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Where to Begin

Where to Begin

Planning a burial or cremation can be overwhelming, but you are not alone in this. We’re here to support you throughout this journey and make this process one of love, healing, and life celebration. Below is some information to help you get started, but you can contact us at any time if you need help.


Within Hours

When a loved one dies at home or in a place that isn’t a healthcare facility, you’ll need to contact emergency personnel before they can be taken into our care. If your loved one was under medical care, it’s a good idea to call their physician as well.

If your loved one dies in a healthcare facility, they will notify the proper authorities, including the funeral home you have chosen to care for your loved one if they know that information.


This part of the process is often the most emotional, and we are here to help and support you. If you’re not sure what to do, call us any time.



Within the First Few Days


This is the time to review any of your loved one’s preplanned funeral wishes and meet with a funeral director to begin planning their service. This meeting will typically occur within the first 24 -36 hours. If your loved one did not preplan their funeral, you might want to start thinking about a few of the big choices you will need to make, such as:

  • Burial or cremation
  • If burial, the type of the type of services prior to the burial that will emotionally benefit the survivors.
  • If burial, the location of the visitation and service as well as their final resting place.
  • If cremation, the type of services prior to the cremation that will emotionally benefit the survivors.
  • If cremation, the location of the visitation, viewing and/or service as well as their final resting place for the cremated remains.
  • Any religious or non-religious services you will need, such as clergy, or spiritual leaders or celebrants.

    These questions are just a starting point, and you don't need to know the answers right away. We will help guide you through these decisions, always keeping your healing process in mind.  Don’t hesitate to contact us to gain a better understanding of your options. We're here to make this process easier for you.



What to Expect When We Meet

When you meet with a member of our staff to discuss your arrangements, we'll first ask you about your loved one to gain an understanding of the person the services will honor. Use this time to communicate your ideas and preferences, share your loved one's life story, revisit memories, and highlight their accomplishments. Our professionals will use this information to guide you in the creation of a personalized, meaningful celebration of your loved one's life that is designed to help you heal.

This process may include:

  • Gathering further information in order to file the official death certificate
  • Scheduling the services and events (including the location, date, and time)
  • Selecting a casket, cremation casket, vault, urn, or other products you may need
  • Drafting an obituary
  • Arranging necessary transportation
  • Selecting pallbearers

 

We'd like to make this process as smooth and stress-free for you as we can, so remember to bring the following information about your loved one with you as well:

  • Full legal name and home address
  • Social security number
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Father's name
  • Mother's maiden name
  • Veteran's discharge papers (DD-214), if applicable
  • Highest education
  • Occupation
  • Information about the burial location if applicable
  • Clergy name and phone number if applicable
  • Names and relationships of survivors
  • Insurance policy information if using to pay for funeral expenses

 

Please also bring a recent photograph and any clothing you'd like us to use (Clothing required for cremation and burial).

 

 

Owatonna | (507) 451-7943
1930 Austin Road, Owatonna, MN

West Concord | (507) 527-2253
204 Eugene Street, West Concord, MN

Kenyon | (507) 789-6431
514 Third Street, Kenyon, MN

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