- What Kind of Services Are Available?
- What Do Funerals Cost?
- What Is Embalming?
- Why Do Embalming?
- Viewing the Body
- What Is Cremation?
- About Caskets
- About Burial Vaults
- Grief Resources
- Veterans Benefits
- Reimbursement of Burial Expenses
- Burial Flags
- Headstones and Markers
- Headstones or Markers for Memorial Plots
- Presidential Memorial Certificates
- Eligibility
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 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 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
The Veteran's Administration will pay a burial allowance up to $1,500 if the veteran's death is service connected. The 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.
The 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 the 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.
The 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 the 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
The 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. The 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
The 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 the VA. It is shipped at government expense. The 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, the 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, the 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.
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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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