Rice Lake Methodist Cemetery is owned by Gethsemane United Methodist Church in Lino Lakes, and is at the site of their original church. The land was donated by Anton Wenzel, and the first grave was placed there in about 1850. Grave sites may be purchased for burial of coffins or cremains. Contact the church office for current prices, information about markers and other rules. No grave opening, burial or closing is permitted without the confirmation of interment rights by Gethsemane United Methodist Church.
GUMC Trustees (Maintenance Team) are responsible for the upkeep of the cemetery, and have the rights at all times to grade or improve the cemetery, cut or remove any tree or plant, remove unsightly floral arrangements, and enter upon any plot/grave for any reason. The cemetery has and reserves the right to correct any errors made with respect to interments, disinterment, or in the describing of, transfer of, or conveyance of any property. GUMC is not responsible for theft, accidents, vandalism or other acts committed by people on this property.
Decorating Rules and Regulations
This is not a perpetual care cemetery. The church does it’s best to care for this lovely and sacred place, but individual families are responsible for planting grass on graves, changes in elevation of sites and any grave decorations.
- No trees or shrubs may be planted on the property.
- No live flowers may be planted on the grave sites. No trinkets, glass or balloons.
- No benches, statues or signs of any kind may be placed on the graves.
- One iron stand in the ground next to the headstone for holding a flower pot is permitted. It is the family’s responsibility to care for flowers planted in a pot, and the family must remove them if they die. Silk flowers are permitted.
- In the winter, at Christmas time, a wreath may be placed by the grave. It is up to the family to remove it in the spring.
When you visit the cemetery, please remember to close the gate when you leave.
The graves in Rice Lake/Gethsemane United Methodist cemetery represent some of the oldest names that populate the Lino Lakes area. To be sure, the cemetery predates the surrounding communities by several decades. There was no Blaine, Circle Pines, or Lino Lakes when those first graves were dug, most certainly by hand, with care and reverence.
This land was also once home to Rice Lake Methodist church. If you walk carefully (and pick a time when the snow is gone) you can make out some compacted ground and perhaps the outline of the stone which was the foundation.
This hallowed ground cradles the remains of those who fought in our nation’s conflicts. Some gave all and were buried with honor, befitting their sacrifice. Beside these heroes often lie their wives and other members of their family.
Also lying here in final rest are many ordinary citizens. Those who raised a loving family while doing their jobs, serving their community and the God to whom they prayed.
Whether you have a loved one buried there or not, a visit leaves you with a sense of peace and history.
To help maintain this historic place, please donate online at www.gum.church under “donate” or mail your donation to Gethsemane UMC, 7330 Lake Dr, Lino Lakes, MN 55014
Call or email Gethsemane United Methodist Church for more information or current pricing.