may not occur during freezing conditions or until the ground has fully settled.

MEMORIAL DAY AND FLAGS

Veteran Flags:

Flags will be placed in veterans holders for Memorial Day weekend. They may be removed anytime after the holiday at Sexton’s discretion.

Families may place a flag in the veterans flag holder at any time, if they become weathered, remove or replace them.

The cemetery flag will be flown at half-staff at sunrise and returned to full-staff at noon on Memorial Day.

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

Visitor Conduct:

Visitors must refrain from loud or disruptive behavior. Please walk respectufully and avoid sitting on graves unless designated seating is provided.

Property Damage:

Damaging or disturbing monuments, cemetery property, or wildlife is a misdemeanor offense and punishable by law.

Prohibited Substances:

Alcohol, recreational marijuana, and illegal substances are strictly prohibited.

Advertising:

No advertising, signage, or solicitation is allowed on cemetery property.

Firearms:

Firearms are not allowed unless part of a military or ceremonial service.

Speed Limit:

The speed limit within the cemetery is 5mph.

Gate Hours:

Gates open at daylight and close at dark.

Vehicle Policy:

Unattended vehicles may be towed at the owner’s expense.

Policy Amendments:

The Village Council reserves the right to revise rules, pricing, or services at any time.

Restricted Vehicles:

Motorcycles, ATV’s, side-by-sides, and snowmobiles are prohibited on cemetery grounds.

DEADLINES FOR REMOVING ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS & WREATH

April 1st – Remove grave blankets and all winter decorations

October 1st – Remove all other artificial flowers and decorations

All artificial flowers must be placed in urns or pots

CEMETERY RECORDS REQUESTS: Grave location and/or ownership information is available for a $30 research fee. Requests can be made online or in person at the Village office.