Funeral planning can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Our staff is here to support you and help you each step of the way.
What to Do Within Hours
When a death occurs at home or somewhere that isn’t a healthcare facility, you’ll need to call law enforcement before your loved one can be taken into our care. They will likely ask questions about health conditions, physicians, medicines and the like, and it may be helpful to gather that information prior to their arrival if possible.
If your special person dies in a healthcare facility, medical personnel will notify the proper authorities, including your chosen funeral home if you have given them that information. Staff will also help you complete any necessary paperwork.
If you’re unsure of what to do, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.
What to Do Within a Few Days
You should inform close friends and relatives of your loved one’s passing. This can be a difficult process, and it may be helpful to reach out to a trusted family member or friend to assist with this. Posting on social media can help to inform a large number of people all at once.
If your person had preplanned funeral wishes be sure to inform the funeral director with whom you meet. The funeral home will have copies of those documents on file and will go over them with you to discern what, if any, changes there may be. If no preplanning exists, the funeral director will help you understand your options and plan the type of service you desire. Some things you will be asked about are as follows:
- Burial or cremation
- Type of casket or urn
- The location of the final resting place
- Service type, such as a viewing, traditional funeral service, graveside service, memorial service, etc.
- Who will officiate any potential service--a pastor, a family member, a friend?
This is just a starting point; don't feel like you need to know all the answers right now. We are here to help and will make this process as uncomplicated as possible.
When We Meet
When you meet with one of our staff members to begin planning the funeral, we'll show you our general price list to give you a basic idea of our service costs. We’ll also talk with you about your loved one to get a better understanding of who they were and what services you prefer. We want to hear your ideas and stories about your special person. We appreciate knowing what their passions were and any other insights you might have that will help us create a personalized, meaningful service to celebrate and honor the life of your loved one.
We will ask for information that can help with details such as:
- Preparing and filing the official death certificate
- Drafting an obituary
- Scheduling the funeral services and events, including the date, time, and location
- Selecting a casket, urn, and any other products
- Choosing pallbearers
- Arranging transportation
When you meet with us to make arrangements for your loved one, please bring the following:
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Full legal name and home address
- Social security number
- Father's name
- Mother's maiden name
- Highest education
- Occupation held for the longest time
- Veteran's discharge papers (DD-214), if applicable
- Information about the burial location, if applicable
- Clergy name and phone number, if applicable
- Insurance policy information if using to pay for funeral expenses
- Names and relationships of survivors
- A recent photograph of your loved one along with an obituary (which, if needed, we are honored to help you write)
- Burial clothing for your loved one (best choices are long sleeves, high necks, no sheer fabrics; shoes, socks, and underwear)
