A traditional service for burial, entombment or cremation, is usually the service of choice. At Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services we believe in the traditional funeral, because it best serves the needs of family and friends.
Every family is different, and not everyone wants the same type of funeral. Funeral practices are influenced by religious and cultural traditions, costs and personal preferences. These factors help determine whether the funeral will be elaborate or simple, public or private, religious or secular, and where it will be held. They also influence whether the body will be present at the funeral, if there will be a viewing or visitation, and if so, whether the casket will be open or closed, and whether the remains will be buried or cremated.
The traditional funeral service may include the following:
Casket
Transfer of the deceased to the funeral home
Embalming
Dressing, cosmetology and other care of the deceased
Professional support and administrative staff assistance
Use of visitation rooms
General use of the facilities for the service and arrangements
Funeral service
Use of funeral coach
Utility car
Register book
Acknowledgment cards
Memorial folders or prayer cards
The traditional service is a meaningful expression for the family, and it gives friends and associates an opportunity to offer their tributes in the way of flowers or memorials to churches or organizations.
Generally, a member of the clergy or other person chosen by the family conducts a service of remembrance. We encourage the active participation of the family in helping plan this part of the service. Many times family members take part by giving a reading, singing or assisting the clergy.
If the ceremony is held in a church, there is no additional charge. Nor is there an additional charge for arranging and conducting fraternal services.
Embalming Policy
Although law does not require embalming, embalming may be necessary if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with a viewing. If you do not want embalming, you have the right to choose an arrangement, which does not require you to pay for it, such as direct cremation or immediate burial.
Direct Burial
The body is buried shortly after death. No viewing or visitation is involved, so no embalming is necessary. A memorial service may be held at the graveside or later. Direct burial usually costs less than the "traditional," full-service funeral. Costs include the funeral home's basic services fee, as well as transportation and care of the body, the purchase of a casket, burial container and a cemetery plot.
Direct Cremation
The body is cremated shortly after death, without embalming. The cremated remains are placed in an urn or other container. No viewing or visitation is involved, although a memorial service may be held, with or without the cremated remains present. The remains can be kept in the home, buried or placed in a crypt or niche in a cemetery. Burial or scattering of cremated remains is subject to state and local law. Direct cremation usually costs less than the traditional, full-service funeral. Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services own and operate their own crematory facility ensuring families that their loved one never leaves our care.
