(OTTUMWA, Iowa)– On behalf of the City of Ottumwa, the Ottumwa Board of Cemetery Trustees is charged with the oversight and care of the Ottumwa, Calvary, and Ottumwa Jewish Cemeteries. Recently during one of their regular meetings, they reviewed and have decided to upgrade and improve the Veteran Sections of the Ottumwa Cemeteries.

This project will replace flagpoles, flags, and supporting structures in the Veteran Section of Ottumwa Cemetery, as well as install solar lights on the flagpoles in the Veteran Sections of Ottumwa and Calvary Cemeteries. Currently, there are 35 veterans interred in the Ottumwa Cemetery, with 38 open spaces remaining. Free burial spaces are offered to veterans.

The Board is now seeking partners in support of this project. Donations received will go toward funding this endeavor. Any additional funds raised will be deposited into an account for the future maintenance and repair of the flagpoles and supporting structures.

Donations may be sent to the Ottumwa Cemetery, 1302 N. Court Street, Ottumwa, IA 52501. Questions and concerns should be directed to Gene Rathje, Cemetery Superintendent, at 641-455-9463, or the cemetery office at 641-683-0687.