FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Why should I pre-arrange my funeral?
There are many different reasons for pre-arranging a funeral. Some persons, especially those who are alone in the world, may want the assurance of a funeral and burial which meet their personal beliefs, standards or life-style. Others feel a responsibility to assist survivors by arranging approximate funeral and burial cost guidelines. Still others have moved to distant places, or maintain both summer and winter residences. They may want to make sure that certain recommendations are heeded as to where the funeral and burial or other final disposition will take place. Actually, there are almost as may explanations for pre-arranging funerals as there are people requesting them.

2. Can I pay for my funeral in advance?
Yes. Your money is put in an interest earning account that will hopefully keep up with cost increases at the funeral home. After your funeral is paid for in full our price is guaranteed, and you will never have to pay more for the items you have already paid for.

3. If I choose Cremation, can I also have a funeral or memorial service?
Yes, you can. Many people who choose cremation elect to have some form of religious or secular service. Some have a funeral service with the casket present, while others will have a memorial service, either prior to or following the cremation.

4. Can I have a viewing before cremation?
Yes you can. Cremation may follow a traditional funeral service that includes visitation, viewing, and a service with an open or closed casket.

5. Is embalming required by law?
No. The purpose of embalming is to disinfect and preserve a body for a limited time for funeral purposes. If there is to be viewing with visitation and funeral services with the body present, embalming is necessary. There may also be health, legal, or religious reasons that make embalming desirable or necessary.

6. Should I bring my young children to the viewing & funeral?
When small children want to participate in the viewing, it is appropriate to ask the funeral director to bring the children at non-public times. This will make it easier for the family to deal with the child’s questions without being concerned about what others think of the child being there. Someone can then take the child home and the adults can participate in the usual rituals. If a young child will be attending a funeral service, it is helpful to bring along a neighbor or a friend who can take care of the child if the child should become restless.

7. Are there any veterans’ death benefits?
Yes. With a DD-214 (V.A. honorable discharge) your funeral director will help you obtain funds (usually $75-100) to help pay funeral and burial expenses of United States wartime veterans. If the death occurs in a V.A. Hospital or if the veteran is receiving a V.A. pension, certain additional monies may be allowable. A U.S. flag for the casket, and a government headstone for an unmarked grave, is also available. Interment without cost in a U.S. National Cemetery can also be arranged if certain requirements are met. In some cases, the widow or survivor may also receive further benefits.

8. What should be done if I die away from home?
If death occurs away from home, the Groff-High-Eckenroth Funeral Home should be contacted to arrange all of the details for you in any location on the continent and around the world. We can act as your agent to see that all your wishes are carried out. There is no need for you to make a long trip and deal with strangers. We can also make the necessary arrangements for burial in a distant city. There is no need for you to travel to that city for the purpose of handling the details. Upon your arrival for the burial, you’ll find that everything is in order. If you cannot be present, you can be sure that your instructions will be followed.