How much does a funeral cost?

  1. Funeral costs vary greatly depending on the type of services the family wants and the merchandise the family selects  The total cost of a funeral consists of three main areas; the type of service the family wants, the merchandise the family selects and the accommodation items  Accommodation items are non-funeral home expenses related to the service such as cemetery charges and honorariums  Currently in Iowa the average price of a traditional funeral is $7028.00 with accommodation items included, according to the Iowa Funeral Directors Association  A traditional funeral includes visitation, funeral ceremony, casket and burial in a vault at the cemetery  More info at blair.overton@overtonservice.com.

What is cremation?

  1. Cremation is the process where intense heat is used to reduce the physical body to bone fragments. The soft tissue (skin, muscle, organs, etc.) are vaporized by the heat and all that remains is the hard bone which is not consumed by the fire. These are then processed into smaller particles called cremains, which may be placed in a permanent urn for final disposition  More info at blair.overton@overtonservice.com.

Should I pay for my funeral in advance?

  1. Many people find it comforting and satisfying for themselves, and their family, to pre-arrange and pre-fund their funeral service  We have helpful booklets to guide you in recording important information and getting your thoughts and wishes written down. There are various types of funding options available, the most common are certificates of deposit and insurance  Our funeral directors are licensed in these areas and can discuss the many options available and select one that is suited to your personal needs  More info at blair.overton@overtonservice.com.

Why should I have a funeral?

  1. Since the beginning of man, ceremony has been used to celebrate important events  Weddings, funerals, christenings, graduations are just of few of the times all societies and cultures take special notice  In the case of funerals, what a sad occurrence it would be for one to leave this earthly existence without anyone noticing  Funerals emphasize the reality of death, the importance of life and that a life has been lived  Experts say meaningful ceremonies provide comfort and closure for family and friends involved. It is important to recognize that a life has been lived and that there are many ways to celebrate that life  The funeral affords those involved an opportunity to express their various social and emotional needs  More info at blair.overton@overtonservice.com.

I don’t want people to see me in a casket, is that okay?

  1.  Viewing is a matter of personal choice, however, experts believe that viewing is an important step in the healing process. The viewing affords family and friends an opportunity to say goodbye and take that important step in working through their grief process  In the cases of MIA service men and women, almost all of their families say the absence of being able to see them to say goodbye is very difficult emotionally  More info at blair.overton@overtonservice.com.

I want to be cremated, but my family doesn’t want me to, what can I do?

  1. These are concerns that are best resolved before the time of death. There are various reasons why we have a preference to our final disposition and it is important to discuss these with everyone involved. Your funeral director can inform you and your family of the many service options available with cremation and help you come to a decision that is comfortable to all  Should you need further guidance please contact us at blair.overton@overtonservice.com.

How do I get cemetery lots?

  1. Call the funeral home in the town or county where the cemetery is and the Funeral Director will direct you to the individual that can help you   More info at blair.overton@overtonservice.com.

Why is visitation important?

  1. The visitation is an opportunity for family and friends to come together to show support to those left behind. It provides a time for sharing of feelings and emotions, which are beneficial in the healing process. The visitation can be used in both traditional and cremation services.

Should I bring my kids to funerals?

  1. A person once said about children and funerals. “ If a child can walk bring them, and if they can not, carry them to the funeral.”  It is important that children understand early that death and grief are a normal part of life  When a parent is experiencing a death that is close to their heart and the child’s attendance could add additional stress to the parent, please consult with the funeral home staff. There are many available solutions so that the child and parent are best served  More info at blair.overton@overtonservice.com.

How do I tell my kids about death?

  1. Death is a natural part of life and all living things will eventually die. Children’s perceptions of death vary greatly with age and maturity. It is important to be truthful and to refrain from statements such as “Grandma is sleeping.” This analogy is easy to use but can pose eventual problems down the road. Your local funeral home is an excellent resource to parents for advise and reading materials  More info at blair.overton@overtonservice.com.

Does Social Security pay for my funeral? 

  1. For those who have paid into Social Security, There is a one-time death benefit of $255, payable only to a surviving spouse or dependent children.
Does the VA pay for my funeral?
  1. Just like the Social Security administration, the Veterans Administration offers some benefits. A Veteran who dies as a result of a service-connected disability is entitled to a maximum of $ 1500.00 for burial and transportation expense

  2. Veterans who die for reasons other than service connected disabilities on or after Oct. 12, 1981, may be entitled to up to $ 300.00 in burial benefits. Eligibility is established if the veteran;

  3. Was entitled at the time of death to pension or compensation or died while hospitalized or domiciled in a VA facility or other facilities at VA expense.

  4. For death occurring on or after Nov. 1, 1990, an additional plot of interment allowance of up to $ 150.00 is available to the same categories of veterans eligible for the $ 300.00 burial benefits. The plot allowance is provided only for those veterans who are not buried in a national cemetery
How does the funeral costs affect Title 19 in Iowa?
  1. We recommend you contact the funeral home regarding Title 19 and how to set aside funds for the funeral expenses  Our staff is knowledgeable regarding the Laws of Iowa and can be an excellent resource to you  More info at blair.overton@overtonservice.com.