Hamilton's Ted Kenna, who bravely shot down a Japanese machine gun post at near-point-blank range in New Guinea during World War II, died last week. He was 90.

Mr Kenna's gallantry earned him the distinguished Victoria Cross.

Premier John Brumby visited Mr Kenna last September and said the war hero was a "very humble" man.

Mr Brumby said Mr Kenna's family had accepted the offer of the state funeral.

"I remember Mr Kenna being a very humble man and a keen supporter of community football in the Hamilton district," he said.

The Government has scheduled Mr Kenna's funeral at St Patrick's Cathedral in East Melbourne at 11am on Thursday.