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In 1863, the Rochester Cemetery Association was formed as a non-denominational, nonprofit, lot-owner operated corporation to establish a final resting place as desired by the people of Rochester and surrounding areas. Colonel George Healy was elected president of the volunteer Board of Trustees and the name Oakwood Cemetery was selected.
After 137 years, the need for more burial space was recognized. Continuing the philosophy of having a non-sectarian, nonprofit cemetery for the future, Oakwood East Cemetery was opened in 1999. This new cemetery will ensure that the tradition of excellence and perpetual care that has been established will carry on through the 21st Century.
Oakwood Cemeteries is a member of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Association of Cemeteries.
Oakwood Cemeteries remain lot-owner operated concerns with a volunteer board of trustees serving three-year terms.
Rules & Regulations
Oakwood Cemetery takes pride in maintaining an environment of serenity for family members and friends. This is accomplished by regular care and maintenance for the cemetery grounds.
Oakwood Cemetery has made provisions for the following in decorating cemetery plots.
- Above ground urn stands and containers of either fresh or artificial plant material are permitted. Please replace artificial flowers as they become weathered or faded.
- Water will be provided and available in several locations throughout the cemeteries.
- Urn cans with fresh or artificial flowers are allowed two weeks prior to and after Memorial Day. Please be sure the cans are properly secured to the ground with urn canister clips. The urn cans should be picked up after the allotted time. Cemetery maintenance staff will dispose of urn cans left behind.
- In the fall we ask your cooperation in cleaning grave sites by cutting back annual flowers in cemetery urns, or removing and storing the urns until the next spring. Moisture in containers may lead to cracking and splitting, causing damage to your investment.
- During the winter, wreaths and swags on wreath stands may be displayed at the grave site. Please securely wire them to the easel, place the easel in the ground prior to ground freezing. Winter decorations should be removed by April 1st.
- Small trinkets, glass containers, mementos, ground decorations and materials hanging in the trees create multiple maintenance challenges. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping these types of decorations at home.
- We respectfully request that other decorating ideas outside of these guidelines be discussed with the cemetery staff prior to display.
- Please, no pets allowed on the cemetery grounds.
