Pre-Planning Checklist

Remember...


There’s no need to make all the decisions right away. For personalized assistance in creating your plan, contact one of our experts to schedule a one-on-one meeting.

Ways to Plan Ahead:

General

  • Gather personal information for your obituary.
  • Choose a charity to direct donations to, if desired.
  • Choose a funeral home.
  • Make note of any instructions for your services and final disposition.


Funeral Service

  • Choose burial or cremation.
  • Select a casket or cremation container.
  • Choose locations and types of services.
  • Choose floral arrangements.
  • Select which photographs and memorabilia you’d like to display.
  • Consider any customs, traditions, or religious rites that are important to you and your family.
  • Choose the clothing you’d like to be dressed in.
  • Select music and hymns, if desired.
  • Choose a theme for decorations and stationery at your services.
  • Arrange transportation for your physical remains and your family.


Participants

  • Choose a clergy member or officiator to preside over the service.
  • Select any musicians whose talents you’d like to employ.
  • Select pallbearers.
  • Choose friends or family members to perform the eulogy, read scripture, or prepare a speech.


Final Disposition

  • Choose a cemetery.
  • Select a burial plot or mausoleum.
  • Select a memorial or grave marker and inscription.
  • Decide who will keep your urn.
  • Decide who will scatter your ashes and where.

Information You'll Need

Personal Information

  • Your father’s name
  • Your mother’s maiden name
  • Your level of education
  • Your social security number


Affiliations

  • Fraternal organizations
  • Service organizations
  • Union memberships
  • Any special recognitions you have


Military Service Information

  • Military service
  • Branch rank
  • Date of enlistment
  • Date of discharge
  • Name(s) of war/conflict(s) toured
  • Serial number

When a Death Occurs at Home

In the event of an unexpected death at home, the first step is to contact local authorities or emergency services. Ensure they are informed about any advanced directives or DNR orders. Medical professionals will confirm the passing and involve the coroner or medical examiner for official declaration.


If end-of-life care services were utilized, reaching out to the agency can streamline the process. It's advisable to contact a preferred funeral home for transportation arrangements. Until responders arrive, refrain from moving the deceased or altering the home.

When a Death Occurs at a Hospital or Care Facility

Children's reactions to death may differ from adults', often displaying a wide array of emotions like depression, guilt, or anger. Encouraging open expression of feelings is crucial, even if some children struggle to articulate them. Tailoring conversations to their developmental stage aids comprehension and processing, while regression behaviors may manifest during times of trauma or loss.

When a Death Occurs Away From Home

In the event of an unexpected death at home, the first step is to contact local authorities or emergency services. Ensure they are informed about any advanced directives or DNR orders. Medical professionals will confirm the passing and involve the coroner or medical examiner for official declaration.


If end-of-life care services were utilized, reaching out to the agency can streamline the process. It's advisable to contact a preferred funeral home for transportation arrangements. Until responders arrive, refrain from moving the deceased or altering the home.