Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Cemetery Locked? The board decided to begin locking the Cemetery in 2009 after a string of minor vandal acts. Although the cemetery receives great support from the Windcrest Police and several neighborhood watch organizations, we felt it necessary to lock the cemetery. If you are a descendent/relative of a family member buried in the cemetery and would like access, you can contact a board member (phone numbers listed on a sign by the gate) for the combination.
Are lots available to the general public (meaning people other than descendants of Abram Bueche and existing plot owners)? The general answer is no. Please contact the board of directors for any questions related burial eligibility rules.
What are the requirements for a burial grave site? The requirements for a burial gravesite a fairly minimal. The board must approve the burial site. The headstone must be placed facing east and should be installed within 45 days of the burial. Headstones taller than 40 inches or wider than two plots must be reviewed with the board. Flat headstones are allowed. No concrete casket footing is required inside the grave. All grave sites should be opened and closed by the Garza Bros. (210) 648-0010.
Does the cemetery sell plots for pets? The Bueche Cemetery is not a pet cemetery.
What expenses are paid out of the annual donations? The cemetery's annual expenses range from $1,500 to $3,000 per year. The largest single expense for the cemetery is the mowing. It costs approximately $250 each time the cemetery pays a landscaping company to mow the cemetery. Because this expense is so large, especially during years with a lot of rain, the board schedules two clean up days one in the spring the other in the fall to help control this expense. For the last couple of years, in addition to the clean up days the board has personally mowed the cemetery two to three additional times per year to control costs. The donations also pay for flowers, fence repairs, and electricity. The Cemetery has no paid employees and board members are not allowed to draw a salary of any kind.
Who is responsible for removing dead flowers from a grave after a funeral? Each family is responsible to keep their respective lots clean and free of debris and also to dispose of dead or faded flowers. We do not have trash pick-up service at the Cemetery and if you leave trash behind, a Board member has to carry it back to their home to dispose of it. We appreciate everyone doing their part to keep the memorial park beautiful and clean. Preserving the beauty of the Cemetery is a responsibility shared by everyone connected, not just the Board members.
Who should I contact in the event of an emergency at the Cemetery? For any emergency, call 911. The cemetery is located in the city of Windcrest and the address is 5404 Crestway. The nonemergency number for the Windcrest Police Department is 210-655-2666. We also ask that you report any incident to one of the board members as soon as possible.
How do I work the lock on the gate? After you place the right code on the lock, push it in and then out to release. When you leave, be sure to close the gate and latch it. Replace the lock and spin the numbers and push to relock. Be sure you place the lock with the numbers facing out (this will make the numbers easier to read and will not be upside down for the next person). Again, if you do not know the code, or have a problem with the locak, call one of the numbers posted on the gate.
If I notice the cemetery needs mowing or some other attention, who should I contact? We try to get by the cemetery as much as possible to check on things, but people do get busy at times. So, please contact any one of the board members if you see anything that needs attention.
I would like to participate in the next Cemetery History Walk, who should I contact? Contact Carol Minard or any other board member. A possible date for our next walk is November 3, 2012. Please continue to check this site for additional information.