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What Is the Cremation Process?

Fri, 08 May 2026 12:01:46 GMT

Summary

• Cremation follows national standards supported by CANA, NFDA, and the FTC.

• The process begins with written authorization and confirmation of identification.

• Cremation occurs in a specialized chamber overseen by trained professionals.

• Families in Lakeland may choose memorial services, urn burial, or scattering.

What Is the Cremation Process?

Families in Lakeland, FL often wonder what happens during the cremation process. According to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) and the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), cremation is a structured and respectful process designed to support dignity and proper identification. Understanding the steps involved may help bring peace of mind during a difficult time.

The cremation process typically begins with written authorization from the legal next of kin. Identification is confirmed, and all required documentation is reviewed to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), through the Funeral Rule, ensures that families receive transparent and accurate information about their rights and available service options.

Before cremation begins, the individual is placed into an approved cremation container that meets national standards. An identification tag remains with the individual throughout the entire process, following CANA and NFDA guidelines designed to uphold accuracy, accountability, and peace of mind for families.

Cremation occurs in a specialized chamber created specifically for this purpose. While the procedure may vary slightly by facility, trained professionals oversee every step to ensure the process remains safe, dignified, and in alignment with national standards and best practices.

After the cremation is complete, the cremated remains are processed and placed into the urn or container selected by the family. Many families in Lakeland, FL choose to honor their loved one with a memorial service, interment of the urn, or scattering in a meaningful location. These options offer personalized ways to reflect, remember, and celebrate a loved one’s life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the cremation process typically take?

The cremation itself often takes several hours, with additional time needed afterward to prepare the cremated remains before they are returned to the family.

Can families be present at the beginning of the cremation?

Some crematories allow families to witness the start of the cremation process. Availability depends on the facility, so families may speak with their funeral director about local options.

What happens after the cremation is complete?

After cremation, the cremated remains are placed into an urn or temporary container and returned to the family along with documentation and memorialization options.

Written for Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory, proudly serving families in Lakeland with compassion and care.

About Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory is located at 328 S Ingraham Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801 , and can be reached at 863-682-0111. The funeral home provides compassionate, professional funeral and cremation services to families throughout the Lakeland community. With a strong commitment to dignity, respect, and personalized care, the staff guides families through each step of planning and remembrance.

www.heathfuneralchapel.com

What Is Needed from Next of Kin for Burial and Cremation in Lakeland, FL?

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:00:52 GMT

Summary

The next of kin typically provides authorization for burial or cremation.
Funeral homes often need identification, vital information, and signed authorization forms.
Documentation requirements may vary by state and situation.
Funeral professionals guide families with care through each step.

What Is Needed from Next of Kin for Burial and Cremation

Families in Lakeland, Florida often ask what information is required from the next of kin when planning burial or cremation . According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), written authorization from the legal next of kin is typically required before final arrangements can proceed.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) explains that this authorization supports transparency under the Funeral Rule, helping families understand their rights and choices. Next of kin most often includes a spouse, adult child, parent, or legally appointed representative.

Identification and Essential Documentation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that accurate information is necessary to complete an official death certificate. Funeral homes often request the following from the next of kin:

A government-issued photo ID for the person authorizing arrangements.
Vital details about the deceased, including legal name, date of birth, parents’ names, and Social Security number.
Signed authorization forms for burial or cremation.
Information required to file the death certificate.

Providing this information helps ensure arrangements follow legal guidelines while honoring the wishes of the family.

Why Authorization Matters

Authorization confirms that the individual making decisions has the legal right to do so. For burial, families may need to confirm cemetery property or permit information. For cremation, a signed Cremation Authorization Form is typically required, and some situations may involve a brief waiting period or additional review.

Funeral professionals at Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory provide compassionate guidance, helping families in Lakeland, Florida feel supported throughout the process.

FAQs

Who is considered the next of kin?

The next of kin is typically a spouse, adult child, parent, or legally appointed representative authorized to make final arrangements.

What documents are needed before cremation?

Most funeral homes require identification for the next of kin, vital information for the death certificate, and a signed cremation authorization form.

Do requirements differ by state?

Yes. Requirements may vary by state or situation, so families should consult their funeral home for guidance specific to their location.

Written for Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory, proudly serving families in Lakeland, Florida with compassion and care.

About Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory serves families throughout Lakeland, Florida with dignity and compassion. The chapel is located at 328 S Ingraham Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801 , and families may call 863-682-0111 for caring assistance.

www.heathfuneralchapel.com

Why Do Funeral & Cremation Costs Vary in Lakeland, Florida?

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:00:12 GMT

Summary

• Funeral and cremation costs may vary based on location, facilities, staffing, and service options.

• Families in Lakeland may notice price differences due to amenities, on-site capabilities, and gathering spaces available at different funeral homes.

• Personalization, professional care, and the level of support chosen often influence overall cost.

• The FTC’s Funeral Rule ensures families receive clear, itemized pricing so they can compare providers with confidence.

Why Do Funeral and Cremation Costs Vary?

Families in Lakeland often ask why funeral and cremation costs differ from one funeral home to another. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), these variations occur nationwide due to differences in operating expenses, staffing requirements, and available service options. All national data referenced is accurate as of 2025.

Regional and Overhead Differences

As a growing Florida community, Lakeland may have operating costs that differ from those in smaller towns or rural areas. Staffing, facility maintenance, utilities, and property-related expenses all influence how funeral homes structure their pricing. These regional differences are a key reason why two providers may list different costs for similar services.

Facilities, Service Options, and Personalization

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires funeral homes to provide families with a General Price List (GPL), which details services and associated fees. Prices may vary depending on whether the funeral home offers reception spaces, multiple chapels, or on-site cremation capabilities.

Service choices—such as a traditional funeral , cremation with a memorial gathering, or direct cremation —also carry different cost considerations. Personalized elements, including music, flowers, stationery, video tributes, and hosted gatherings, may increase overall expenses depending on a family’s preferences.

Professional Care, Expertise, and Documentation

According to the Cremation Association of North America (CANA), funeral and cremation arrangements involve significant professional care. This includes preparation, transportation, planning support, and assistance with documentation. These essential services, combined with the expertise required, contribute to overall costs.

Families may find it helpful to review GPLs and ask questions to better understand their options and choose the provider that aligns best with their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do funeral homes charge different prices for similar services?

Costs can vary due to differences in staffing, facilities, regional operating expenses, and levels of personalization, as noted by the NFDA.

Does the FTC require funeral homes to provide itemized pricing?

Yes. Under the FTC’s Funeral Rule, families must receive an itemized General Price List (GPL) that outlines available services and costs before they make any decisions.

Can preplanning help manage funeral or cremation costs?

Preplanning may help families clarify their wishes, ease emotional stress for loved ones, and bring greater predictability to future financial decisions.

Written for Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory, proudly serving families in Lakeland with compassion and care.

About Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory has served families across Lakeland and the surrounding Central Florida communities with compassion and integrity for generations. Located at 328 S Ingraham Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801 , they can be reached at 863-682-0111 for guidance, support, and meaningful service options tailored to each family’s needs.

www.heathfuneralchapel.com

How Much Does Cremation Cost in Lakeland, FL?

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:00:52 GMT

Summary

• According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the national median cost of a funeral with cremation is $6,280 as of 2025.

• Direct cremation, which typically does not include a ceremony, generally ranges from $2,800 to $3,000 nationally.

• Cremation costs vary based on service type, merchandise choices, and the level of professional care involved.

• Families in Lakeland often explore cremation for its flexibility, simplicity, and ability to accommodate a wide range of personal and cultural preferences.

How Much Does Cremation Cost?

Families in Lakeland, Florida, often ask what cremation costs and how national averages apply to their needs. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) 2024 General Price List Study, the national median cost of a funeral with cremation is $6,280, accurate as of 2025.

This figure often includes professional services, transportation, and the use of facilities for a funeral or memorial gathering.

For families seeking a simpler arrangement, direct cremation generally ranges from $2,800 to $3,000 nationwide.

Direct cremation typically includes the essential components of the cremation process along with required documentation but does not include a ceremony or visitation.

What Factors Influence Cremation Costs?

Cremation costs vary based on the type of service selected. Some families choose a full visitation, funeral service, or gathering before cremation, while others prefer a more private option.

Merchandise selections—such as urns or keepsakes—may also affect the final cost. These items are generally offered in a wide range of simple, meaningful options that allow families to choose what best reflects their loved one’s life.

Local considerations in Lakeland, including staffing needs, facility offerings, and state regulations, may also play a role in price differences.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires all funeral homes to provide a transparent General Price List (GPL) so families can compare options and feel confident in their decisions.

Planning ahead can also help families feel more prepared, offering clarity and easing emotional or financial stress when decisions need to be made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cremation typically less expensive than burial?

Cremation is often more affordable because it generally does not involve cemetery property, a burial vault, or a casket. However, final costs still depend on the type of service and merchandise a family selects.

Can families hold a service with cremation?

Yes. Many families in Lakeland choose to hold a funeral, memorial, or celebration of life either before or after the cremation.

What is generally included with direct cremation?

Direct cremation typically includes transportation of the loved one into the funeral home’s care, basic professional services, required paperwork, and the cremation itself. It does not include a ceremony or visitation.

Written for Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory, proudly serving families in Lakeland with compassion and care.

About Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Families in Lakeland, Florida, can turn to Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory for compassionate, professional guidance. Located at 328 S Ingraham Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801 , their caring team can be reached at 863-682-0111 for support with cremation services, planning, and memorial options.

www.heathfuneralchapel.com

How Much Does Cremation Cost in Lakeland, FL?

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 13:00:12 GMT

Summary

• According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the national median cost of a funeral with cremation is $6,280 as of 2025.

• Direct cremation, which typically does not include a ceremony, generally ranges from $2,800 to $3,000 nationally.

• Cremation costs vary based on service type, merchandise choices, and the level of professional care involved.

• Families in Lakeland often explore cremation for its flexibility, simplicity, and ability to accommodate a wide range of personal and cultural preferences.

How Much Does Cremation Cost?

This figure often includes professional services, transportation, and the use of facilities for a funeral or memorial gathering.

For families seeking a simpler arrangement, direct cremation generally ranges from $2,800 to $3,000 nationwide.

Direct cremation typically includes the essential components of the cremation process along with required documentation but does not include a ceremony or visitation.

What Factors Influence Cremation Costs?

Cremation costs vary based on the type of service selected. Some families choose a full visitation, funeral service, or gathering before cremation, while others prefer a more private option.

Merchandise selections —such as urns or keepsakes—may also affect the final cost. These items are generally offered in a wide range of simple, meaningful options that allow families to choose what best reflects their loved one’s life.

Local considerations in Lakeland, including staffing needs, facility offerings, and state regulations, may also play a role in price differences.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires all funeral homes to provide a transparent General Price List (GPL) so families can compare options and feel confident in their decisions.

Planning ahead can also help families feel more prepared, offering clarity and easing emotional or financial stress when decisions need to be made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cremation typically less expensive than burial?

Can families hold a service with cremation?

Yes. Many families in Lakeland choose to hold a funeral, memorial, or celebration of life either before or after the cremation.

What is generally included with direct cremation?

Written for Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory, proudly serving families in Lakeland with compassion and care.

About Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory

www.heathfuneralchapel.com

Who Should Record My Funeral Wishes?

matt@heathfuneralchapel.com (Matt Schichtel) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 20:57:23 GMT

There is a woman who once thought that she’d like to have a hologram made of her wearing an Obi-Wan Kenobi robe for her funeral. Her four sons grew up during the Star Wars era and similar to Obi-Wan, she would love to pass along the wisdom she acquired over her lifetime to those she loves. And yes, she would also like to have the last word! So who should this woman see to discuss and share her wishes? Should she talk to an attorney? Her financial planner? Or a funeral director?

Both her attorney and financial planner suggested they could help but she wasn’t convinced based on her past experience. When her parents died the funeral was over before she even started to work on the finances and the estate. And there was so much attention paid to the final, final part…burial or cremation. She decided to contact her family funeral home and she met with Sue, the advance funeral planner. As it turns out, helping people get their funeral plans in place is Sue’s only job at the funeral home. And help this woman Sue did!

They talked about what this woman thought she wanted for her funeral plans. They talked a lot about her family – her husband, her four grown up sons, their wives and their children. Sue helped this woman see that although her sons would appreciate the Obi Wan idea, her husband would need something a little more traditional with a spiritual element. They talked about the cost and how she could keep that under control. They also talked about the burial and cremation options. Sue explained to the woman that if she wasn’t ready, she didn’t need to make a decision about burial or cremation. The woman ended up talking to her family about it and she was able to get her wishes recorded at the funeral home and she decided to use a payment plan. With her plan in place, she can go in and change her plans at any time (e.g. if she decides she wants to be cremated at a later date) and Sue will help her with that.

Sue also suggested the woman begin gathering those words of wisdom that she wants to share at her funeral and bring them to Sue so she can put them in the file. On the day of the woman’s funeral, the funeral directors will print these words of wisdom and hand them out to those attending the funeral. As it turns out, holograms aren’t available just yet, but Sue thinks they may be prior to this woman’s death.

In the end, leaving the finances to the financial planner, the will & estate planning to the attorney, and the funeral planning to the funeral home made the most sense for this woman.

www.heathfuneralchapel.com

Why Plan Your Funeral in Advance?

matt@heathfuneralchapel.com (Matt Schichtel) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 19:28:10 GMT

The story below illustrates the benefits of preplanning your funeral. Also known as an “advance funeral plan”, “preneed”, or a “preplanned funeral”, it is one of the few things in life where you can pay today’s prices for a product and service you may not need for many years down the road, thus saving you money.

We buried my dad last week. My dad’s funeral would have been just a little more than $8,000 not counting the luncheon or cemetery space. However, thanks to his pre-need funeral plan that he prepared 18 years ago at the funeral home, we got it for $5,000 and some change. Saving money wasn’t necessarily what motivated him to make the plan in advance. But, let me tell you, my mom was pretty pleased to know she didn't have to write that check.

Now, I should clarify something here. My mom is more than okay financially. Paying, even the full $8,000, for the funeral would not have been a financial issue. It was an emotional thing. She knew the death of my dad was going to change her life. She just didn’t know how it would change. So, everything, every action and especially spending money, increased her anxiety. We didn’t need that. Thank you, dad, for taking care of the plan and its cost well before it was needed.

What motivated my father to pre-plan was the fact we are a blended family. It’s not the we don’t all get along, we do (most of the time). But, we don’t all have the same taste. My sister, his oldest daughter, likes the earth tones. Our mom, his wife, on the other hand, likes the jewel tones. My dad picked a black casket and even said he wanted to be buried in his navy suit. Seems like small stuff, but it probably saved us all some angst. There was no fuss, no brown suit and no hurt feelings.

If my dad would have asked us 18 years ago if he should pre-plan and pre-pay for his funeral, I feel certain all five of us would have said, “Don’t worry about that. We can take care of it when we have to.” I am so grateful that he did not ask and that he did not think just about the money portion of an advance funeral plan. Dad, thank you for being smarter than us and knowing that we would need your emotional support even in death.

www.heathfuneralchapel.com

The History of Veterans Day

matt@heathfuneralchapel.com (Matt Schichtel) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 19:25:46 GMT

Veterans Day, a national and state holiday, serves as a day for Americans to come together to show their deep respect and appreciation for the military veterans of our country. It is the one day a year when we pause, reflect and show our gratitude to all those who are serving or have ever served in our military. So how did it come to be?

What we know today as Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day. On November 11, 2019, we celebrate the 101 ^st anniversary of the armistice that ended World War I. This armistice was signed at the 11 ^th hour on the 11 ^th day in the 11 ^th month of 1918. At the time, we believed World War I was “the war to end all wars”. One year after the armistice, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11 ^th as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I. In his address to his “fellow-countrymen” delivered from the White House on November 11, 1919, Woodrow Wilson praised the contribution of the American people and shared hope for the future.

With splendid forgetfulness of mere personal concerns, we remodeled our industries, concentrated our financial resources, increased our agricultural output, and assembled a great army, so that at the last our power was a decisive factor in the victory. We were able to bring the vast resources, material and moral, of a great and free people to the assistance of our associates in Europe who had suffered and sacrificed without limit in the cause for which we fought.

Out of this victory there arose new possibilities of political freedom and economic concert. The war showed us the strength of great nations acting together for high purposes, and the victory of arms foretells the enduring conquests, which can be made in peace when nations act justly and in furtherance of the common interests of men.

To us in America the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service, and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of nations.

Of course, lasting peace was not to be. After the Second World War, Alabama veteran Raymond Weeks had the idea to expand Armistice Day to honor all veterans. On May 26, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower signed into a law a bill presented by Congressman Ed Rees from Kansas establishing Armistice Day as a national holiday eight years after Weeks began celebrating Armistice Day for all veterans. Congress amended the bill on June 1, 1954, replacing "Armistice" with "Veterans," and it has been known as Veterans Day since.

Memorial Day honors those who died in service, Armed Services Day honors those who currently serve. Veterans Day honors ALL veterans. Thank a Veteran on November 11 ^th and be very proud and happy to go to bed tonight in the United States of America.

www.heathfuneralchapel.com

Make Family the Foundation for Funeral Planning

matt@heathfuneralchapel.com (Matt Schichtel) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 19:21:58 GMT

There are two ways to take care of funeral planning: 1) you can plan your own funeral in advance or 2) your survivors can plan your funeral for you after your death. Regardless of when it is planned, or who plans the funeral, the planning needs to start with your family. Your family should be the foundation for funeral planning.

After all, the funeral is not really for the deceased…it is for those who survive. We show respect for all human life in the manner in which we care for the body that housed the soul or spirit of our loved one. Respect and dignity for the body is important. The funeral helps those of us who survive by changing our focus from the cause of the death to the life that was lived. The funeral is the beginning of our grieving process and that is why funerals are so important.

If you are planning in advance for your own final remembrance, begin by thinking of those who love you. Your spouse, your children, your grandchildren, your friends and even your co-workers, what will they remember? What will make them smile? What will comfort them? What will they need? When they think of you what will come to mind? How is faith a part of their lives?

If you are planning a funeral for a deceased family member, involve the children, grandchildren and even close friends in the process. Ask them how they remember their friend or relative. Remember, we have all had a unique relationship with the deceased, so what you want to remember may be different from what your brother remembers. Ask your funeral director for ideas so they can help you capture and express the unique personality of your family member in the service plan.

For many years funeral planning started with a different set of questions. It started with questions about the faith. What church did your mother belong to? It followed with questions about the decedent’s wishes. What do you think your dad would want? These are still good valid questions but basing the entire funeral plan on only these aspects may not touch every family member.

Mother may have preferred that no one see her after death, but if you, her daughter, need to see her, speak up. If you don’t share your brother’s faith and you need to hear a eulogy that is all about his life or see pictures that bring back your time growing up together, speak up. The imprint of the funeral sticks with the surviving family. It is literally the last memory we carry of someone we loved.

www.heathfuneralchapel.com

Who Will Take Care of My Funeral Plans?

matt@heathfuneralchapel.com (Matt Schichtel) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 19:19:38 GMT

It is not uncommon for people to ask themselves, “Since I never had any children, who will take care of my funeral plans?” That is all the more reason to preplan your own funeral!

Each state has laws that say who will “own” your body when you die. The “owner” is responsible for making and paying for your funeral service and “final disposition”. Final disposition is simply what happens to your body in the end and those choices include burial, cremation or donation. Regardless of disposition, a funeral service with or without a religious component will take place before or after disposition. These are all choices the responsible person will make.

If you are to be cremated, there is still the matter of what will be done with your cremated remains. They can be kept by a family member, scattered on private property, buried in a cemetery, or kept in a columbarium niche. Again, this is a choice the responsible person will need to make.

In most states the responsible person is your spouse. When there is no legal marriage then your parent will be responsible. If your parents are deceased, then your child will take the lead. When there are no children then your eldest sibling will be responsible.

As you can see, this system only works if you and your family are all of like mind regarding the funeral and you are on the same page regarding faith. Since this is not always the case, you can break the legal chain and designate a person of your choice to carry out your wishes.

It’s not at all difficult or even expensive. You just need to call the funeral home of your choice, ask for an appointment with the person who does the pre-planning. Be sure to tell that individual that you want to designate someone to carry out your wishes. He or she will need to get the proper paperwork for you to complete this task.

This is also a perfect time to talk to the pre-planning person at the funeral home about your ideas regarding both your funeral service and your final disposition. A funeral professional can help you get everything written down so that your designated person will know just what to do. Since this person will also bear the financial burden for your funeral service and burial or cremation, you will want to talk to the advance funeral planner about eliminating that burden by prefunding your plan.

www.heathfuneralchapel.com

Get Your Family Involved in Funeral Planning

matt@heathfuneralchapel.com (Matt Schichtel) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 19:17:05 GMT

When death is near or has just occurred, there are so many things to do and yet there is nothing you can do. You feel helpless. You can’t make the person well or bring them back. But you know you will, very soon, need to make many decisions about the service, the final resting place, the music, food, flowers, donations, clothing and much more. Your mind is racing and oddly enough, at the same time, at a complete standstill. On one hand it feels like it is too soon to do anything. You’re just not ready. But at the same time, you feel the weight of all that is coming.

This is stress. It is hard. If you can, reach out to your family and friends and let them help you. Have your son or daughter get the older grandchildren involved in pulling together pictures and music. They are really good at this stuff. Going through the pictures brings back happy memories and it’s one of the most therapeutic chores that comes with funeral preparation. Let them do something that will help them - they are dealing with this loss too.

If would you would like family and friends to donate to a charity, put someone in charge of looking into that. Have your daughter-in-law pull together a few clothing choices for your final selection. Send your son-in-law to the cemetery or have him get the cars washed. You may want to delegate the task of writing the eulogy and obituary. Give someone the job of gathering information for the funeral luncheon or brunch.

Spread the work around. Let go, embrace help and give them something to do. You’ll feel better that things are getting done and they’ll feel better because they are involved and helping.

www.heathfuneralchapel.com

How Much do Funerals Cost?

matt@heathfuneralchapel.com (Matt Schichtel) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 19:14:11 GMT

For most of us, one of our first questions when we think we need a funeral home soon is, “How much will it cost?” It’s understandable that everyone wants a simple answer to this question. Unfortunately, there is no one simple answer.

Think of the last time you bought a pair of shoes. It’s not really helpful to know that the average cost of a pair of shoes is $75.00. So, what does an “average” pair of shoes look like? Shoes come in many different sizes, colors and styles. You wouldn’t expect to call the shoe store and ask, “How much does a pair of shoes cost?” Everyone needs some help finding the right fit for his or her feet. You also understand that you’ll need to share more information about the kind of shoe you are seeking before you find the cost.

It’s the same with funerals. The funeral you choose will need to fit your family’s needs as well as your budget. The funeral director will help you with both. You will be pleased to know funeral homes are required to have standardized prices for everything they do. This price list must be printed and available for you. You should also take comfort in knowing there will be a range of prices associated with the choices you will be making. The funeral director wants you to be satisfied with both the service you select and with the costs associated with those services.

As soon as you are able, it is a good idea to call the funeral home and ask to set up a time to meet with a funeral director to review your options and prices. There should be no cost for this meeting. This is the best way to assure that you understand what is involved with the various services so that you can get the best value for your dollar. You can schedule this kind of meeting with as many funeral homes as you desire.

At first, this may seem like a lot of work. The reality is, however, that you’ll obtain far more information by meeting with the funeral director versus searching online or making phone calls. You’ll save time, too. Don’t wait to set up that meeting if you think you’ll need a funeral home soon.

www.heathfuneralchapel.com

Honoring Military Service

matt@heathfuneralchapel.com (Matt Schichtel) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 19:10:50 GMT

Taps. There is nothing like the sound of those patriotic notes. It grabs your heart, it makes you cry. It honors the service and risk a man or woman took for our safety and the safety of our country.

Public law provides military burial benefits for all who served and were honorably discharged from any of the five branches of the U.S. Military. Your funeral director or advance funeral planner can explain all of the benefits you or your family members are eligible to receive. They will also access those benefits related to the funeral or burial on your behalf. Your funeral director can help you weave the remembrance of your loved one’s military service into the fabric of their full life experience.

Most who have served in any of the branches of our military, whether it be for a few years or as a career, will tell you the experience had a profound impact on their life. Even when the service period was brief and at a tender age and followed by many years of some other vocation, that service should be honored.

The funeral professionals at your local funeral home have the resources and know how to help you get the remembrance just right. In addition to the playing of taps and flag ceremony provided by public law, there are caskets, vaults, and urns that highlight each branch of the armed services to be considered. Photos and music can also be a part of the funeral gathering or ceremony and can add so much to the remembrance.

How much or how little your family wishes to focus on the military service of a loved one is a matter of personal choice. With the assistance of your funeral director, a military service can be planned that finds the perfect balance for your family.

www.heathfuneralchapel.com

Control Funeral Costs by Planning Ahead

matt@heathfuneralchapel.com (Matt Schichtel) — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 21:20:29 GMT

How does planning for your funeral in advance save you money? Doesn’t it just let the funeral home make money on your money? How big a part should emotion play in your funeral selections?

First, let’s be honest. Emotion is not a bad thing. Some life events should move us emotionally.

Marriage, birth, and death all appropriately tug at our heartstrings. But the cost of all three can also get out of hand if you make all the decisions when emotions are running high.

Put the word “wedding” in front of anything and the cost doubles. If you’ve ever planned a wedding you know that the dress will cost you half as much if you buy it far in advance instead of just before you need it. The same is true of funerals.

When you and your spouse sit down together with the funeral director, well in advance, you’ll feel a little emotion as you consider the reality of your death.

But that little tug is nothing compared to what your husband or wife will feel if you don’t prepare in advance and they’re making those decisions alone hours after you’ve died.

Emotional overspending happens. Funeral directors don’t make it happen. In fact, they don’t like it either.

Advance planning allows you to make all the decisions that determine the final cost. Making them together with cool heads and warm hearts saves dollars.

Planning ahead eliminates the excessive spending that can occur when someone is in a heightened emotional state.

Think back to wedding planning.

Starting early can also help you absorb the cost over a longer period of time. That means you don’t drag the wedding debt into your brand new marriage.

When you plan your funeral in advance, you will also have the option of paying for it over time. That means you don’t have to take money from your savings or investments and your survivors won’t have the financial burden of paying for your funeral days after your passing. Advance planning eliminates the need for a lump sum payment when death occurs.

All money set aside in advance for a funeral should be held with a third party. Nearly all funeral homes participate in programs that hold the dollars in either insurance or a trust product until the death occurs.

The funeral home should not have access to your funds and the insurance products they use should have an increasing death benefit to help offset inflation, providing a cushion for increasing funeral costs.

Consult with an advance planning specialist for more details.

www.heathfuneralchapel.com

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Since 1959, Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory has proudly provided Lakeland, FL, and surrounding communities with personalized care and meaningful, lasting tributes. They offer funeral, burial, memorial, and cremation services, focusing on providing families with comfort and support during life’s most challenging moments and planning a service that truly honors their loved one’s life. Their Lakeland location features spacious, accessible facilities that allow families to take comfort in knowing that their guests can gather with ease. Their privately owned crematory in Lakeland enables families to rest assured that their loved one is always in the care of their empathetic, professional staff. Visit heathfuneralchapel.com to learn more.

Food and Funerals

matt@heathfuneralchapel.com (Matt Schichtel) — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 21:17:41 GMT

Why is food such a fundamental part of any funeral?

Food provides comfort and strength. A gift of food shows that we care. It’s natural to connect food with the healing process of a funeral.

When should you give food? What’s helpful without being overwhelming? How do you accept food graciously without having to buy a second refrigerator?

If you’re helping a friend who is dealing with the death of a loved one, a gift of food is appropriate before the funeral, at the conclusion of the funeral, and even weeks or months after the funeral.

As you think about your gift, be aware that your friend may not even know they’re hungry. They likely won’t be able to tell you what they want or need.

Take the initiative and make it easy on them. Call with a simple offer that can be changed to meet the needs of those on the receiving end. You might say something like this:

“I’d like to bring your family dinner tomorrow evening. I thought I’d bring you a turkey roast with a broccoli casserole. Will that work for you? I’ll bring dinner by around 10:30 a.m. It’ll be all ready for you to warm in the oven or microwave.”

When you’re on the receiving end, be gracious, but honest.

Your friends want to help you. If their offer won’t be helpful, give them an opportunity to make a different suggestion.

“Thank you for your offer, but we’re all set for the next few days. May I have a rain check?”

If you’re part of a close circle of friends, consider coordinating with others in your group to cover the family’s food needs on different days and with a variety of dishes.

Consider breakfast food. A basket with granola, muffins, or a breakfast casserole may be a nice change.

Sheet pan dinners, where the entire meal is cooked on one pan in the oven, are easy for both parties. You can find lots of recipes online.

If you don’t cook, consider giving a gift card for a local restaurant that offers take out.

Whatever you do, don’t forget your friend after the funeral is over. Most people find sitting alone at the dinner table one of the bigger challenges of their bereavement.

A loaf of your famous zucchini bread will be greatly appreciated and it’ll be even better if you can share it together over a cup of tea.

www.heathfuneralchapel.com

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How to Dress for a Funeral

matt@heathfuneralchapel.com (Matt Schichtel) — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 21:15:33 GMT

First, understand that what you wear to the funeral is much less important than actually going to the funeral or gathering. Don’t underestimate the value of your presence.

Your kind words, shared stories, or even just a hug will mean a great deal to friends and family when there has been a death. Don’t let not having a pair of dress shoes keep you from offering your support.

That being said, what you wear depends on several different factors. The first thing to consider is who died.

If your 80-year-old grandfather passed, the funeral is likely to be more traditional. His older friends will attend, so you will want to be more conservative.

A pair of slacks and a collared shirt for men and boys will do nicely. If you own a sport coat, by all means wear it. A tie with or without the jacket would be a nice, but not a required, addition.

For the ladies and girls, dress slacks and a nice sweater or blouse will serve the purpose. A dress or skirt would also be lovely. Do pay attention to necklines and length of the skirt.

When the funeral is for a younger person or will not be faith based, it may be more informal.

A celebration of life is typically more relaxed and may even have a theme that the family will ask attendees to support. So if you’re asked to wear golf attire to the funeral of an avid golfer, don’t be surprised.

Like the dress code for most events today, what we wear to a funeral has relaxed. Black is no longer required, but neat, clean, and subdued are always in good taste.

A funeral is not a place to stand out or be the center of attention. As you survey your wardrobe, think in terms of what you would wear to an important job interview or something you would want to wear to apply in person for a bank loan.

www.heathfuneralchapel.com

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How to Say the Right Thing at a Funeral

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 19:49:45 GMT

First, take a deep breath and relax. We all worry that we’ll say the wrong thing.

Second, know that you don’t have to be eloquent. While we wish it were so, you can’t make everything all better with a few words.

Here are a few simple ideas to keep in mind to be sure you say the right thing when attending a funeral.

Don’t underestimate the power of your presence.

It’s important. Just being there says more than you can know.

Keep your words simple.

“I’m sorry for your loss” may be all that is needed.

Share your story.

If you have a brief anecdote about how you interacted with the deceased, share it. Knowing how her sister lit up her workplace may just be the most comforting thing a mourner can hear.

Use the deceased person’s name.

“Mary always made me laugh.” “John had the longest drive, too bad it wasn’t always straight.” “We always knew when Big Bad Byron was in the plant, everyone was on their toes.” “Nobody made better chocolate chip cookies than your mother.”

Avoid using common platitudes.

Resist the temptation to tell the bereaved how they must feel -- “grateful that he is in a better place,” “relieved that his suffering is over,” “grateful for a long life,” etc.

We don’t know how that wife, husband, mother, son, or daughter actually feels. Just say you’re sorry for their loss.

Let them tell you how they feel and accept it with a nod or hug.

Don’t forget about listening.

Listen to understand, not just to hear. Listen to show you care, not to judge. Listen with love, even when you’ve heard the story before.

www.heathfuneralchapel.com

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What to Expect at a Funeral

matt@heathfuneralchapel.com (Matt Schichtel) — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 17:08:28 GMT

We’ve all been there. Going to a funeral can be a little daunting, especially if it’s your first or if it’s been awhile since you attended one. Let’s talk a little bit about some of the terms you will hear and what you can expect in general.

There’s a great deal of variety in funeral service today. The funeral home works with the surviving family to help them choose service options that reflect their lifestyle and belief system. The spouse, parents, or children of the deceased determine the content of the service.

The service typically includes:

1. A gathering or visitation

2. A religious ceremony

3. Burial or placement in a final resting location (committal)

4. A luncheon, brunch, or wake

The gathering may be held the evening before the service or the same day as the service.

The religious part of the service may be held in the funeral home chapel or in the family’s place of worship.

At the conclusion of the service, a procession will usually travel to the graveside where the casketed body will be buried. Cremated remains may be buried, placed in a niche, presented to a family member for keeping, or scattered.

The committal service is often followed by a meal at the church, the funeral home’s celebration center, the family home, or a restaurant.

If you are attending a gathering or visitation that takes place before the service, the body may or may not be present. When the body is present in an open casket, attendees will usually approach the casket briefly and silently say a few words of farewell or prayer.

The family may choose to receive their guests informally and casually engage in conversation as they circulate among those attending or they may choose to receive guests in a more formal receiving line.

If you are attending a memorial service, the body will not be present. A memorial service may take place weeks or even months after the passing and may or may not include the presence of cremated remains.

The family may choose to have a memorial service for a variety of reasons. Some religions require that the body be buried immediately, necessitating service after burial. Some families just need more time to come together.

How we celebrate a life is often less formal today.

The service may include pictures and music that reflect the lifetime of the deceased. Work or interests of the deceased are often reflected in objects placed in the room or favors shared with attendees.

Attendees may participate by sharing memories of the deceased. A family member or celebrant may also tell the life story in the form of a eulogy.

Funerals are an important part of the grief journey that all families must travel when they lose a family member.

We attend to support and help the family members transition their thoughts from the cause of death to the life’s legacy. This is so they can begin their long healing process.

Your attendance is appreciated and important.

www.heathfuneralchapel.com

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What Do Funeral Directors Do?

matt@heathfuneralchapel.com (Matt Schichtel) — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:59:13 GMT