WHERE TO
begin...
planning a funeral can be overwhelming, but you are not alone
We're here to support you throughout this journey and make this process one of love, healing, and life celebration. Below is some information to help you get started, but you can contact us at any time if you need help 715-235-2154.
Within
Hours
When a loved one dies at home or in a place that isn’t a healthcare facility, you’ll need to contact emergency personnel before they can be taken into our care. If your loved one was under medical care, it’s a good idea to call their physician as well.
If your loved one dies in a healthcare facility, they will notify the proper authorities, including the funeral home you have chosen to care for your loved one if they know that information.
Emergency and medical personnel involved in this part of the process will help you with obtaining a medical certificate and any other necessary paperwork.
This part of the process is often the most emotional, and we are here to help and support you.
Within
the first few days
You’ll want to notify close friends and relatives, both through personal phone calls as well as your loved one’s death notice. If this process is too painful for you, it’s absolutely okay to ask a trusted family member or friend to help you.
This also is the time to review any of your loved one’s preplanned funeral wishes and meet with a funeral director to begin planning their service.
If your loved one did not preplan their funeral, you might want to start thinking about a few of the big choices you will need to make, such as:
What To Expect
When we meet
When you meet with a member of our staff to discuss your arrangements, we'll first provide you with a general price list to give you a basic idea of what our services cost.
We'll then ask you about your loved one to gain an understanding of the person the services will honor. Use this time to communicate your ideas and preferences, share your loved one's life story, revisit memories, and highlight their accomplishments. Our professionals will use this information to guide you in the creation of a personalized, meaningful celebration of your loved one's life.
The process may include:
Preparing and filing the official death certificate
Scheduling the services and events (including the location, date, and time)
Selecting a casket, urn, or other products you may need
Drafting an obituary
Arranging necessary transportation
Selecting pallbearers
We'd like to make this process as smooth and stress-free for you as we can, so remember to bring the following information about your loved one with you as well:
Full legal name and home address
Social Security Number
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Father's Name
Mother's Maiden Name
Veteran's discharge papers (DD-214), if applicable
Highest education
Occupation
Information about the burial location if applicable
Clergy name and phone number if applicable
Names and relationships of survivors
Insurance policy information if using to pay for funeral expenses
Please also bring a recent photograph and any clothing you'd like us to use when dressing them for the service
