Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

At Phillip Funeral Home, we think it's important that you know what's going on. 
Here are some answers to questions we often receive.
What is a funeral?
The funeral is a ceremony of proven worth and value for those who mourn. It provides an opportunity for family and friends who share in the loss to express their love, respect and grief. It permits facing openly and realistically the hardship that death may present. Through the funeral, the bereaved take that first step towards the emotional adjustment necessitated by their loss.

What type of service should I have?
Only you can answer that question. The type of service conducted for the deceased, if not noted in a prearrangement plan, is decided by the family. The service is usually held at a place of worship or at the funeral home. The service may vary in ritual according to religious denomination or the wishes of the family. The presence of friends at this time is an acknowledgment of respect and support. A private service is by invitation only, where selected relatives and close friends are asked to attend the funeral service. A memorial service is usually a service without the body present and can vary in ceremony and procedures according to the family's community and religious affiliations.

Can I personalize my funeral service?
Absolutely, in fact, we recommend it. After all, the funeral is very much a celebration of life. Funeral directors are available to discuss all options and ensure your funeral is tailored to your wishes. It may be personalized in many unique ways.

How can a funeral be personalized?
It is becoming more common to tailor a funeral service to the personality of the deceased. Prayers and remembrances offered by family and friends, a eulogy offered by a close friend, favorite music, treasured belongings, pictures and mementos can all play a major role in making the final tribute fitting and moving. The family can choose to assemble a display containing family photographs, favorite possessions, items from a hobby or awards the deceased received. These items help shift the emphasis of the service to the memories of the person’s life, rather than on the circumstances of his or her death. Personalization can also be added by simply choosing the most appropriate services and products available from the funeral home. These include cremation and its various service options, participating in a living memorial program, or purchasing a burial plot below the canopy of a sturdy oak tree.

Can you still have a Traditional Funeral with Cremation?
Just because someone is interested in cremation does not mean that the family cannot have a visitation and funeral service. All of the customs and ceremonies associated with a traditional funeral can still be performed prior to the cremation taking place. For these occasions, we offer economical cremation caskets and rental caskets in order to offer your family the option of a traditional funeral service, while still maintaining a cost effective alternative.

Why should we have a public viewing?
There are many reasons to view the deceased. It is part of many cultural and ethnic traditions, and many grief specialists believe that viewing aids the grief process, by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death. Viewing is even encouraged for children, as long as it is their desire to do so, and the process is explained well. 

Why do we need an obituary notice?
It is helpful to friends and the community to have an obituary notice published announcing the death and type of service to be held. A notice can be placed in a local newspaper, on the Internet or on social media.

What do funeral directors do?
Funeral directors are administrators and caregivers. In their administrative duties, 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. As caregivers, our 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, recognize when a person is having difficulty coping, and recommend sources of professional help. Funeral directors may also link survivors with support groups at the funeral home or in the community.

What should I do if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend?
We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All you need to do is call us at (262) 338-2050. If you request immediate assistance, one of our caring professionals will be there within the hour. If the family wishes to spend some time with the deceased to say goodbye, it's entirely acceptable. Our staff member will come when the time is right for you and your family.

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