Frequent Questions

It is common to have questions about the funeral process. This section answers some frequently asked questions to help make this process easier for you. If additional questions arise, please feel free to contact us directly at the funeral home. 

What do funeral directors do? 

Funeral directors are in charge of all the logistics following a death. They complete the necessary paperwork, make arrangements for the transportation of the body, and put into action the choices made by the family regarding the funeral service and the final resting place of the body. Beyond all of this, funeral directors are there to provide emotional support and personal guidance in the wake of a loss.
 

What type of service should we have? 

If no pre-arrangements have been made, the type of service is entirely up to you, but it is often a combination of choices that reflect unique details of the deceased's life combined with elements the grieving family needs to heal. Services are usually held at a funeral home or a place of worship. There is a wealth of different services, ranging from traditional religious or military services to something a little more unique. Our funeral directors are more than happy to work with you to figure out what would be the most appropriate. 

Can I personalize a funeral? 

Of course you can! In fact, more and more people are opting for non-traditional, personalized services. There is no one way to celebrate somebody’s life. Let the funeral director know exactly what your desires are, and they will honor your wishes. 

Do we need to have an obituary notice, and what is included in one? 

It is highly recommended to have an obituary notice that is either posted in a local newspaper or online. An obituary lets the public know that a death has occurred and provides them with information about the service. Obituaries can include a wide range of biographical information about the individual. They also generally include the name of the deceased’s spouse, along with the names of anyone else significant in their lives, such as parents, children, or grandchildren. Space may be limited in a newspaper obituary, but you might also wish to include a short sentiment on the life and legacy of the deceased. Our online obituary page offers you the chance to share more about the deceased at no extra cost. Please visit our Tips for Writing an Obituary page to learn more. 

What happens if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?

We are here to help. Our funeral directors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year. 

What if a death occurs away from my hometown? 

We can arrange to have the remains transported from anywhere in the world. We will assume responsibility and make the proper arrangements to have the remains returned to the community. We encourage you to visit our page about Away From Home Protection to learn more about this related cost-saving option. 

What is embalming, and what purpose does it serve? 

Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body. It also slows down the decomposition process and enhances the appearance of a body impacted by a traumatic death or illness. Embalming gives time to the family of the deceased to arrange a service and allows for the possibility of an open-casket viewing, which is a very important part of the healing process. 

Do I need to have an embalming?

No, although some countries do require embalming by law in order for remains to leave or enter the country. If it is not against your religious custom, embalming is generally recommended, especially if there is an extended gap between death and burial or cremation.  
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What is involved in the price of a funeral? 

​Funerals are labor intensive. The cost of the funeral depends on the services selected. It includes all professional services, embalming and other preparations, the use of a facility for the ceremony, and the purchase of a casket or urn. Funeral directors work an average of forty hours per funeral, and the cost of operating a funeral home is included as well. Funeral homes are a 24-hour operation, with extensive facilities that need to be maintained and secured.