When Death Occurs

There are several things that need to be considered when death occurs. You will have several questions regarding the death of your loved one, such as: "Do we want a visitation?", "Do we want a funeral service, if so where?", Do we want a burial following our services, if so where?", Do we want cremation following our services?". These are just a few questions you may have, and it will be less of a burden if some of these questions are thought of before you meet with our staff member. Any and all questions will be answered by the staff member you meet with; however, the best way to have your questions and desires taken care of is to call our funeral home and set up an appointment for pre-arrangements.

The following is a simple guide of items to bring with you during your appointment, whether your appointment is for a pre-arrangement or for an at-need arrangement. Our staff member will also discuss these items with you while setting up your appointment:

VITAL STATISTICS: These items are needed to complete a death certificate, which we will file in the appropriate county to acquire certified copies of the death certificate. If your arrangement is for a Pre-need, these items are still needed Full legal name Date of Birth City and State of Birth Legal address, inside city (Y/N) Ever in the U.S. Armed Forces (Y/N) Social Security Number Father's name Mother's first and maiden name Name of Cemetery City and State of Cemetery Highest grade of education completed Occupation (before retirement) Kind of business or industry where worked.

CLOTHING: Clothing is needed for viewing purposes. If a closed casket is requested, we still fully clothe. Whatever you feel is appropriate for your loved one to wear is fine; the only requirement we suggest is as follows: Men - a suit or sport coat with or without a tie. If neither is desired, then a collared long-sleeved shirt, long pants, or jeans are acceptable. Women - a long-sleeved dress, pant suit, long-sleeved blouse/sweater, long pants, skirt, nothing see-through. Full undergarments are required for both; shoes are personal preference.

JEWELRY: You may bring in any type of jewelry you wish your loved one to wear during the visitation. Our staff will check with you before you leave from the visitation as to what items stay on and what items are to be removed. We discourage any jewelry of great monetary value.

PHOTOS AND OTHER ITEMS: A photo of your loved one is needed if you wish to include it in the obituary and/or for our hairdresser/beautician. Photos and other memorabilia can be displayed throughout your visiting room. These items help celebrate your loved one's life and personality. If photos are placed in the casket, we will discuss which come out/or stay in. Families are encouraged to make poster boards, but before making these boards, please discuss with your funeral director the requirements of these boards. Any memorabilia brought in for display, we will set up for you; however, we suggest that anything that means a lot to you or is of great monetary value, please do not bring in for display. Our funeral home offers our families the option of a VIDEO TRIBUTE that will be played continuously during the visitation. We have found that looking through photos can be very therapeutic during this time of loss. Our video tribute is up to 100 pictures, which can also be seen on our website for those family and friends that cannot attend your services. Our Personalized video tribute fee is $75.00, which includes two copies. Additional copies may be purchased directly on our website.

During arrangements, your funeral director will assist your family in preparing an obituary and placement in newspaper(s) of choice, filing for insurance, notifying Social Security, purchasing flowers, scheduling a church or clergy for services, scheduling cemetery services, and helping your family with anything possible to plan dignified and honorable services. 

Please contact the funeral home at (815) 838-5010 to discuss or plan any arrangements.