We have two cemeteries in Pere Marquette Charter Township. The "Pere Marquette Cemetery" is located on Sixth Street and is owned and managed by St. Simon's Catholic Church. Interested people should contact the church directly at 231/843-8606.
"Phillips Cemetery" on South Lakeshore Drive is owned and managed by the Township. In the summer of 2010, Phillips Cemetery received a facelift. Fresh paint and a beautiful new fence add something special to the setting. Together with the recent addition of off-street parking spaces, Phillips is a more visitor-friendly place to be.
The cemetery had been inactive for many years, with new burials restricted to residents whose family members were already buried there. In 2003, Pere Marquette Township found a means to re-open the cemetery to serve Pere Marquette Township residents once again.
The Township purchased a 96-niche columbarium for interment of cremated remains. The columbarium is tucked inside the grounds of Phillips Cemetery. Sand dune bluffs and the waters of Lake Michigan are easily visible in spring and fall when the foliage is less full. Both evergreens and hardwood trees provide shade and a peaceful backdrop to the site. Breezes off of Lake Michigan keep the area pleasant and refreshing, fluttering the American flag from the 20-foot flagpole nearby.
The columbarium is constructed of granite in gray and soft rose colors. Benches on either side of the structure allow visitors a place for quiet reflection.
Landscaping at the cemetery was completed in 2004, after the columbarium addition. The DPW crew planted evergreens in mid-May. The lawn was hydro-seeded and established by Memorial Day.
At present, single niches sell for $400.00 for residents, and $600.00 for eligible non-residents who meet our purchase guidelines. Double niches are also available. Application forms are available from our Township Clerk for the purchase of niches. Contact Shelly Enbody at 231/845-1279 or Rachelle@pmtwp.org . If you’d like to see the columbarium, Phillips Cemetery is located on South Lakeshore Drive at the corner of Chauvez Road.
CLICK HERE for the fascinating history of Phillips Cemetery.