What purpose does a funeral serve?

From the beginning of recorded history, societies have honored those who died with a traditional ceremony. Like other ceremonies in our lives such as a graduation ceremony, a wedding, or a baptism, the funeral is a rite of passage by which we recognize an important event that distinguishes our lives. The funeral not only declares that a death has occurred, but also celebrates a life that has been lived. Often the funeral is the first step in the grieving process, as it offers surviving family members and friends a caring, supportive environment in which to share their thoughts and feelings.

What role does the funeral director fill?

Funeral directors are there to help you through a very difficult time in your life. They are listeners and counselors. Through discussions with you, based on information you share about your wishes and details about your loved one, they are able to offer guidance and help coordinate a personal tribute that honors the life of your loved one. They guide you through planning the service, and coordinating the many details involved such as preparing the obituary, arranging for the pastor and organist, ordering flowers and food, and notifying pallbearers. They also are responsible for preparing and filing the legal documentation required, such as the death certificate, burial permit and social security form. By acting as an experienced source for support and guidance, a professional funeral director can provide you with support and relief during a time of great need.

What options are available in services and disposition?

Whether elaborate or simple, today’s funerals are often individualized to reflect the unique life of the deceased, and to bring special meaning to the family and other survivors. The service may reflect religious beliefs and serve as a reaffirmation of faith. It may also include reflections pertaining to the occupation or hobbies of the deceased, ethnic background or community involvement.

In our society, three basic forms of final disposition are practiced.

• Earth burial in a designated cemetery continues to be the form of disposition chosen most often. The majority of cemeteries require the casket be placed in a cement liner or vault.



• Cremation is a process whereby the body is reduced by intense heat over several hours to a few pounds of small fragments. Before cremation can occur the funeral director will obtain necessary authorizations from the family and the attending physician or medical examiner. The cremated remains are usually placed in an urn, which may be buried, placed in a memorial niche or columbarium, or kept by the family. Cremated remains may also be scattered, where permitted by law.
  
  
  • Some families chose to hold a traditional service with viewal and casket with cremation taking place after the service.
  
  
  
  • Other families chose immediate cremation without viewal.



• Entombment in a crypt is one of the oldest forms of disposition. Crypts are located within buildings called mausoleums, which are owned by the cemetery or, in some cases privately owned.

Must you have a funeral director when a death occurs?

Yes. In Minnesota, a licensed funeral director is responsible for the care and custody of the deceased until final disposition (burial, cremation, entombment) has occurred. Furthermore, a licensed funeral director must prepare, sign and file the certificate of death, and the burial transit permit required for final disposition.

What is the purpose of embalming and is it required by law?

Embalming is a procedure which sanitizes and preserves the body, slows the decomposition process and enhances the physical appearance of the deceased. It is important for maintaining the health and safety of the public and funeral home staff.

In Minnesota embalming is required by law under certain circumstances:

• Public viewing of the deceased
• When public transportation is needed
• Presence of contagious disease
• When final disposition (burial, cremation, entombment) will be greater than 72 hours after death has occurred

What determines the cost of a funeral?

The family of the deceased does. The cost of a funeral will depend on how elaborate or simple a ceremony is desired. We offer a wide variety of options in both services and merchandise, and make every effort to offer service options which are both meaningful and affordable. There are two types of costs associated with a funeral: (1) services provided by the funeral home and (2) merchandise such as a casket or urn.

Can I make my funeral arrangements before I die?

Yes. Today, pre-arrangement and prepayment of funerals are becoming more common. Prearranging will provide you with more time to review your options and give you a choice in your own funeral service. Pre-arrangement will provide you with the peace of mind that everything has been taken care of relieving your family of the financial responsibility and helps direct them in making arrangements when a loved one passes away. Click here to find out more about pre-planning.

I have already made arrangements and funded my funeral in advance. What if I move or want to use another Funeral Home?

Usually, these arrangements can be reestablished with another funeral home all funding vehicles are transferable by the owner.

What are death certificates used for?

The death certificate is a legal document which is prepared by the funeral director, signed by a physician and filed with the Minnesota State Department of Health. Certified copies may be obtained through the funeral home, or county recorder’s office by a family member with tangible interest. Certified copies of death may be necessary for filing life insurance claims, changing the title and registration on a car, or the deed on a home. They may also be needed to file income taxes, change over financial and broker accounts, and retirement fund accounts. Once the death certificate is filed with the county clerk, you may obtain additional copies at any time. Currently in Minnesota the charge is $13 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.

Who should receive acknowledgement cards?

Send acknowledgements to anyone who sent flowers, food or memorial contributions. Those providing special services such as serving lunch, military honors or assisting in other ways may also be acknowledged. This could also include those who were of help in the days before the death occurred (i.e. hospice workers, pastors, special friends, those who brought in food).

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