It is our hope that the following information will be helpful to you as you begin to walk through the steps of planning the funeral of a loved one. Our staff will assist in any way that we can, and is available to you, whatever the question or need, please don’t hesitate to ask.

THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU TO THE ARRANGEMENTS:

• Completed “Funeral Information Worksheet”
• Photos - To be used for newspaper, printing, hair dresser and as a guide for our work. If you bring several, we will help you choose the best one.
• Life Insurance Policies (if applicable) - We can help in assisting you with claims. Certain policies may be assigned to the funeral home directly, if you so wish.
• Military Discharge Papers
• Clothing Options for Men - Suit/Sportcoat & Slacks OR Sweater, Shirt & Slacks OR
  Long-sleeved Shirt & Slacks OR Dress Shirt & Tie, Undergarments (Underwear, T-shirt& Socks)
  Shoes are optional
• Clothing Options for Women - Dress with long sleeves OR Suit with long sleeves OR Sweater, Blouse & Skirt/Slacks, Undergarments (Underwear & stockings/socks, Bra or Camisole, Slip for dress or skirt). Shoes are optional
• Glasses, Jewelry and/or Rosary

THINGS TO DO . . .

We will help you coordinate and notify:

• Minister and Church
• Cemetery
• Musicians – organist & singers
• Military honors
• Newspapers and radio stations
• Fraternal & veterans organizations
• Casket bearers
• Honorary bearers

You will need to select:

• Clothing
• Time & place of service
• Funeral merchandise
• Flowers
• Music
• Funeral luncheon

You will need to notify:

• Relatives and friends
• Bank
• Employers
• Insurance agent
• Unions

WRITING THE OBITUARY

What is an obituary? In years past, the obituary was used to announcement a death – just the facts, but today, they are increasingly used as an chance to reflect and give tribute to a life well lived and how that life made a difference

Our funeral home will provide you with full assistance in composing the obituary.
However, for some, the process of writing an obituary is a special opportunity to say goodbye. It can be a wonderful tribute that gives us all a sense of who the person was and what they meant to those who knew and loved them. The following information will help as you compile this information.

1. Basic Announcement Information - The lead paragraph of an obituary includes the name and address, including any past addresses where the person had community ties. The date and cause of death may also be included in this section at the discretion of the writer.

2. Scheduled Ceremonies - This section provides the time, date and location of any services being held, including the location of the final interment or burial.

3. Biographical Information & Life History - Next, if appropriate, important facts and dates that distinguish a person's life may be included that would chronologically describe the steps that the person walked during their lifetime including: Occupations, memberships, community service, education and military service are typical examples. This section could also contain information about hobbies and favorite activities.

4. Survivor Information - A listing of surviving family members usually includes the names of spouses, parents, children and siblings along with their spouses and cities of residence. However, the names of grandchildren, other close relatives and special friends may also be included.

A Basic Obituary Sample

John N. Nelson the son of Harold and Gretta (Sent) Grunning was born June 20, 1931, in Barnum, Minnesota. He attended school in Barnum through the tenth grade. He served in the US Navy and fought in the Korean War. John was united in marriage December 26, 1958 to Betty Nelson in Barnum, Minnesota. They moved to Glenwood where he was involved with his community, serving in the Glenwood Fire department for 21 years and was fire chief from 1965 - 1973, at which time he retired. He dedicated many hours at the Museum in its construction. He took care of the Glenwood City Park for many years. John loved his family and spending time with them talking about old times and teasing and laughing. He enjoying having coffee with the guys at the Gingerbread Cafe every morning.

He is survived by.....

DEATH CERTIFICATES

We will obtain certified copies of the death certificate for you from the state health department. In Minnesota the current charge is $13 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. You may need a certified death certificate to make claims or make changes to the following:

• Life Insurance Policies
• Bank Accounts
• Stocks and Bonds
• Retirement Accounts — IRA, 401(K), Pension, Profit Sharing
• Automobile Title
• Real Estate Deeds and Titles
• Telephone & Other Utilities
• Credit Card Accounts

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

Our funeral home completes a form provided by the Social Security Administration which is usually accepted as proof of death. Those who may be eligible for Survivors Benefits would be a surviving spouse or dependant children.

You will need to contact them directly to apply for Survivor’s Benefits. Call Social Security at (320) 762-2454 (Alexandria Office) or toll free at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment.

VETERANS’ BENEFITS

Our funeral home will assist you with the applications for a flag. You will need to contact the Pope County Veterans Affairs (320.634.5710) office to:

• Apply for Widow’s pension
• Check on Veterans’ life insurance

INSURANCE

Our funeral home provides insurance claim filing services FREE OF CHARGE. Here are some things to consider regarding insurance policies:

• Contact all life insurance companies for claim forms and file claims.
• Check for accidental death benefits on all insurance policies.
• Check for life insurance benefits on loans and credit cards.
• Check named beneficiaries on all of your insurance policies and change if necessary.
• Check for group benefits with employer, even if retired.
• Check with employers regarding changes that may need to be made to your group insurance policies
• File claims for health insurance and/or Medicare supplements.

ORGANIZATIONS

• Contact labor union about death and survivor’s benefits.
• Check with fraternal organizations about available benefits.
• Contact American Legion, VFW and similar veterans organizations about available benefits.

OTHER LEGAL & FINANCIAL AFFAIRS TO CONSIDER

• For memorials given in memory of deceased, forward all funds to appropriate groups.
• Notify the bank, especially if Social Security benefits are directly deposited.
• Notify deceased’s employer and ask about 401 (K), pension, profit sharing or retirement benefits.
• Contact your attorney regarding probate of the Estate.
• If estate is in trust, check with bank’s trust department or your attorney.
• Have your attorney update your will or trust.
• Update bank accounts, stocks and bonds into your name.
• Get copies of all bills as soon as possible.
• Transfer or update automobile titles at Department of Motor Vehicles.

DOCUMENTS YOU MAY NEED TO HANDLE AFFAIRS

Call all parties before you visit their offices to see which documents they will need. If you give them original copies of documents, ask for a receipt if you need them returned to you.

• Death Certificates
• Social Security Number—your’s and deceased’s
• Military Discharge Papers
• Insurance Policies
• Real Estate Deeds and Titles
• Stock and Bond certificates
• Automobile title and registration
• Loan papers, contracts, and account numbers
• Bank and account numbers
• Retirement account documents including IRA, 401(K), pension and profit sharing
• Marriage Certificate or divorce papers
• Birth Certificates—your’s and minor children’s
• Recent income tax returns and W-2 forms
• Will and/or Trust papers
  

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