What purpose does a funeral serve?
What do funeral directors do?
Why have a public viewing?
What is the purpose of embalming?
Does a dead body have to be embalmed, according to law?
Isn't burial space becoming scarce?
Can Schlanker Funeral Home conduct services nearer to my home?
What if I die away from home?
Is cremation a substitute for a funeral?
Can I have viewing if I select cremation?
What is pre-arranging?
How do I write a eulogy?
What purpose does a funeral serve?
It is the customary way to recognize death and its finality. Funerals are recognized rituals for the living to show respect for the dead and to help survivors begin the grief process.
What do funeral directors do?
- Funeral directors are caregivers and administrators. They make the arrangements for transportation of the body, complete all necessary paperwork, and implement the choices made by the family regarding the funeral and final disposition of the body.
- Funeral directors are listeners, advisors and supporters. They have experience assisting the bereaved in coping with death. Funeral directors are trained to answer questions about grief, and recommend sources of professional help . Funeral directors also link survivors with support groups at the funeral home or in the community.
Why have a public viewing?
Viewing is part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Many grief specialists believe that viewing aids the grief process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death. Viewing the body is a way of honoring the transition from life to death and saying our last goodbyes.
What is the purpose of embalming?
- Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, delays decomposition, and may enhance the appearance of a body that has undergone traumatic death or illness.
- Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, thus allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them.
Does a dead body have to be embalmed, according to law?
No. Most states, however, require embalming when death was caused by a reportable contagious disease. The body also needs to be embalmed when remains are to be transported from one state to another by common carrier or if final disposition is not to be made within a prescribed number of hours. However, embalming the body does allow families additional time to make decisions concerning final disposition.
Isn't burial space becoming scarce?
While it is true some metropolitan areas have limited available cemetery space, in most areas of the country, there is enough space set aside for the next 50 years without creating new cemeteries. In addition, land available for new cemeteries is more than adequate, especially with the increase in entombment and multi-level grave burial.
Can Schlanker Funeral Home conduct services nearer to my home?
Absolutely. Schlanker Funeral Home offers traditional funeral services, cremation, memorial services and direct burial; all designed to meet the needs and budgets of the families they serve. Schlanker Funeral Home can assist you in arranging for visitations, funerals, or memorial services to be held at facilities that are more conveniently located to family and friends. They will assist in working in cooperation with churches, community centers or other facilities that are a preferred site for these activities.
What if I die away from home?
If you are traveling out of town or to another state when death occurs, your family should contact our funeral home immediately. With your permission, in cooperation with a local professional, we will assist in arranging the transfer of your family member to our location. Schlanker Funeral Home may be reached at 573-564-2350 or Toll-Free throughout the continental US at 1-888-564-2350.
Is cremation a substitute for a funeral?
No, cremation is an alternative to earth burial or entombment for the body's final disposition and often follows a traditional funeral service. Direct cremation or cremation with a memorial service is also available.
Can I have a viewing if I select cremation?
Absolutely. You can have a full traditional service, with viewing, and a funeral service at the funeral home or church. The cremation will then take place following the services.
What is pre-arranging?
Pre-arranging is a way of making informed decisions in advance of the time of need. Through pre-arranging, your true wishes about your funeral can be expressed and made with your family and friends. Pre-arranging your funeral also spares your family multiple decisions at a difficult time by eliminating doubt about your personal preferences for the funeral. There are a variety of funding options.By choosing to prefund your funeral, one may guarantee merchandise and services at today's prices without the risk of inflation.
How do I write a eulogy?
Eulogies can be very personal pieces of writing, and writing a eulogy can be a difficult and emotional task. Some individuals choose to write his or her eulogy in advance. Oftentimes a family member writes the eulogy. However, funeral directors (or the funeral directors at Schlanker Funeral Home) are always willing to assist in the writing process.
These questions should get you thinking:
- How did you and the deceased become close?
- Is there a humorous or touching event that represents the essence of your passed loved one?
- What did you and others love and admire about the deceased?
- What will you miss most about him or her?
Some of the simplest thoughts are deeply touching and easy for those congregated to identify with. For example, "I'll miss her smile," or "I'll never forget the way he crinkled his nose when he laughed," are just as good as "I admired her selflessness."
Tips
- Be honest and focus on the person's positive qualities.
- Humor is acceptable if it fits the personality of the deceased.
- "If you are inclined to be a perfectionist, lower your expectations and just do what you can given the short time-frame and your emotional state," writes Schaeffer in "Labor of Love."
- Keep it brief. Five to ten minutes is the norm, but it's a good idea to verify that with the minister or funeral director.
- Interviewing family and friends will give you more ideas.
- Put the eulogy on paper - at least in outline form.
We invite your questions. Contact Schlanker Funeral Home by phone (573) 564-2350; Toll-Free: (888) 564-2350 or by e-mail: schlankerfh@sbcglobal.net.
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