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Cemetery

City of Galva

The City of Galva operates a single cemetery, officially named the “Galva Cemetery,” located on US Route 17 just south of the Galva Park District on the east side of the road. Covering over forty acres, the cemetery is supervised by the Cemetery Sexton/Superintendent of Streets and maintained by full and part-time city employees. A Cemetery Board advises the Council on policy, oversees perpetual care and funds. Learn more about the Cemetery Board at the link below.

Cemetery Board

Cemetery Rates & Fees

From time to time, the Galva City Council revises the rates and fees schedule for the Galva Cemetery, including grave digging rates, disinterment rates, space a perpetual care rates, and permit fees. Please reach out to City Hall for the latest rates and fees.

Cemetery FAQ

Yes. A “Permit for Disposition of Dead Human Body” from the Illinois Department of Public Health is required before burial, which the funeral home or family must submit to the City Clerk for issuance of a Burial Permit — both permits are free. A permit is also required to disinter (remove) a body.

Yes. You must apply through the City Clerk (with applicable fee) and submit the issued permit to the Sexton.

  • Monuments and headstones: granite only, permitted sizes, proper foundations and placements.
  • Urns and benches: stone allowed with concrete base extending at least 6″ beyond the item, placed on proper foundation.
  • Mausoleums: require cemetery board approval, must occupy 4 grave spaces, be one burial high by two wide, under 4′ tall and 8′ long.
  • Purchase through the City Clerk’s office – deed will be issued upon proper recording of documents and payment in full.
  • Six-Month payment plans are available.
  • The City does not repurchase unused spaces, but owners may transfer them by transfer deed via the City Clerk.
  • If you die intestate, rights pass equally to heirs who must provide proof to the Clerk.
  • Must be granite (no New Concord or New Westerly granite); markers are one-piece, max 2′ × 1′, at head of grave, on concrete foundation at least 4 ft deep (foundation extends 6″ beyond marker).
  • Monuments: granite with base, max 4′ tall, placed 24″ east of lot line center, on 5′ deep foundations extending 6″ beyond.
  • Concrete mix for markers and monuments: 1 part cement to 6 parts aggregate, well-graded.
  • Urns and benches allowed if stone and on similar foundations.
  • Speed limit is 15 mph.
  • Park only on driveways without blocking; funeral processions may park along drives or as directed; do not drive over graves.
  • No fences or walls allowed around lots.
  • No planting of trees, shrubs, vines, flowers; the Sexton may remove any interfering growth.
  • Mounds cannot interfere with grass cutting.

Cemetery Sexton/Superintendent of Streets

Richard Plummer

Address: 311 N.W. 4th Avenue
Galva, IL 61434

Phone: (309) 932-2555

Contact City Hall

For assistance and more information related to the Cemetery contact City Hall.

Phone: (309) 932-2555