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HANSEN • As caretaker of the combined Magic Valley Veterans Cemetery and Rock Creek Cemetery south of town, Wayne Goetz visits childhood friend Bob Dalton’s grave often.

“We both graduated from Kimberly High School,” Goetz said, standing over Dalton’s grave Thursday. “I went into the Navy, and Bob went into the Air Force. I got out in four years, and he stayed in for 20.”

Dalton died a year ago and was buried among 120 other veterans and many early settlers, such as Herman Stricker and John Hansen.

Folks “like to be buried here,” said Goetz’s wife, Sylvia. “It’s close to home, and there’s a nice view of the mountains.”

Soon, another burial option will be available to veterans in the Magic Valley.

Too Far from Home

Idaho has one State Veterans Cemetery, in Boise, and a few privately operated veterans cemeteries.

That’s a concern for many.

“No matter where you live in the state, there is travel involved,” said state Rep. Maxine Bell, R-Jerome. “My husband is a veteran, and I wouldn’t want him buried in Boise.”