frequently asked questions
How much does a funeral cost?
Most full traditional funerals in this area range from $7,000 to $15,000. Included in that amount would be what we call “cash accommodations,” which are costs associated with a funeral but not funeral home charges. Those would include grave-opening fees, cemetery fees, clergy honoraria, organist and vocalist honoraria, luncheon honoraria, luncheon supplies, American Legion Honoraria, hairdresser honoraria, church custodial charges, hall rental for luncheons, certified death certificates, sales tax, flowers, cable channel notices, radio notices, newspaper notices, engraving final dates on monuments. These items often amount to $2,000.00 or more depending on whether the luncheon is a catered affair and how generous a family is with honoraria.
What if I put away funds in a funeral trust with you and you go out of business or move?
All funds would be safe. They are in individual trust accounts at the bank in the person’s name payable upon death to the funeral home. Should something happen to me, or the firm went out of business, the parties would have the option of transferring their funds to another funeral provider or to the new owner of the firm. Written permission would be required from all parties in order to break the trust to complete that transaction. Funeral trusts are transferred for various reasons from time to time.
Are funerals tax deductible?
No.
What do you do if the deceased has left no money for funeral or cremations services?
If the decedent has made no prior provisions for funeral expenses, it is up to their next of kin or estate to pay for such services. If there are no funds available, the family may apply to Crawford County Overseer of the Poor to see if they would allow funeral expenses.
What should we do if death occurs away from home?
Simply call your local funeral director first and they can make all of the arrangements with a colleague in that community or country to have your loved one’s remains shipped, depending on distance, usually by air, back to Denison. It is easiest to call your hometown funeral director to make all of those arrangements.
Can you arrange to have a body shipped or received from anywhere in the world?
Yes.
Is embalming always required?
The law states a person does not have to be embalmed if they are buried or cremated within 48 hours of death. This accommodates individuals who wish immediate cremation, immediate burial and some religious customs that do not allow embalming.
Can I have a funeral and also be cremated?
Yes, a full tradition funeral may be held with cremation following.
Is cremation expensive?
Cremation can be the least expensive option a family selects, or it can also be the most expensive. Cost is determined by what goods and services the family selects in addition to the cremation.
Where do you take a body for cremation?
We use Elmore Crematory in Omaha, Nebraska. I personally take the remains to the crematory, wait at the crematory and bring the cremated remains back with me. The process usually takes about four hours from start to finish.
Do cremated remains have to be buried?
No. Many do bury cremated remains on their family plot, but they do not have to be buried. Some religions require cremated remains to be buried. There are many options for cremated remains, from being sent into outer space to being kept in the home.
Can I scatter cremated remains?
Yes, there are scattering gardens in some areas. If a person wishes to scatter in a place not designated as a scattering area they need to receive permission from the land owner or government entity that controls the body of water or land they wish to scatter.
Can cremated remains be buried on top of a pre-deceased relative?
Although it is not against the law to bury cremated remains on top of a pre-deceased relative, most cemeteries have regulations forbidding that practice. One simply needs to check with the cemetery to see if that practice is allowed. Most cemeteries in this area do not allow such a practice.
Do you live at the funeral home?
Yes, I am available for the needs of the family at any time, and I personally oversee the details of every funeral.