Gill Brothers Funeral Service & Cremation


What is a Funeral?

What is a Funeral?

All we need to do is say the word "funeral" and within microseconds, you have an image in your mind of what a funeral looks like. This mental image comes from many sources: the geographical place, culture and society in which we live; our faith; our life experience.

Yet, despite the differences, these funeral services have much in common. We invite you to read further to learn the really simple answer to the question "what is a funeral?" Should you have questions about what you read here, we encourage you to call us. One of our funeral professionals will be delighted to explore the commonalities behind the wide spectrum of funeral ceremonies seen around the world.

What Makes a Funeral?

No matter where it's held, a funeral is a structured ceremony. Each is intended to engage the living participants in activities which will transform their status within the community, provide mourners with a collective grieving experience, and celebrate a life lived.

We often get asked – What is the purpose of a funeral service?

Rituals and ceremonies help us express our deepest feelings and thoughts about some of life’s most important events. Most funerals help to fulfill these three things:
  • Funeral services allow us to honor and pay tribute to the deceased. Together family and friends can remember the life of their loved one.
  • Funeral services serve as a final goodbye to the physical presence of a loved one in our daily lives. It helps mark a difficult change that we will have to accept.
  • Funeral services serve as an opportunity to support each other. Funerals act as a central gathering place for people to mourn the loss together. Grief is very difficult to deal with, but dealing with it on your own makes it even worse.
One of our main goals is to give your loved one the final tribute they deserve. Contrary to common belief, funeral services are not all the same. They can take on many different formats and styles. We work with you to create the funeral service that best honors your loved one’s life, allows the best way for you to say goodbye, meets your family's specific wishes, and fits within your financial budget. 

We offer customization, and for the most part we can meet every detail you want. Additionally, we pride ourselves on providing some of the most affordable funerals in Minnesota.

Funerals in Minnesota

For families and individuals living in Minnesota (as elsewhere in the nation), a funeral service can mean many things. Some fall back on what is commonly called a "traditional funeral"; others see that same traditional service as an emotionally unfulfilling event. Fortunately, thanks to a number of unique social forces, there are alternatives. Today, end-of-life commemorative services range from the traditional funeral, to a memorial service and the increasingly popular celebrations-of-life. If you have questions about how we can help you and your loved one, reach out to us. Call to speak with one of our experienced funeral service professionals. We have assisted with many funerals in Minnesota and would be honored to help with planning a truly meaningful service for your loved one. 
Source:
Huntington, Richard and Peter Metcalf, Celebrations of Death: The Anthropology of Mortuary Ritual, Cambridge University Press, 1979
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