Holy Cross Cemetery
Help with Avenue of Flags for Memorial Day Weekend
Could you assist with installing the flags on Saturday, May 24 at 10:00am and/or retiring them Monday the 26th at 4:00pm? Each session takes about 30-35 minutes. For more information, please contact Lynn Schreurs, 515-577-8147.
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Memorial Day
Join us for 10am Mass at Holy Cross Church on Monday, May 26. The Maxwell Legion and McKinsey Guard Bagpipers will be present following Mass. Come see our Avenue of Flags and take a self-guided walking tour of the church and cemetery.
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Holy Cross Cemetery Collection
We have a second collection at our Memorial Day weekend and Memorial Day Masses for Holy Cross Cemetery. The funds will be used for maintenance of the grounds. If you are unable to attend Mass here that weekend or on Memorial Day, you are welcome to mail your donation to the Parish Office. If paying by check, please make it out to Holy Cross Cemetery. Thank you in advance for your support to assure Holy Cross Cemetery remains a beautiful resting place.



Cemetery Committee
Laurie Phelan (Chair)
Pat Bishop
Lowell Crouse
John Freeman
Tracy Irwin
Stacey Rooney
Tom Rooney
Lynn Schreurs
Larry Shaw
The Holy Cross Cemetery has a rich history dating back to 1896 when the land was donated by William Ryan specifically to serve as a cemetery. The donated ground included the burial site of William’s young son, Michael. Much of the information and story of the Holy Cross Cemetery can be found here.
In October 2007 the Holy Cross Cemetery Committee was established. The committee represents both St. Mary-Holy Cross Parish members, and non-members who reside in Washington Township. Most of the first two years were spent reviewing and researching the responsibilities and obligations of a cemetery in the eyes of the State of Iowa, the community and the Des Moines Diocese. This guidance was critical to the development and establishment of official processes for plot location, plot sales and documentation, cemetery maintenance and perpetual care, fiscal management, and all cemetery rules. The policies and forms included here are results of many hours work by a dedicated committee, committed to assuring the Holy Cross Cemetery will continue be a beautiful and protected resting place for loved ones in the middle of a rich prairie. Please feel free to contact any committee members with questions and or requests to purchase plots.
Holy Cross Cemetery News
During the Saturday, Sunday, and Monday Masses of Memorial Day weekend, the second collection will be in behalf of the Holy Cross Cemetery. The funds will be used for the maintenance of the grounds tile, mowing, spraying, and driveway. Annual costs average approximately $4,000. Thank you for your generous contribution. Memorial Day Mass will begin at 10:00a.m. Thank you for your support to assure Holy Cross Cemetery remains a beautiful resting place.
Rules for grave decoration:
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All flowers and decorations are to be removed by April 1 and November 1.
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Place flowers and decorations as close to the headstone as possible.
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Planting is not allowed in the Cemetery – this includes trees, shrubs, and bushes.
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Glass and metal containers are not to be left at grave sites or in the cemetery.
515-201-6111
515-387-1391
515-387-9530
515-360-6734
515-771-3071
515-490-5034
515-491-6025
515-681-1351
515-720-3587