Planning Ahead

Planning ahead removes a burden from your family at a time of loss.

Most people agree that planning ahead for funeral wishes is a good idea. A written plan protects your family by relieving the burden that falls on loved ones during a time of loss.


Without a plan in place, family members are left with dozens of decisions to make while in the midst of grief. The problem is, many people hesitate to actually create their own plan.

We make it easy.


Check out any of our free resources below, book a meeting, or plan ahead online.

Sara Thompson

Preplanning Specialist

Sara works as an independent prearrangement specialist working with community members to prearrange and prefund their funeral arrangements.


She grew up in central Minnesota. She is a 2002 graduate of the University of Minnesota (B.S. Mortuary Science) and began working at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels in Minneapolis. In 2007, she joined the staff at Patton-Schad Funeral Home as a licensed funeral director and in 2014, moved into a full-time role of prearrangement specialist.


She and her husband, Mark, and their two daughters, Nora and Hazel, reside in Sauk Centre.

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Free Resources

a page of a funeral planning checklist with a person writing on it

Preplanning Checklist

Download this checklist to make sure you aren’t missing any important steps when planning ahead for funeral wishes.

Request a Copy
a book titled how to plan a healing and meaningful funeral

"Burial or Cremation: What’s Right for You?” eBook

This eBook clearly explains the possibilities available for burial and cremation, so you can decide what’s best for you and your family.

Request a Copy

Benefits of Preplanning

Makes Your Wishes Known

The death of a loved one often brings about unwarranted stress and turmoil among families. One family member wants one thing, while another family member wants something different. By planning ahead, you help prevent those disagreements by letting your family know what your wishes are and how you want your funeral service to be carried out and your business handled.

Provides Peace of Mind

Preplanning a funeral also provides peace of mind - to you, as well as your family and friends. Knowing that your wishes are understood and that your funeral will be arranged according to your specifications can provide comfort and security during a difficult time. For your family, it can also reduce the stress and anxiety they may feel when making funeral arrangements.

Includes Flexible Funding Options

Preplanning a funeral also offers flexible funding options. You can choose to pay for your funeral in advance or set up a payment plan to spread the cost out over time. By taking care of the cost ahead of time, you can alleviate some of the financial burden that may fall on your loved ones when arranging a funeral.

Relieves the Burden on Family

As you can see, funeral preplanning can have a profound effect on your family. By taking the time to plan ahead, you can ensure that your funeral will be arranged according to your wishes and that your family does not have to make hard decisions during an emotionally difficult time.

Common Questions about Preplanning

  • What steps are involved in prearranging a funeral?

    You can make funeral prearrangements in 3 easy steps:


    Contact us to get started: Our planning professionals are ready to assist you and walk you through the process step by step.


    Select your funeral preferences: Learn about your options, and choose the type of funeral service you desire, including any special requests.


    Finalize arrangements: Finalize your arrangement with a payment plan for the services that can be paid in installments. (Setting up a payment plan is not required, but we do recommend it.)


    Book a meeting with our preplanning specialist to get started!

  • What information do I need to prearrange a funeral?

    You'll need basic information about yourself or the person you are planning for, such as date of birth, marital status, parent's full names, etc. Besides the biological information, you'll need to choose burial or cremation, what type of service you'd like, what cemetery to use, etc. Our caring staff will help you with this process.

  • Do I have to pay in advance?

    Preplanning is merely making your wishes known; however, most families who plan ahead choose to pre-fund their funeral as well. Doing so will relieve the financial burden on your family and offers peace of mind to you.

  • Can I transfer my plans to or from another funeral home?

    If you have plans at another funeral home and would like to move them here, we will help you do that. If you move away from the area and would like to transfer your arrangements to another funeral home, we will assist you with that as well.

Ready to get started?