Erickson Funeral Home - Pre-Planning Funeral Needs

Pre-Planning

In our desire to help you sort out, what needs to be done next, during one of the most confusing times in your life, we have put together a list of items to consider and gather when preparing for the services of your loved one.

Garments -We will need a full set of undergarments and your choice of clothing. Note: Long sleeves and a high neckline are preferable.

Options in Funeral Services - Traditional : viewing on the evening before with a funeral service the following day and burial or cremation to follow. or, Viewing and Funeral on the same day with burial or cremation to follow. Memorial Service (without body present): Visitation on the evening before and a memorial service the following day, or visitation and memorial service on the same day. Abbreviated Services: Immediate Burial or Immediate Cremation.

Death Certificates - A certified death certificate will be needed for most legal transactions pertaining to estate settlement. For Example; Real Estate Deeds, vehicle titles, bank accounts and insurance policies held solely in the deceased�s name. We will help you decide how many you need and order them for you.

Sprays - Casket Spray and Inner Spray, may be chosen from floral books we provide. We will be happy to order the flowers on your behalf and deliver them to your home or locally following the services.

Music - Consider whom you would like for musicians (If you do not have one in mind, we can provide one for you) and songs desired. Usually 2 to 4 songs, or CD�s.

Luncheon - Would you prefer a lunch following services? We will be happy to make all of the arrangements for you. note: If you are not affiliated with a church, a non-member fee may be incurred.

Cemetery - Do you have a cemetery lot? If a lot has not been purchased, we have the names and numbers of all the cemetery sexton�s in the area. We would be happy to provide this to you and arrange a meeting.

Obituary - Would you want a pending obituary on the radio or in the newspaper? Decide what radio stations and newspapers you would like to have the obituary in. Things to consider first: have you contacted all immediate family members or special friends. Note: Most radio stations and newspapers charge for a pending.

Pictures - A recent picture will let us personalize our service to you and may also be used for obituaries and memorial folders. We also have a large memory board and easle, if you would like to put together a collage.

Embalming - Our Funeral Home�s policy requires embalming for a public viewing. A cremation or burial without a public viewing does not require embalming.

Active Casket Bearers - Give some thought as to whom you would like to have serve as casket bearers. Six to eight are customary. The same holds true for honorary casket bearers if used.

Clergy - Are you affiliated with a church? If not, who would you prefer to officiate the services? We are happy to make the contact on your behalf and set up a meeting.

Enhanced Biographical Information - This information is needed for the obituary and all legal documents. Important information would be: Full legal name of deceased (check social security card), SSN, date and place of birth, parents full legal names (including mothers maiden name), marriage information, names of children, grandchildren and siblings, years of schooling, occupation, memberships, organizations and hobbies.

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