What To Expect on Your First Visit

Download Your First Visit Information Sheet for reference.

When you visit the funeral home, the funeral director will guide you through the entire arrangement process, and assist you in creating a memorable celebration of your loved one's life. The arrangement process will include preparing and filing the death certificate and other government documents; scheduling the location, date and time of services or other events; selecting a casket, urn or other items; preparing an obituary; and coordinating services with other providers, including the cemetery. Necessary authorizations will need to be signed by the appropriate next of kin.

Feel free to bring any photos, music or memorabilia so that you and your director can discuss how you would like your loved one to be remembered. More and more people today choose to personalize the funeral services. A favorite song or gathering place, even a favorite activity can all become part of the service.

Our directors will listen and assist you in planning a loving tribute that captures the spirit of the person whose life you wish to honor.

1. Information to bring to assist us with the death certificate and the obituary.

   The following list will help you remember what information and items you should consider bringing when first meeting with a funeral director.

   • Full legal name (including the maiden name)
   • Home address
   • Social Security number
   • Date and Place of birth
   • Father's name and Mother's name (including her maiden name)
   • Occupation (during working lifetime)
   • Highest education completed
   • Cemetery information (if applicable)
2. What to bring to assist with planning the funeral service.

   • Veteran's discharge papers (DD-214) or other proof of military service
   • Insurance Policies if you are planning to assign proceeds to cover the balance or so we can help you file on your behalf
   • Appropriate clothing, including undergarments, glasses and/or jewelry items
   • Clergy name and phone number
   • Appropriate photograph, with list of survivors
   • Names of Pallbearers or Honorary Pallbearers (if desired)

First Visit Checklist

Caskets are not required for cremation unless one is desired by the family or there is to be a public viewing before the cremation. All that is required by OSHA is the OSHA approved minimum cardboard container and pouch which are cremated with the body. Other OSHA approved cremation containers are available for purchase as well. The basic containment materials are provided by our funeral home and are included in our direct cremation package.

We do not require embalming unless there is to be a public viewing with an open casket or in rare cases where the body is to be shipped long distances (usually internationally), before cremation. We invite immediate family members to privately view the deceased prior to cremation at no charge.

1. Obtain an adequate number of certified copies of the death certificate for legal purposes. You also my re-order certified copies by calling the funeral home. Who Needs a Death Certificate?
2. Notify your bank. Change all accounts into your name only or joint accounts with surviving children or relatives.
3. Notify deceased's employer and employer's personnel or insurance department. Check on group insurance benefits, survivor's benefits, profit sharing, and/or pension monies, which you may be entitled to.
4. Check on monies in credit unions. Some supply life insurance.
5. Inquire about health insurance coverage for you and your children if carried by the deceased.
6. Check on accident insurance. If death was accidental, you may be entitled to benefits on the unused premium.
7. Check on automobile insurance. See above.
8. If the deceased was a member of a labor