What will I need to bring to the funeral home?

There will be some items and/or information that we will need from you so that we can provide the services you have requested. All of the items listed below will not be needed in all circumstances. However, there may be additional items that are not listed which may be required because of your requests.

Vital statistic information
This information is necessary to complete the death certificate. Please click on the  “Vital Statistics" tab for more information.

Service schedule
Think about when and where would you like any services to be held. Please do not commit to a specific day or time before checking with us. We would not want you to be disappointed if our staff and/or facilities have already been committed for that time. Likewise for the church or other facility, do not commit until schedules have been coordinated and verified with them and us.

Veteran information and documentation
If the decedent ever served in the Armed Forces, you may be entitled to certain Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense and state benefits and/or services.
To help you obtain certain services, we will need a copy of the decedent’s military discharge papers, Form DD-214, retirement papers, or other documentation of service and/or benefits. See our "Veterans" page for more information.

Life insurance information
If you would like us to help you to file for life insurance benefits and/or you wish to use insurance proceeds for funeral home expenses, we will need the life insurance policy(ies), and the last premium payment receipt if available.

Clothing
If the decedent is to be dressed, we ask that a complete set of clothing, except shoes, be provided. We also suggest that if the deceased normally wore eye glasses and/or dentures, those be brought. If clothing is not available, you may chose from a selection at the funeral home. We suggest that any jewelry or items to be placed with the decedent not be of great monetary or sentimental value.

Photograph
A recent photograph would be of great benefit to us for identification and restorative purposes. The photo will be returned to you after the services.

Death notice information
If you would like a death notice to appear in the newspaper, we can usually do it for you by compiling the standard information and placing the notice for whichever days you wish it to appear. We would need from you the names and relationships of anyone you would like mentioned, and if desired, a photo and/or the name and address of any organization to receive memorial contributions. If an obituary, not a death notice, is desired, or you wish to place the death notice yourself, we can help you contact the newspaper directly to place it.

Printing information
If you would like a printed program for the service, we can make arrangements for them. For a standard format program we will need from you: the obituary, photograph(s), the order of service (which is determined by your consultation with the service’s officiant), pallbearer names (if applicable), and an acknowledgement. Non-standard customized programs are, of course, available.
Prayer cards, bookmarkers, acknowledgement cards and other specialized printed items are also available.

Video and portrait photographs
We offer video DVD tributes which can be played during a gathering or service and which can be distributed to family members and friends, if desired. We would need from you the photographs (usually not more than 50) to be incorporated. We will then produce the DVD by adding music and graphics. A sample of this type of presentation can be viewed at our funeral home.
If you would like a portrait which can be displayed at the service or gathering, then taken home, we can make the arrangements. After you provide us with a photograph (up to 8x10 inches) that you would like duplicated, we can add a theme, the decedent’s name, years of birth and death, and a short inspirational sentence, if desired, before producing the portrait, depending on its size. Several sizes are available from 8 inches by 10 inches up to 3 feet by 6 feet. Portrait samples are also available for viewing at our funeral home.

Cemetery documents
If there will be interment or inurnment and the cemetery property is already owned, please bring any cemetery papers which show the grave, crypt or niche location and name of the owner. If you wish, we will pass this information on to the cemetery and assist in setting an appointment for you with a cemetery representative.