A visitation provides an opportunity for family members to be together in a neutral place, where they can share memories of their loved one. It also provides an opportunity for friends and extended family members to offer expressions of sympathy to the family in a controlled setting.  Without this opportunity, they need to accept condolences…

Have you noticed that more and more people are choosing to be cremated rather than buried?  Here is some information about that to confirm your observations. Cremation data usually runs about 2 years in arrears. The cremation rate in the United State in 2017 was 54%, but expected to rise to 79.1% by 2035. The…

Many funeral homes have subscribed to having an aggressive pre-arrangement program. These programs are designed to increase call volume and gain market share through the sale of pre-paid funeral plans and often feature consistent direct mail contact, telemarketers, and sales people who are commissioned. Many times the sales person will suggest easy ways to get…

In planning for one’s final affairs, people often appoint a Power of Attorney. Unfortunately, Power of Attorney ceases at death. This often leaves people who think they have the authority to act on someone’s behalf powerless. The State of Michigan has made it possible for individuals to appoint a “Personal Funeral Representative” to make decisions…

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that it is providing assistance for funeral and cremation expenses to families whose loved one’s death may have been caused by, or was likely a result of Covid-19. This program, begun in early April, is now up and running. To make an application you can call (844)…

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that it is providing assistance for funeral and cremation expenses to families whose loved one’s death may have been caused by, or was likely a result of Covid-19. Some eligibility rules apply. The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral…

The work of a funeral director is unknown to many. The things that are done visibly to many people are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the responsibilities of a funeral director. Of course, people see funeral directors meeting with families, conducting funerals, ushering, parking cars, handing out service folders, etc. …

A casket, by definition, is a box or chest designed to hold a precious object. There is a difference between a coffin and a casket. A coffin is tapered at the shoulder with a removable lid. A casket is rectangular in shape and has a hinged lid. Coffins are used widely in Europe. Caskets are made of a variety of materials.…

There is a common misconception that the Veterans Administration will pay for the funeral of a veteran. This is only true if the individual dies while on active duty. There are burial benefits for veterans, however.  These benefits include burial space at any national cemetery, the opening and closing of the grave, and the marker.…

Long before it was popular to have women in funeral service, Joldersma & Klein was a pioneer in this area of our profession.  The story of Anna Klein, licensed to practice mortuary science in 1917, is a case in point. Let her tell the story: “When my second daughter was 18 months old, my husband…