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Fedde-Helfrich-Cross Funeral Home 112 Main Street PO Box 1048 Peotone, IL 60468 (708) 258-6737 Site design by Russell Publications, Inc. |
Common Questions
1. What do I do when a death occurs at home? 2. What are the advantages of pre-planning a funeral? 3. What should I do if a death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend? 4. How do people select a funeral director? 5. Why have a public viewing? 6. What is the purpose of embalming and is it required? 7. Can I have a funeral service before cremation? What do I do when a death occurs at home? A sudden or unexpected death at home or other private residence when a physician is not present should be reported to the local law enforcement authority immediately. Do not disturb the body. When the police arrive, they will notify the proper authorities for removal of the body. Let the police know your preference of funeral home. Depending on the circumstances of death, it may be required that the remains be first transported to and/or released by the County Coroner or County Medical Examiner. When death at home is anticipated, normally the patient is under Hospice care. When the death occurs, you should contact Hospice. Hospice will often facilitate many of the procedures listed above, including contact with the funeral home of your choice. back to top » What are the advantages of pre-planning a funeral? Pre-arrangement allows you to meet with one of our Funeral Directors to select the type of service you prefer. This may include the recording of biographical information and or selecting merchandise such as a service folder, casket, vault or urn. You may wish to prepay for your service in advance but you are not obligated to do so. There are a few reasons why individuals prepay their funerals: it relieves the emotional and financial burden from those you love, and it allows you to express your own wishes, and with your money put in an Irrevocable trust those funds will not be considered an asset to Public Aid. back to top » What should I do if a death occurs in the middle of the night or on the weekend? Our Funeral Directors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. back to top » How do people select a funeral director? Almost always by reputation or availability. The way a funeral director serves families is readily known in most communities. If you need a funeral director and for some reason do not know one, the reference of a relative or friend who has been served satisfactorily is one wise way to make a decision. The best way is to know in advance whom you would select and then visit the funeral home, examine the facilities and ask about the prices and understand the ways in which your needs will be served. Consider all alternatives and consult several different firms/organizations to compare costs. After determining where to call, be prepared to ask questions concerning all aspects of funeral arrangements. Prior to making funeral arrangements, you will need the following information: 1. Full name of deceased 2. Occupation 3. Date of birth 4. Place of birth 5. Social security number 6. Residence address 7. Spouse's name (maiden name) 8. Father's name, mother's maiden name 9. Place of burial or disposition 10. Discharge papers, if veteran. back to top » Why have a public viewing? Viewing is part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Many grief specialists believe that viewing aids the grief process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death. Viewing is encouraged for children, as long as the process is explained and the activity voluntary. back to top » What is the purpose of embalming and is it required? Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, and enhances the appearance of a body for visitation purposes. 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. Embalming is not required by law but is required by the Funeral Home if you are going to have a public viewing. back to top » Can I have a funeral service before cremation? Cremation is not intended to replace a traditional funeral; it is simply an alternative to earth burial or entombment. The cremation takes place after the traditional funeral service has been completed. If you have any other questions feel free to call 708-258-6737. back to top » |
