Alaska Cemetery Records

The state of Alaska has two major military cemeteries within its borders, Fort Richardson National in Fort Richardson and Sitka National in Sitka. Obtaining records from these burial places is a straight forward process that can be done through the military, the VA or through the cemetery itself. The state bureau of vital statistics is in charge of issuing burial transit permits every time someone passes away. Before a funeral can be held, one of these permits must be obtained. A funeral home will often times get these permits every time they take possession of a body. In Alaska, the burial of a person on private property is all but allowed by the state, but you may need to check with local laws and regulations regarding the matter. In general, the state has deferred to local municipalities on this issue. Unlike most states, Alaska has no funeral board to speak of. Instead, the Dept. of Commerce and Economic Development, Division of Occupational Licensing will give a license to a funeral director to conduct the disposal of a body. This has sometimes leaded to less than complete records being kept in one of Alaska's many counties. If you need Alaska cemetery records, you may need to contact the cemetery directly in the county you believe your loved one is located.