Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we have funeral services?

Funerals are recognized rituals for the living to show respect for the dead and to help survivors begin the grief process. The funeral and the ceremony that accompanies it are indeed very important. For those who are left behind, a funeral provides a place for family and friends to gather for support and to reminisce; an opportunity to celebrate the life and accomplishments of a loved one; a chance to say goodbye; and the focal point from which the healing process can begin. The funeral identifies that a person's life has been lived, not that a death has occurred.

How much does a funeral cost?

The national average cost of a funeral, as of July 2004, was $6,500 according to the National Funeral Directors Association. This includes professional services of the funeral director and staff, embalming, use of the facilities for visitation and the funeral service, the transfer from place of death to the funeral home, necessary vehicles, and moderately priced casket and concrete vault.

This cost does not include such items as cemetery lots, opening and closing the grave, paid newspaper obituary notices, certified death certificates and honorarium given to clergy and musicians.

The cost may also be increased or decreased depending on the merchandise and the services you select. We have caskets ranging from $475 to $6,750 as well as a wide selection of urns and vaults. The selection of services, which can vary from a traditional funeral service with visitation to a Memorial service, will also affect your funeral cost.

Does a person have to be embalmed after they die?

No. Embalming may be necessary if you select certain arrangements such as a funeral with a public viewing or shipping out of the state or to another country. If you do not want embalming you usually have the right to choose an arrangement that does not require it such as immediate burial or direct cremation.

What is cremation?

The casket or container with the deceased inside of it is placed in the cremation chamber.  The temperature is raised to approximately 1400-1625 degrees Fahrenheit. After approximately 2 to 2 ½ hours, all organic material is consumed by heat or evaporation. The remaining bone fragments are known as cremated remains. The cremated remains are then carefully removed from the cremation chamber. Any metal is removed and later disposed of in an approved manner. The cremated remains are then processed into fine particles and are placed in the container or urn selected by the family. The entire process takes approximately three-four hours. Throughout the cremation process, a carefully controlled labeling system ensures correct identification.

Can I still have a viewing if I am cremated?

Yes, quite often some sort of viewing precedes the actual cremation. We will assist you with the necessary information for a funeral at our funeral home or a church with a cremation following. We offer a rental casket so you can either rent or buy a casket.

Is it appropriate to have a viewing and not a service?

Yes, if that is the wish of the family, the funeral home will arrange designated times for calling hours, have the times published in the newspaper and simply add to the obituary that services will be private or at the convenience of the family. This information will make it clear to the public as to arrangements, and fulfill the wishes of the family.

How much will Social Security pay towards my funeral expenses?

The Social Security Administration may pay a lump sum death benefit of $255 to the surviving widow/widower provided that the deceased and their spouse were living together at the time of death. Entitled children may be eligible to receive the lump sum death benefit if the deceased was receiving monthly benefits at the time he/she passed away. Further information regarding benefits that you or your family may be eligible for can be obtained by calling the Social Security Administration directly at (800) 772-1213 or visiting their website  www.ssa.gov.

Still have questions?

Contact us at Karrer Simpson Funeral Home.  We will be glad to provide answers.