Funeral Planning
Making Arrangements
When someone close dies, the whirlwind of emotions and activity which often accompany it may complicate life unimaginably. Unfortunately, it is at this time when you and others close to the person who has died are asked to make a number of decisions concerning ways in which to honor that person. Before, during and after the arrangement conference, our staff will listen, answer questions and commit ourselves to assisting you in paying tribute to your loved one.
One of the most frequent questions we are asked is what items and pieces of information survivors should bring along at the time arrangements are made. Hopefully, this checklist will provide some practical help during this period of early grief and confusion:
- Social Security number
- Birth Certificate (if available)
- Military Discharge Papers
- Cemetery property information
- Obituary Information
- Photographs of your loved one
- For obituaries
- For hairstylist
- DVD video tributes (up to 50 photographs)
- A complete set of clothing (we recommend long sleeves)
- Jewelry/Glasses
- Rosary
- Insurance Policy/ies (If you need assistance in filing claims)
Benson Funeral Home will complete the application for a Death Certificate. Most of the information needed to file a Death Certificate is fairly standard (Full legal name of the deceased, residence address, birthday and usual occupation). However, there are other pieces of information the State of Minnesota requires before an application may be filed, including… city/township, county and state of birth, his or her parents’ full names, including the father’s middle name and the mother’s maiden name, the highest level of education he or she attained.
Having this information when making arrangements will speed up the filing process. Certified Death Certificates are usually completed within two weeks.
Service Considerations
Among the decisions that need to be made at the time of arrangements are those concerning visitations or services at which friends and loved ones gather to honor the life of the deceased. Some items which will be discussed at the time of arrangements include…
– Final Disposition (options include earth burial,
entombment, cremation and interment of cremated remains)
– Cemetery for burial
– Day, time and location of visitation and/or services
– Luncheon/Fellowship
– Musical selections and those who might be asked to
participate musically in the service
– Scripture, poetry or other readings which may be
appropriate in honoring your loved one
– Names of casketbearers and honorary casketbearers
– Military Honors if a veteran
Benefits of Planning and Funding in Advance
Peace of Mind
Leaving written instructions and setting aside adequate funds relieves your family of both difficult decisions (because your wishes are known) and the financial responsibility of your final expenses.
Time and Options
Planning your funeral in advance provides you with time to explore all your options and to make informed decisions.
Inflation Proof Guarantee
We guarantee that by funding your final expenses today, those expenses are fully covered at the time of death.
Security
Once your funds are placed in an irrevocable agreement, NO ONE can make withdrawals and your funds will not count as an asset if you need financial assistance.
Free No Obligation Consultation
There is never a charge to consult with our staff, or to receive information or assistance with the advance planning process.
Pre-Planning 
Click here to download our Pre-Need Form (requires Adobe Reader) or fill out the form online. The form will guide you through the information needed to begin pre-planning for funeral services.
Thinking about death, to say nothing of planning for your own or that of a family member, is often an uncomfortable subject to discuss. However, funeral planning before the need arises is an important topic. Pre-planning can include the planning of funeral service details, recording of biographical information and selection of merchandise as an important step in overall estate planning.
Pre-planning allows you to:
– Have the peace of mind of knowing your loved ones will be spared from
having to make difficult decisions at a stressful time.
– Purchase funeral goods and services that are guaranteed at today’s prices.
– Determine the type of funeral service you feel is most appropriate for you.
Contact us to make an appointment to discuss pre-planning. You will be able to discuss confidentially and at your convenience the costs and payment options available. We offer this service free of charge with no obligation.
Click here to download our Pre-Need Form (requires Adobe Reader) or fill out the form online. The form will guide you through the information needed to begin pre-planning for funeral services.