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FAQ's

Many people have questions about funerals and they may or may not feel comfortable asking their funeral director. We hope this list answers many of your questions. Please feel free to contact us at our main chapel, 612-861-6088 or by email, if you have other questions or concerns.

WHY HAVE A FUNERAL?

It is important to recognize that funerals are for the living. Funerals help family and friends acknowledge the loss and take the first step to overcoming grief. A funeral brings people together at a time when they most need each other's care and support. A meaningful service tailored to the needs and desires of the family will be an important occasion for family and friends to remember the one who died and to share the experience together.

WHAT DOES A FUNERAL DIRECTOR DO?

Funeral directors are caregivers and administrators. They make the arrangements for transportation of the body, complete all necessary paperwork, and implement the choices made by the family regarding the funeral and final disposition of the body. They coordinate with cemeteries, churches, clergy, florists, newspapers, musicians and other agencies. They also bathe and embalm the deceased, if necessary and prepare the body for viewing.

WHY PRE-ARRANGE A FUNERAL?

One of the choices we all face is how to provide for our final expenses. We cannot predict when we will need these final expenses, but we all will. There are many details and decisions associated with a funeral, and unfortunately, they come at a time when people are least able to manage them. Making decisions now for your final expenses will spare your family from an extra burden when they are least able to manage it. Pre-arranging a funeral is a secure and sensible way to make these decisions ahead of time. By pre-arranging your funeral, you assure the plans you make today will be there when your family needs them. Pre-arranged funerals can be pre-funded, but do not need to be.

WHY ARE FUNERALS SO EXPENSIVE?

When compared to other major life cycle events, like births and weddings, funerals are not expensive. A wedding costs at least three times as much; but because it is a happy event, wedding costs are rarely criticized. A funeral home is a 24-hour, labor-intensive business, with extensive facilities (viewing rooms, chapels, limousines, hearses, etc.); these expenses must be factored into the cost of a funeral. Moreover, the cost of a funeral includes not only merchandise, like caskets, but also the services of a licensed funeral director in making arrangements; filing appropriate forms; dealing with doctors, ministers, florists, newspapers and others; and seeing to all the necessary details.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF EMBALMING?

Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, retards the decomposition process, and enhances the appearance of a body disfigured by traumatic death or illness. Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, thus allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them.

IS EMBALMING REQUIRED WHEN A PERSON DIES?

No. Most states, however, require embalming when death was caused by a contagious disease, when remains are to be transported from one state to another by common carrier, when there will be a public visitation or if final disposition is not to be made within a certain time frame. Embalming is not required for immediate burials or cremations.

WHY SHOULD I BUY MY CASKET OR CREMATION CONTAINER FROM YOUR FUNERAL HOME INSTEAD OF A CASKET OR CREMATION DISCOUNT STORE?

The casket and cremation discount stores do not have a history of longevity in the business. Several people have purchased units from these stores and before they know it, these stores are out of business. Because of their short lived existence, many people who have purchased products have had no product to have for their service. Casket and cremation retail stores also have limited suppliers for merchandise, therefore on some units, they do not carry any liability agreement on units that may have already been purchased by the family. Gill Brothers Funeral Chapels purchase quality products from reputable casket and cremation companies who have been in the business for many years. Their products all come with a liability warranty and many times can be personalized. Gill Brothers can assist you in selecting a casket within your price range that is suitable for your loved one.

CAN WE BUILD OR OWN CASKET OR URN?

Absolutely, there is nothing more special than the loving care and touch that a family puts into building the casket or urn for their loved one.

HOW DO WE CHOOSE THE RIGHT CASKET?

Whether you are preplanning for yourself or choosing for a loved one, a casket selection is a very personal decision. The casket should reflect the personality, life-style and taste of your loved one. Many caskets can be personalized through embroidery, engraving, changeable corners or memory pockets/drawers. The casket serves as your final tribute to your loved one's life.

* Metal caskets -- including those made from bronze, copper, stainless steel and steel -- are known for their unique finishes and durability. Bronze and copper are among the most durable and beautiful of metals; both are naturally non-rusting. Stainless and carbon steel caskets come in a variety of grades, gauges, styles and finishes. Metal caskets come in two types of construction, non-protective and protective. A protective metal casket has a seal designed to make the casket resistant to the exterior elements, such as air and water.

* Hardwood caskets include a variety of species: mahogany, walnut, cherry, maple, oak, pecan, poplar, and pine. These caskets are the choice of families who appreciate and cherish the qualities of natural wood. The warmth, beauty and personality it brings to fine furniture ideally suited it for the construction of quality caskets. Wood caskets to not seal.

HOW WILL I DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO CREMATE?

Cremation is a highly personal choice. For some, it is a departure from family burial tradition. Choosing cremation is a reflection of an individual's beliefs and preferences. There are various reasons why people choose cremation over burial. These reasons range from environmental concerns to religious beliefs.

IF I CHOOSE TO BE CREMATED, CAN I HAVE A FUNERAL?

Yes. Cremation can take place either before or after a funeral depending on what type of service is selected. It is still possible to have a viewing, funeral service or burial.

WHAT IS THE CREMATION PROCESS?

The body will be transported to the crematory in an alternative container (an unfinished fiberboard box) or casket selected by the family that is required by the state and/or crematory. During cremation, the body is exposed to intense heat (1400 - 2000 degrees Fahrenheit) for a period of two to three hours, depending on the size of the body. During this time all matter is consumed with the exception of bone fragments, metal casket hinges, jewelry or prostheses. After the cremation is complete, the cremated remains are allowed to cool and then removed from the cremation chamber. Although utmost care is used, it is important to note that it is impossible to entirely recover all of the remains. A small amount will always be left behind and commingled with the next cremation. After the remains are removed, large bone fragments are then processed in a grinder and then placed inside a temporary plastic or cardboard container or an urn selected by the family. Cremated remains look similar to crushed seashells and can weigh between four and eight pounds. Each cremation is done separately. Non-combustible items that remain after the cremation, such as metal, jewelry, etc are removed and disposed of in a non-recoverable manner in accordance with applicable laws. Please notify your funeral director if you would like any jewelry returned to you prior to cremation.

WHAT DO I DO WITH THE CREMATED REMAINS FOLLOWING CREMATION?

What you choose to do with the cremated remains is a personal decision. Most people choose to have the urn buried in a cemetery or placed into a mausoleum or columbarium niche. Others choose to keep the cremated remains at home or scatter them in a meaningful location.

HOW DO I CHOOSE AN URN?

Deciding what will be done with cremated remains may help you decide what type of urn to select. An urn can serve as an important focal point at a funeral or memorial service. There are also urn styles that are especially appropriate when scattering is chosen. Though most people find it easier to select an urn at the same time as other funeral or memorial arrangements are made, an urn can also be purchased at a later time. When you choose an urn, you are creating a permanent memorial, one that reflects your loved one's character and your personal taste.

WHAT TO DO WHEN A DEATH OCCURS

What should I do if the death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend? A funeral director at Gill Brothers is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Resources:

Bereavement Resources for Widows and Widowers

Bereavement Resources for Children and Teens

Bereavement Resources Related to Suicide, Sudden and Traumatic Deaths

Bereavement Resources for Parents and Grandparents

Other Resources:

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