Frequently Asked Questions
What
Kind of Services Are Available?
The kinds of funeral
services available are as varied as the lives of the individuals
whom they are celebrating. Every funeral has the possibility
of being a unique experience which commemorates the life of
a valued friend or loved one.
Funerals traditionally
have been held at churches, synagogues, or at the funeral home,
but that does not mean they cannot be held at some other location.
It is possible, for example, for a funeral to be held at a park,
at a senior citizen center, a school, a home, or almost any
public place requested by those arranging for the funeral.
In terms of the funeral
ceremony itself, again it is possible to include a diversity
of things that will help celebrate the life of the individual.
A variety of musical styles may be included in the service.
Friends and family members may participate through speaking,
reading, and sharing about the individual who has died. A display
of photographs from events in the person’s life is now
frequently included in the plans.
Probably the best way
to respond to the question of "What kind of funeral services
are available?" is to ask, "What would you like to
do?" and then follow through on those wishes. A conversation
with your funeral director will alert you to possibilities that
exist for making a funeral exactly what you would like it to
be.
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What
Do Funerals Cost?
The cost of a funeral,
like other family events such as weddings, can be selected within
a wide range of prices. But unlike weddings, many people are
not familiar with the items and services that are necessary
for a funeral.
Funeral costs can be
put into four categories: the merchandise purchased, such as
caskets and memorial folders; the professional services of the
funeral director, who handles the details; the use of the funeral
home, equipment, and staff; and finally, the transportation
required for the funeral.
It is important to realize
that within each of these categories there are choices that
you may select based on your wishes for the funeral and budget.
Because the costs involved
with a funeral change over time, it is best to contact Rembs/Kundinger
Funeral Home to discuss options and prices with them. The funeral
home will make available their current General Price List which
itemizes the costs associated with funerals.
There is no charge or
obligation to you for meeting with Rembs/Kundinger Funeral Home
to ask for information about costs for a funeral, so do not
hesitate to contact them for any questions you may have.
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What
Is Embalming?
Embalming is the process
of sanitizing and chemically treating the body of the deceased.
This process reduces the presence and growth of microorganisms,
retards the decomposition of the body, and restores an acceptable
physical appearance.
Embalming is usually
not required in cases of immediate burial or immediate cremation,
and for some religious groups who bury within 24 hours of death.
Most funeral homes require embalming if there is to be a public
viewing, if the body is to be kept for more than 24 hours, or
if the body is to be transported across state lines.
Embalming is the first
step in preparation of the body for viewing. Preparation also
includes shaving, hair dressing, cosmetizing, clothing, and
casketing prior to viewing and services.
Any concerns you may
have about the need for embalming can be discussed with your
funeral director.
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Why
Do Embalming?
Embalming is the process
of sanitizing and chemically treating the body of the deceased.
This process reduces the presence and growth of microorganisms,
retards the decomposition of the body, and restores an acceptable
physical appearance.
All of us have microorganisms
in our bodies when alive. These organisms help us break down
food in our digestive system. They do not die when our body
dies. Embalming reduces their presence and growth in the body.
The cells of a human
body begin decomposition immediately after death. We know that
brain cells break down within minutes when they do not receive
oxygen. Embalming retards the decay of the body for a period
of time which is often necessary to allow distant family members
time to gather.
When there is to be
viewing of the body, either public or by the family, embalming
restores the appearance of the body. This preparation helps
modify and remove marks of accidents and disease. The restoration
provides an acceptable memory picture of the deceased.
Any concerns you may
have about the need for embalming can be discussed with your
funeral director.
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Viewing
the Body
Permitting family and
friends to view the body of the loved one at the visitation,
or wake, and during the funeral service is a valuable experience
for most people. The most important reason for viewing the body
is to help people accept the reality that their family member
or friend has truly died. Part of grieving a death is accepting
the loss of that person. Viewing the body helps many toward
that acceptance and starts the process of healthful mourning.
A funeral director will
always discuss the option of viewing the body with the immediate
family. They will have the option of choosing whether the casket
is open or closed during the public visitation and funeral.
Insisting that a person,
especially a child, view a body is not recommended. Children
have many questions concerning death, and it is often helpful
for them to view the body and receive factual answers. It is
a personal choice for both adults and children, and no one should
be forced to view the body, touch or kiss it against their will.
Viewing the body is
an important part of the funeral experience. Talking with your
funeral director about your thoughts and concerns can help you
reach an understanding of what choices would be best for your
family.
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What
Is Cremation?
Cremation, like burial
or entombment, is an option for how the loved one's body is
handled after the funeral. Cremation does not rule out a funeral
service.
Cremation is the process
of using intense heat, usually direct flame, to reduce remains
to bone matter. The bone matter is then removed from the retort,
or cremation chamber, and pulverized, usually by mechanical
means, into smaller bone fragments.
Cremated remains may
weigh between five and eight pounds. It requires about three
hours, in some cases longer, to cremate remains. Although frequently
referred to as ashes, cremated remains are actually the residue
from the pulverized bone matter.
The cremated remains
are usually placed in an urn or appropriate container that is
a minimum of 200 cubic inches and made of wood, stone, porcelain,
ceramic, metal or other materials. The urn or container may
be buried in a family plot or urn garden, placed in a mausoleum
niche or retained by the family.
Some families wish to
scatter the cremated remains at a location significant to the
family or the deceased. There are many restrictions to scattering.
Generally you cannot scatter over areas that you do not control,
such as public lands and water.
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About
Caskets
Caskets are used to
hold the body during visitations and funeral services. They
may be made of wood or metal and are available in a wide range
of styles and prices.
Wooden caskets are constructed
of mahogany, walnut, cherry, maple, oak, pine and poplar. The
cost of hardwood caskets varies according to the choice of wood,
the material for lining the interior and the details of craftsmanship.
Wooden caskets, like fine furniture, have a natural warmth and
beauty.
Metal caskets are made
of bronze, copper or steel. Price differences between metal
caskets are determined by the choice and thickness of the metal,
the material for lining the interior and ways used to seal out
water and other grave elements. Metal caskets are valued for
their beautiful finish, strength, durability and ability to
keep out grave elements.
People select caskets
to express their preferences in colors and design, to reflect
their values and to enhance the memory of the deceased. If you
have questions concerning caskets your funeral director will
be happy to show you choices available. Since Rembs/Kundinger
Funeral Home purchases caskets from several different manufacturers
who maintain supply centers nearby they can nearly always quickly
supply what you desire.
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About
Burial Vaults
To facilitate maintenance
of graves most of our nation's cemeteries require a burial vault
or outer burial container for the grave. A burial vault is a
structure that is placed underground to hold the casket. It
provides a stable base for a memorial stone and prevents the
ground from sinking at the grave site.
The minimum requirement
is a concrete box that will only provide support but will not
keep out the water. Sealed burial vaults are made of high density
concrete and are lined throughout with a seamless material to
keep out water and other grave elements for several decades.
The highest quality liners are non-corrosive metals such as
bronze, copper, or stainless steel. Other durable man-made materials
are used to line the vault for sealing purposes.
Like caskets, burial
vaults are available in a range of models and prices. We can
answer questions concerning burial vaults and the requirements
of your cemetery.
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Grief
Resources
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Veterans
Benefits
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Reimbursement
of Burial Expenses
VA will pay a burial
allowance up to $1,500 if the veteran's death is service connected.
VA also will pay the cost of transporting the remains of a service-disabled
veteran to the national cemetery nearest the home of a deceased
that has available gravesites. In such cases, the person who
bore the veteran's burial expenses may claim reimbursement from
VA. VA will pay a $300 burial and funeral expense allowance
for veterans who, at time of death, were entitled to receive
pension or compensation or would have been entitled to compensation
but for receipt of military retirement pay. Eligibility also
is established when death occurs in a VA facility or a nursing
home with which VA contracted. Additional costs of transportation
of the remains may be reimbursed. There is no time limit for
filing reimbursement claims of service-connected deaths. In
other deaths, claims must be filed within two years after permanent
burial or cremation.
VA will pay a $150 plot
allowance when the veteran is not buried in a cemetery that
is under U.S. Government jurisdiction if the veteran is discharged
from active duty because of disability incurred or aggravated
in line of duty, if the veteran was in receipt of compensation
or pension or would have been in receipt of compensation but
for receipt of military retired pay, or if the veteran died
while hospitalized by VA. The plot allowance is not payable
solely on wartime service.
If the veteran is buried
without charge for the cost of a plot or interment in a state-owned
cemetery reserved solely for veteran burials, the $150 plot
allowance may be paid to the state. Burial expenses paid by
the deceased's employer or a state agency will not be reimbursed.
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Burial
Flags
VA provides an American
flag to drape the casket of a veteran and to a person entitled
to retired military pay. After the funeral service, the flag
may be given to the next of kin or a close associate. VA also
will issue a flag on behalf of a service member who was missing
in action and later presumed dead. Flags are issued at VA regional
offices, national cemeteries, and post offices.
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Headstones
and Markers
VA provides headstones
and markers for the unmarked graves of veterans anywhere in
the world and for eligible dependents of veterans buried in
national, state veteran or military cemeteries.
Flat bronze, flat granite,
flat marble, upright granite and upright marble types are available
to mark the grave in a style consistent with the place of burial.
Niche markers also are available to mark columbaria used for
inurnment of cremated remains.
Headstones and markers
are inscribed with the name of the deceased, the years of birth
and death, and branch of service. Optional items that also may
be inscribed at VA expense are: military grade, rank or rate;
war service such as World War II; months and days of birth and
death; an emblem reflecting one's beliefs; valor awards; and
the Purple Heart. Additional items may be inscribed at private
expense.
When burial is in a
national, state veteran or military cemetery, the headstone
marker is ordered through the cemetery, inscription, shipping
and placement can be obtained from the cemetery.
When burial occurs in
a cemetery other than a national, military post or state veterans
cemetery, the headstone marker must be applied for from VA.
It is shipped at government expense. VA, however, does not pay
the cost of placing the headstone or marker on the grave. To
apply, you must complete VA form 40-1330 and forward it to Director,
Office of Memorial Programs (403A), National Cemetery System,
Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC 20420. Forms
and assistance are available at VA application you may call
the Director, Office of Memorial Programs at 1-800-697-6947.
VA cannot issue a headstone
or marker for a spouse or child buried in a private cemetery.
Twenty year reservists without active duty service are eligible
for a headstone or marker, if they are entitled to military
retired pay at the time of death.
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Headstones
or Markers for Memorial Plots
To memorialize an eligible
veteran whose remains are not available for burial, VA will
provide a plot and headstone or marker in a national cemetery.
The headstone or marker is the same as that used to identify
a grave except that the mandatory phrase "In Memory of"
precedes the authorized inscription. The headstone or marker
is available to memorialize eligible veterans or deceased active-duty
members whose remains were not recovered or identified, were
buried at sea, donated to science, or cremated and scattered.
The memorial marker may be provided for placement in a cemetery
other than a national cemetery. In such a case, VA supplies
the marker and pays the cost of shipping, but does not pay for
the plot or the placement of the marker. Only a relative recognized
as the next of kin may apply for the benefit.
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Presidential
Memorial Certificates
The Presidential Memorial
Certificate is a parchment certificate with a calligraphic inscription
expressing the nation's recognition of the veteran's service.
The veteran's name is inscribed and the certificate bears the
signature of the President.
Certificates are issued
in the name of honorably discharged, deceased veterans. Eligible
recipients include next of kin, other relatives and friends.
The award of a certificate to one eligible recipient does not
preclude certificates to other eligible recipients. The veteran
may have died at any time in the past. The local VA regional
office generally originates the application for a Presidential
Memorial Certificate. The next of kin also may request a certificate.
Requests should be accompanied by a copy of a document such
as a discharge to establish honorable service. VA regional offices
can assist in applying for certificates.
The following checklist
is designed to help you file for your Social Security benefits
correctly so that prompt payments may be made.
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ELIGIBILITY
The deceased worker
must have credit for work covered by Social Security, ranging
from 1 1/2 to 10 years depending on his or her age at death.
WHO MAY RECEIVE
MONTHLY BENEFITS
A widow or widower age
60 or older (50 if disabled), or at any age if caring for an
entitled child who is under 16 or disabled.
A divorced widow or
widower age 60 or older (50 if disabled) if the marriage lasted
10 years, or if caring for an entitled child who is under 16
or disabled.
Unmarried children up
to 18 (19 if they are attending a primary or secondary school
full lime).
Children who were disabled
before reaching 22, as long as they remained disabled.
Dependent parent or
parents 62 or older.
LUMP-SUM DEATH
PAYMENT
A one time payment of
$255 is paid in addition to the monthly cash benefits described
above. The lump-sum death payment (LSDP) is paid in the following
priority order:
A surviving spouse who
lived in the same household as the deceased person at the time
of death.
A surviving spouse eligible
for or entitled to benefits for the month of death.
A child or children
eligible for or entitled to benefits for the month of death.
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