It's important to recognize that funerals and memorial ceremonies are for the living ... for those who are affected by the loss of a loved one. It is through the funeral process that a number of emotional needs are met for those who grieve.

The gathering of family and friends helps to provide the emotional support so needed at this time. This will help those who grieve to face the reality of death and to take the first step toward a healthy emotional adjustment.

"What Does a Funeral Director Do?"

It has been estimated that over 136 individual activities must take place in order for one funeral to be conducted. The funeral director is actually an organizational specialist.

Here is a condensed list of some of the more visible activities of a typical funeral director.

• Removal and transfer of the deceased from place of death to the Funeral Home.
• Professional care of the deceased, which may include sanitary washing, embalming, preparation, restorative art, dressing, hairdressing, casketing and cosmetology.
• Conduct a complete consultation with family members to gather necessary information and to discuss specific arrangements for a funeral.
• File all certificates, permits, affidavits, and authorizations, as may be required.
• Acquire a requested amount of certified copies of the death certificate needed to settle the estate of the deceased.
• Compile information and create an obituary for placement in the newspaper and/or website of the family's choice.
• Make arrangements with a family's choice of clergy person, church, music, etc.
• Make arrangements with cemetery, crematory, or other place of disposition.
• Provide a register book, prayer cards, funeral folders, and acknowledgements.
• Offer the assistance of notifying relatives and friends.
• Arrange for clergy honorariums, music, flowers, death certificates, obituaries, additional transportation, etc.
• Care and arrangement of floral pieces
• Arrange for pallbearers, automobiles, and special services (fraternal or military)
• Care and preservation of all floral cards, Mass cards, or other memorial contributions presented to the funeral home.
• Direct the funeral in a most professional manner, and be in charge of the funeral procession to the cemetery or other place of disposition.
• Assist a family with social security, veterans insurance, and other claims.

What steps are involved in making funeral arrangements?

The director will help to coordinate many details of the service, including officiant, musical selections...please contact us at info@pedersenfh.com or call 320-589-3220,

Funeral Etiquette

Should I send flowers or make a donation?

It is always appropriate to send flowers to the funeral home unless otherwise requested. Flowers may also be sent to the family. Be sure to check the obituary in the newspaper or click here to view our online obituaries, to see if any specific request was made. It is not necessary to send the flowers immediately. They can also be sent several days or weeks following. Many times the obituary will list charities that were designated by the deceased or their family. Donations may then be made to the charity in memory of the deceased.

What should I wear?

It is no longer necessary to wear black to a funeral. However, you should choose dress clothes that are more subdued in color and style.

What do I do at a visitation?

Upon entering, sign your name in the guest book. You may then express your sympathy to the family members. Many times the family will be in a receiving line near the casket. You may also pay your respects to the deceased. If a kneeling bench is placed in front of the casket, you may kneel and say a prayer. If you do not wish to kneel, you may stand in front of the casket for a moment.

What do I say?

What you say depends entirely on your relationship with the deceased and their family. If the deceased is an acquaintance or casual friend, you may say, "I'm sorry." or "He was a wonderful person." However, if you are closer to the family, you may want to ask if there is anything you can do to help or express your feelings about the deceased. You should not ask for details from the family about the illness or death.

Is it OK for children to attend funerals?

As a general rule, children will benefit from the experience of attending the visitation and/or funeral. The experience will facilitate the grieving process for the child in a very positive manner.