The Cremation Garden contains areas for both above ground and below ground inurnment. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels.

WARSAW —  Oakwood Cemetery Sexton Hal Heagy said preparation for a new road in the eastern section of the cemetery, which should be completed in 2020, is progressing. 

At the Oakwood Board of Regents meeting held Thursday, Oct. 3, Heagy told board members that prep work is also being done for a double wall around the Saemann Mausoleum, to go along with the new road.

Discussion included suggestions for the future site of an additional cremation garden. There are only 14 remaining lots available for sale at the current Cremation 2 Garden, which was established several years ago.

One possible option, according to Heagy, could be what is known as Potter’s Field, the last section of the wooded area. Heagy said he is thinking of taking a section of that woods and using it for ash burials. This could happen as soon as next year, Heagy said.

“There’s still plenty of land left,” Heagy assured board members. He pointed out that there are 3.5 acres of what was the Parson Farm that can be developed.

“I have preliminarily drawn that in for lots,” Heagy said. “We also have the rest of the Beyer Farm that was donated to us that goes back by the hospital that will be developed someday, So there’s still plenty of land, but I’m just trying to use it wisely.”

With leaf season near, summer decorations at the cemetery need be removed as soon as possible, no later than Oct. 15.

Removal of all loose items on foundations and monument bases must be removed to allow for the use of leaf blowers to work efficiently. Flowers attached to the top of monuments and flowers in urns on the foundation may remain in place.

Winter decorations, such as grave blankets and wreaths on tripods, may be placed after Nov.18.

“So you know, I have a shout out I want to give out to Warsaw Street Department,” Heagy said. “Since I lost my mechanic they’ve been helping me out and they come right away, it’s very nice. It’s been working out really well with them.”

Heagy said Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer has not yet found a board member to replace former member Dave Baumgartner but hopes to have that position filled by the first of the year.

Other News:

• August meeting minutes were approved. No meeting was held in September.
• Firewood is ready for pickup for anyone with a CCS voucher.
• New stone was installed on the east side of the front fence and 40 trees were planted in various areas throughout the cemetery.
• A fifth foundation pour is scheduled for this month.
• A 90 foot red oak tree was lost due to a storm and taken down by Beaver Dam Tree Service.
• The next regular meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7.

Founded in 1874, Oakwood Cemetery is located at the corner of Maple and Sheridan streets in Warsaw. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels.