The Wasilla Aurora Cemetery was established in November 1947 when homesteader Fred Nelson deeded five acres of his land to the Wasilla Cemetery Association for $100. A contest among Wasilla schoolchildren resulted in the name “Aurora” for the new cemetery. Even as the first roads were being constructed and plots planned, the first burial took place. Mr. Julius “Joe” B. Palmer was laid to rest in Plot 1A on February 27, 1948.

In March 1980 the Cemetery Association turned over the original parcel along with four other parcels to the City of Wasilla.

Today the Wasilla Aurora Cemetery is comprised 11.25 acres divided into 5 sections with more than 600 individual lots. A Columbarium was added in 2015 along with plans to expand it in the future. The City is responsible for the sale of Columbarium niches, and the general maintenance and supervision of the cemetery.

Wasilla Aurora Cemetery has grown and developed well beyond the original vision of the members of the Cemetery Committee; but their planning and work laid a foundation for a peaceful spot which preserves the character of both the small 1940’s town and the quickly growing City of the 21st Century.