Funeral Checklist

The following list of information is provided to help you plan your funeral. Organization is the key to planning in the midst of grief and sadness. We hope the following list will lend a helping hand. Print it out and keep it in a convenient place.

Notify Authorities

If the death occurs outside of a hospital or nursing home you may need to notify authorities of the death. Call 911 or your local emergency number to report the death. The authorities will call the coroner if necessary.

Notify close relatives and friends

You or the authorities may call the funeral home that will be taking care of the arrangements for the funeral and calling hours. Notify any relatives who will be having a part in planning the calling hours and details of the funeral and set up a time to meet with the funeral director to finalize the plans. Discuss who will be responsible for funeral expenses for billing purposes. If there is an executor for the estate of the deceased, this person usually handles this responsibility, but it is entirely up to the family to determine who should handle this responsibility. Often families will divide this responsibility between several family members.

Gather the information you will need for the completion of the death certificate at the funeral home. Parent's names including middle initials, also the social security number and date of birth of the deceased, their place of work (Name and address) and occupation of the deceased. See Vital Statistics Form.

The Funeral Director will guide you through the much of the planning process. Use the following checklist to when meeting with your funeral director.

Clothing & Jewelry

If this will be a traditional burial you need to consider clothing & jewelry. (If this will be a cremation you can eliminate this step.)

Clothing - You may want to bring this with you when you meet with the funeral director to make the plans, but this is not essential.
Jewelry - Remember any special pins or jewelry. Special pins would include but are not limited to Union and association membership pins. Also Watches, earrings, necklaces, tie tacks, cuff links, or anything that the deceased particularly liked or directed to be included.

Consider the type of burial

Cemetery plot
If one has been previously purchased, bring the deed to the plot with you, if you have it, to the funeral home when you make your plans. If you know you have a plot but don't have the deed in your possession, the funeral director can contact the cemetery overseer to arrange confirmation. Otherwise a plot will need to be purchased. The funeral director will assist you with this.

Vault
Choose a vault. Your funeral director will describe the various types available.

Select the casket or container

Wood, Metal, Cardboard (cremation), Urn

Open or closed casket

Some clergy persons insist that the casket be closed for the memorial service. If you have a specific wish for the casket to remain open during the service, be sure to specify this when selecting a clergy person to deliver the eulogy.

Calling hours

Decide on calling hours at the funeral home.
Some families choose not to have calling hours at the funeral home. There is great flexibility and the time(s) selected should try to accommodate the needs of the family and friends.
Traditionally hours have been from 2 to 9 or 4 to 9 p.m. as these hours can accommodate friends who have to work day or evening shifts.

Funeral services

If you plan to have a funeral service, you need to consider when and where the service will be conducted:

Before burial or cremation
After burial or cremation
The funeral home
Church
At the Cemetery

Special Ceremonies

Some Fraternal Orders and the Military may provide special ceremonies for the funeral service. Check with the local branch of the service the deceased was enlisted in or the Fraternal

Compose the Obituary

Vital statistics
Memberships and associations
Hobbies

Publishing an obituary

Decide on which newspapers or other publications will be used to place the obituary notice.

Local
Internet

Flower arrangements

Decide on the type of flower arrangements to be provided by the family. Relatives and other well wishers may also need to be advised as to your desired floral selections.

Casket Spray
Standing spray
Matching baskets
Specialty pieces (floral hearts, crosses, and bible)

Pictures or photo album - Consider setting up pictures or a photo album to remind well wishers and family of good times or special events in the life of the deceased.

Eulogies

Decide who will deliver the eulogy

Clergy
Friend
Combination
Video eulogy

Special Recognition

Consider special recognition for accomplishments of the deceased.

Athletic
Political
Religious
Scientific

Memorial cards (optional)

Choose from funeral home offerings
Have unique cards printed

Pall bearers

Arrange for pall bearers. Usually 4 to 6 men are needed.
Ask friends or relatives (usually not next of kin)
Ask funeral home to arrange for this service.

Music at calling hours or funeral

Favorite recordings of the deceased
Other soothing instrumentals

Grave marker

A temporary marker may be selected if a permanent marker has not been purchased or engraved.

Engrave present stone
Purchase new stone
Veterans plaque - Veterans may be eligible for a marker plaque.
Special insignias - A member of a service or charitable organization may be eligible for special insignia to be fixed to the marker.

Wake or special gathering

Decide if there will be a wake or other gathering to celebrate the life of the deceased. Consider where and when to hold this gathering.

Accommodating out of town relatives

Consider how to accommodate relatives.
Assist with travel plans
Airport pick up
Lodging

28605 Gratiot Ave
| Roseville, MI 48066
| Tel: 1-586-431-8100
|