When Death Occurs
Funeral Planning
When Death Occurs
Whether a death is sudden or expected, the loss of a loved one can be overwhelming. In the first hours after a passing, emotions run high and even simple decisions may feel difficult. This section offers clear, gentle guidance on the immediate steps to take, helping you understand what needs attention right away and what can wait.
When death occurs at home or a place of business:
If the death was not under hospice care, notify the police immediately. They will contact the coroner or medical examiner, who must release the body before a funeral home can proceed. If the individual was under hospice care, contact the hospice provider, who will guide you through the proper next steps.
When a death occurs at a hospital/nursing home/hospice facility:
Facility staff will notify the appropriate authorities and inform the designated funeral home, if one has been selected. A funeral director will either speak with you in person or contact you by phone to discuss your loved one’s wishes and begin arrangements.
Inform a Funeral Home
Once authorities have cleared the release, contact a licensed funeral director. They will assist with transportation, death certificates, and funeral or memorial planning, and can also help notify employers and insurance providers.
Meet with a Funeral Director
It is recommended to meet with a funeral director within 24 hours to begin final arrangements. While this can feel overwhelming, experienced staff will guide you through each step with care and professionalism.
Make Arrangements
Information required for the death certificate:
- Full Name and Address
- Marital Status
- Race/Ethnicity
- Date and City of Birth
- Highest Level of Education
- Father’s Name, Mother’s Name (including maiden name)
- Name of Spouse (if married or widowed)
- Occupation and Employer
Pertinent documents required for legal paperwork:
- Account Statements
- Beneficiary Designations
- Life Insurance Policies
- Real Estate Deeds
- Car and Boat Deeds
- Stock and Bond Certificates
- Pre-Nuptial Agreements
- Post-Nuptial Agreements
- Loans and Leases
- Copies of Bills (Hydro, Cable, Phone etc.)
- Last Will
- Tax Returns
If no pre-planning has been done, necessary arrangements need to be made for the funeral service including:
- Scheduling the location, date, and time for both the visitation and funeral service
- Selecting burial or cremation
- Choosing funeral products
- Arranging a cemetery plot
- Preparing and placing an obituary notice
- Organizing transportation arrangements
A funeral director will guide you through all of these steps, using your wants, needs and desires as a foundation to create a memorable funeral for your loved one. From here the funeral services can be personalized. Did your loved one have a favorite sports team? What was their favorite type of music? What activity was your loved one known best for? Sharing these memories with the grieving process and will allow you to pay tribute to the life of your loved one.