FAQs Archive - Gate of Heaven Cemetery

Q: What can Gate of Heaven do about the mess the geese leave behind?

Canadian geese are a protected species. We contract with a geese control expert who helps us keep their numbers to a minimum. Geese droppings are a nuisance, but are normal in the natural setting we have created at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. They will eventually wash into the soil with a moderate to heavy rain and become fertilizer.

Q: My husband so loved his dog. Can I bring Spot to visit?

Sorry, though we understand the bond between pet owner and pet, like all other cemeteries of which we are aware, dogs (and all pets) are prohibited on cemetery grounds. Please leave your pets at home or keep them safely in your car when visiting.

Q: Why are the marker corners sunken in?

This is due to the settling process, but the underlying cause is because of the gravel moving between vaults over time due to rain water. This movement can create a cavity underground which is extremely difficult to fill in. Gravity will eventually cause sunken areas that can be filled in at the surface. If this is noticed by the grounds crew or a family a work order is created and the grave is back-filled to level it out.

Q: Why is the grave uneven?

This is due to the settling process that takes time to complete.

Q: Who pulled the buds off my flowers?

Usually, it is the deer, groundhogs and geese. They will also bite artificial flowers, discover they aren’t tasty, and spit them out or fling them aside with a shake of their heads. God’s creatures are abundant at Gate of Heaven, and depending upon your opinion, either a blessing or a nuisance.

Q: When does Gate of Heaven Cemetery mow the grass and trim the markers?

Mowing and Trimming Schedule can be found under Rules and Regulations .

Q: When will the marker we ordered be installed?

We strive to set markers at 16 weeks or 4 months after date of service. This is also the time the grave is seeded, if weather permits. The reason we wait 16 weeks is to allow the grave to settle before putting on the weight of a granite marker. Without waiting the marker would simply sink into the ground.

Q: When do you close or open the gates?

Cemetery Grounds are Open as follows: 7 Days a Week from sunrise to sunset. Cemetery Office is Open as follows: Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Q: Why is my vase stuck or doesn’t hold water?

If you are encountering issues with your vase, please call our office to request a work order at 513-489-0300 , or use the questionnaire form under the Contact page on our website.