It is our hope that the accompanying information is helpful
as you begin a task that is never easy — planning the funeral of a loved one.
Our staff of dedicated professionals is available to help you, whatever the question
or need, so please don’t hesitate to ask.
Pat and Sue Patton
THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU
- Photos
Larger is better than smaller.
Several is better than one.
Used for newspaper, printing, hair dresser and as
a guide for our work. Formal pictures, as well as
snapshots, are acceptable. If you bring several, we
will help you choose the best one.
- Life Insurance Policies
We do not charge a fee for assisting you with claims.
Certain policies may be assigned to the
funeral home directly, if you so wish.
- Military Discharge Papers
- Clothing for Men
Suit/Sportcoat & Slacks OR
Sweater, Shirt & Slacks OR
Long-sleeved Shirt & Slacks OR
Fraternal or Military Uniform
Dress Shirt & Tie
Undergarments
Underwear, T-shirt& Socks
Shoes are optional
- Clothing for Women
Dress with long sleeves OR
Suit with long sleeves OR
Sweater, Blouse & Skirt/Slacks
Undergarments
Underwear & stockings/socks
Bra or Camisole
Slip for dress or skirt
Shoes are optional
- Glasses, Jewelry and/or Rosary
- THIS BOOKLET and completed INFORMATION SHEET
THINGS TO DO . . .
We will help you coordinate and notify:
- Minister and Church
- Cemetery
- Musicians – organist & singers
- Military honors
- Newspapers and radio stations
- Fraternal & veterans organizations
- Casket bearers
- Honorary bearers
You will need to select:
- Clothing
- Time & place of service
- Funeral merchandise
- Flowers
- Music
- Funeral luncheon
You will need to notify:
- All the relatives
- All the friends
- Bank
- Employers
- Insurance agent
- Unions
Honoring Life’s Memories
This short phrase sums up our mission. We are committed to provide you with a funeral
experience that honors the memory of your loved one’s life. What better way
is there to share the person you knew and loved with others?
Take a moment to reflect on the questions below. They can help you organize your
thoughts and allow you to plan a more personal and meaningful ceremony.
How did he Live?
• Think of five words that describe him.
• What traits did you admire most?
• Did he ever give you any words of wisdom?
Whom did she Love?
• What relationships were important to her?
• Other than family, who will be affected by
her death?
• Who had the most influence on her life?
What made him Laugh?
• What did he do for fun when he was younger?
• In later years, how did he enjoy spending
his free time?
• What type of things gave him pleasure?
What things did she Learn?
• What things interested her?
• What accomplishments made her proudest?
• Was she a member of any clubs or organizations?
What kind of Legacy did his life represent?
• How would he want to be remembered?
• What stories would he want passed on to future
generations?
• What five objects could you collect that capture
what he was about?
What is an Obituary?
In the past, the obituary was used just as an announcement of a death – just
the facts.
Today, they are increasingly used as an opportunity to reflect on a life well lived
and how that life made a difference. This is extremely helpful to those unable to
attend the services, as the obituary may be the only opportunity they have to reflect
on the life of a relative, friend or colleague who has died.
Our funeral home will provide you with full assistance in composing the obituary.
However, for some, the process of writing an obituary is a special opportunity to
say goodbye. It can be a wonderful tribute that gives us all a sense of who the
person was and what they meant to those who knew and loved them.
Though there are basic guidelines for writing an obituary, there are no hard and
fast rules.
Basic Announcement Information
The lead paragraph of an obituary includes the name and address, including any past
addresses where the person had community ties. The date and cause of death may also
be included in this section at the discretion of the writer.
Scheduled Ceremonies
This section provides the time, date and location of any services being held, including
the location of the final interment (cemetery or mausoleum). The obituary may also
contain the locations involved with the scattering of ashes in case of a cremation.
Biographical Information & Life History
Next, if appropriate, some important facts about the person's life may be included.
Occupations, memberships, community service, education and military service are
typical examples. This section could also contain information about hobbies and
favorite activities.
Survivor Information
The list of surviving family members usually includes the names of spouses, parents,
children and siblings along with their spouses and cities of residence. However,
the names of grandchildren, other close relatives and special friends may also be
included.
Contributions
Some families provide the option of making charitable donations on behalf of the
deceased in lieu of sending cards or flowers. In these situations, the address of
the charity is necessary for contributors.
Examples
A Basic Obituary
Mark A. Johnson, of Cleveland, died April 8, 2000, at the age of 77.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 3 p.m. on April 11, 2000 at St. Dominic
Cathedral, 3500 Swanson Ave, Cleveland.
Born September 26, 1922 in Euclid, Ohio, he was the only son of the late Frank A.
Johnson and the late Alice Johnson (nee Smith). .Johnson lived most of his life
in Cleveland; he was an employee of USA Steel for 32 years. An active member of
the local Kiwanis, Johnson served as an Air Force pilot over Europe during World
War II.
Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife of 48 years, Josephine (nee Wilson); his son
Jack; and his daughter Mary of Buffalo, NY. Mr. Johnson is also survived by two
grandchildren: John and William.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks contributions be made to the Muscular Dystrophy
Association, 2700 Main Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44111.
A Hobbyist Obituary
John Roberts died Monday, May 19, 1997. He fondly remembered the canes his grandfather
used – hickory canes carved from the trees that covered the slopes of his
Cass County farm. Long after his grandfather's passing, John began carving the first
of what was to become more than a thousand hickory canes that he gave to friends.
But his strength and his support live on among those of us who walk with tangible
tokens of his character – his precious canes.
DEATH CERTIFICATES
We will obtain certified copies of the death certificate for you from the state
health department. In Minnesota the current charge is $13 for the first copy and
$6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
You may need a certified death certificate to make claims or make changes to the
following:
- Life Insurance Policies
- Bank Accounts
- Stocks and Bonds
- Retirement Accounts — IRA, 401(K), Pension, Profit Sharing
- Automobile Title
- Real Estate Deeds and Titles
- Telephone & Other Utilities
- Credit Card Accounts
SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
Our funeral home completes a form provided by the Social Security Administration
which is usually accepted as proof of death.
_____ Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213
from
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays to schedule an appointment.
Inquire
about eligibility for Survivors Benefits.
St. Cloud Office
3800 Eighth Street North, Suite 100
(320) 253-4490
|
Alexandria Office
1103 Broadway
(320) 762-2454
|
VETERANS’ BENEFITS
Our funeral home will assist you with the applications for a flag,
a veterans’ grave marker and burial benefits.
Contact County Veterans Affairs office to:
____ Apply for Widow’s pension
____ Check on Veterans’ life insurance
Stearns County Veterans’ Service Office
Terry Ferdinandt
(320) 656-6176
Todd County Veterans’ Service Office
Pete Berscheit
(320) 732-4419
INSURANCE
Our funeral home provides insurance claim filing services FREE OF CHARGE.
_____ Contact all life insurance companies for claim forms and file claims.
_____ Check for accidental death benefits on all insurance policies.
_____ Check for life insurance benefits on loans and credit cards.
_____ Check named beneficiaries on all of your insurance policies and change if necessary.
_____ Check for group benefits with employer, even if retired.
_____ Check with employers regarding changes that may need to be made to your group insurance policies.
_____ File claims for health insurance and/or Medicare supplements.
ORGANIZATIONS
_____ Contact labor union about death and survivor’s benefits.
_____ Check with fraternal organizations about available benefits.
_____ Contact American Legion, VFW and similar veterans organizations about available benefits.
LEGAL & FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
_____ For memorials given in memory of deceased, forward all funds to appropriate groups.
_____ Notify the bank, especially if Social Security benefits are directly deposited.
_____ Notify deceased’s employer and inquire about 401 (K), pension, profit sharing or similar retirement benefits.
_____ Contact your attorney regarding probate of the Estate.
_____ If estate is in trust, check with bank’s trust department or your attorney.
_____ Have your attorney update your will or trust.
_____ Update bank accounts, stocks and bonds into your name.
_____ Get copies of all bills as soon as possible.
_____ Transfer or update automobile titles at Department of Motor Vehicles.
We hope you will find this checklist helpful in settling your affairs.
Please consult legal counsel.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO HANDLE AFFAIRS
Call all parties before you visit their offices to see which documents they will
need. If you give them original copies of documents, ask for a receipt if you need
them returned to you.
- Death Certificates
- Social Security Number—your’s and deceased’s
- Military Discharge Papers
- Insurance Policies
- Real Estate Deeds and Titles
- Stock and Bond certificates
- Automobile title and registration
- Loan papers, contracts, and account numbers
- Bank and account numbers
- Retirement account documents including IRA, 401(K), pension and profit sharing
- Marriage Certificate or divorce papers
- Birth Certificates—your’s and minor children’s
- Recent income tax returns and W-2 forms
- Will and/or Trust papers
GETTING ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
- Surround yourself with loving and supportive people.
- Take care of your body and spirit.
- Know that you will eventually make this difficult transition.
- Allow yourself to feel the pain, rather than avoid it.
- Tears are a natural way to help you heal. It’s OK to cry.
- Grief has no time table. Everyone is unique. Be patient with yourself.
- Talk about your experience. Ask for help when you need it.
- Laugh when you need to.
- Be kind to yourself.
RESOURCE GROUPS AND SUPPORT AGENCIES
|
Bonnie Stachowski, MSW, LGSW, Grief Specialist
Patton-Schad Funeral Service
Sauk Centre and Melrose, MN
(320) 352-3089 (320) 256-4249
The Grief Center
Richard Obershaw, MSW, ACSW, Director
14050 Nicollet Ave. South, Suite 31
Burnsville, MN 55337
(952) 435-4144
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
26 – 7th Avenue North, Suite 100 - St. Cloud, MN 56303
www.lssmn.org
(320) 251-7700
St. Therese Center
2056 – 15th Avenue SE - St. Cloud, MN 56304
(320) 251-8064
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Center
1421 East Wayzata Boulevard, Suite 70
Wayzata, MN 55391
(952) 473-9372
SAVE Suicide Awareness/Voices of Education
7317 Cahill Road, P.O. Box 24507 - Edina, MN 55439
(952) 946-7998
Minnesota Sudden Infant Death Center
Children’s Hospitals and Clinics
2525 Chicago Avenue South - Minneapolis, MN 55404
(612) 813-6285 or 1-800-732-3812
|
BENEFITS OF PLANNING IN ADVANCE
Peace of Mind
Planning ahead relieves you of the worry that your family will be burdened with
making complicated and difficult decisions while trying to cope with their grief
and loss.
Together vs. Alone
By talking over your plans in advance, you have an opportunity to discus a difficult
subject openly with your loved one in a non-stressful environment and ensures that
your wishes will be carried out just as you would have them — down to the
last detail.
Safety & Inflation Protection
Pre-funding with insurance protects those funds so they will not count as your asset,
if you enter a nursing home. They can not be withdrawn for any reason prior to the
funeral. When you pay for your funeral expenses in advance, your funds grow, reducing
the impact of inflation.
Terms to Suit Any Budget
You can make a single payment or make payments over a period of 3, 5, 7 or 10 years.
Portability
Should you relocate, or wish to change your funeral provider, your arrangements
and funds will follow you.
Free, No Obligation Consultation
Our Prearrangement Consultant will guide you through the preplanning process. By
planning ahead, you have time to make better and more thoughtful decisions.
POST-FUNERAL SERVICES OFFERED BY
PATTON-SCHAD FUNERAL SERVICE
Anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one knows that the grieving process
does not end with the funeral. IN FACT, grief can be most difficult after the funeral,
when friends and relatives leave. At this point, you are left to carry on with your
life.
We want to help you through this most difficult time by providing you with additional
services that are available through the funeral home.
_____ Bereavement Aftercare from our Grief Specialist, Bonnie Stachowski.
_____ “Music and Memories” Weekly Memorial Radio Program.
_____ “Light a Candle of Love” Annual Christmas Service of Remembrance.
_____ “Come Unto Me” Commemorative book of scriptural lessons.
_____ Life insurance claims made at no cost to you.
_____ Help with ordering a cemetery monument.
_____ Library of books and pamphlets dealing with grief.
_____ No obligation funeral preplanning services.
