04/26/2026
Happy Sunday to all! I wanted to tell a little about Center School Cemetery which is located a little southwest of the funeral home. The very first time I was ever at that cemetery was for a friends brother who passed away right after we were out of highschool. I love it's history, rustic environment and the animals that make it part of their home. On the southside, when crops are not in the field, you can see the spire of Immaculate Conception overlooking the countryside. My understanding from history, is that it was the middle of three schools serving rural Marshall County, thus named "center" school. I might be totally wet on that.
Center School as the cemetery has been a neighborhood cemetery for 160 plus years, with the southwest corner having the longevity. The cemetery is owned by Marshall County and Timbercreek Township. The Osgood family faithfully and respectfully took care of it for decades until- well- they got old and tired. They well-deserved their time away from it. Timbercreek Township at that time came to visit us. Clair Long was trustee and I had known him for many years. We took over the books and sell the lots for the cemetery, maintain some items like get rock when there are funds, plant trees every year, mark out lots for burials and try best to fix some of the older stones. Not a huge amount can be done annually since lots are $50 each. The cemetery is blessed by the county and Timbercreek Township for funding.
Timbercreek Township takes care of mowing and maintenance annually- we do the snow removal for burials. It is very difficult to balance a budget and get maintenance done, but they have always accomplished it. The cemetery is NOT perpetual care- meaning no funds from lot sales go into a trust, and since the age of the cemetery and limited number of burials would somewhat command that.
The cemetery has also become a home to those who cannot necessarily call Marshalltown their permanent home. Many cultures use it for unexpected passings- such as the three little burmese children- and others. Many of those families have moved on to different communities but found peace and solace that this little cemetery would care for their loved ones. It is also a home to those who struggled to have financial means and are laid to rest in the same respect as a millionaire. They all rest amongst a colorful history of the area as well as wonderful families.
Recently there were some hurt feelings and processes I thought I could bring up here. No one is meaning to be hurt in any action when it comes to the memory of a loved one. And I have said publicly before, my biggest fear in life is letting someone down, so it bothers me- a lot. There were items removed from gravesites and for the right reasons and not theft. Those items still exist in the center area of the cemetery. It is imperative for the maintenance crew that the township hires to have clear access to the graves- especially during the spring when grass seems to grow by the hour! It is also for safety for those devoted to caring for the sites- if they hit glass, rocks or wood they could have injuries. This way they can mow, trim and if need be the gentleman who digs the graves usually visits the cemetery a time or two a year to level graves out.
All of us want a safe, peaceful place to remember someone. Right now, if something is "permanent"- meaning attached to the monument or basically indestructible, and presents no safety issues or objectionable presentation (offensive language, etc.) it can stay. Fencing around a grave limits it to no mowing or maintenance, so that would be removed.
Again, it was with no disrespect anything was moved, and I am truly sorry feelings were hurt. Anyone who knows me knows I am an advocate for the dead and the living and we want to get a balance on the policies needed to assure everyone is cared for. You can always, ALWAYS, message me or email me mffh@marshallnet.com at any time to ask or voice concerns.
