To give our families and friends some guidance in selecting a funeral service that is meaningful, we have put together answers to questions about different types of funeral options.

What is the difference between a Funeral and a Memorial Service

Really the only difference between these two services is whether or not the body is present. A funeral service is conducted with the presence of the body and a memorial service is conducted in memory of the person, without the presence of the body.

Why is a Funeral Service important?

 In the earliest recorded times, societies honored the dead through ceremonies. According to beliefs at that      time,  the purpose of the ritual was to properly send the decedent on the journey into the next life. Today, however, psychologists and other experts agree that the benefits of the funeral are for those left behind; those who must reconstruct their lives following their loss. Before family and friends can fully adjust to their loss, survivors must express their grief in way meaningful to them. They must face, openly and realistically, the fact the death has indeed occurred. The funeral provides the opportunity to do exactly that.

What is the purpose of Embalming

Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body. This in turn 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.

Is Embalming required by Law

Embalming is required if the family has selected a funeral service with a public wake or visitation. Embalming is also required if the deceased is to be transported from one state to another by common carrier. For example, when an individual passes away in Florida and is to be transported by air to Wisconsin for services or burial, embalming would be required.

Why do Funerals seem so Expensive

When compared to other major life cycle events, like births and weddings, funeral are not expensive. A wedding costs at least three times as much; but because it is a happy event, wedding costs are rarely criticized. A funeral home is a 24-hour, labor-intensive business, with extensive facilities (viewing rooms, chapels, hearses, other equipment, etc.); these expenses must be factored into the cost of a funeral. Moreover, the cost of a funeral is not only merchandise, like caskets, but also services of a funeral director in making arrangements, securing appropriate forms, coordinating a working relationship with doctors, ministers, florists, newspapers and other requested third-parties; and finalizing all the necessary details.