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Common Questions

Common Questions

We’ve provided a list of answers to questions we frequently receive regarding our services and other activities related to funerals. If you don’t see the answer to your question here, feel free to contact us for more information. We’d be happy to give you more information and clarify any of your concerns.

What is a funeral?

What is a funeral?

A funeral is a ceremony for celebrating, honoring, and remembering the life of a person who has passed away. While specific customs, traditions, and practices differ across different cultures and religions, all funerals serve the key purpose of giving the bereaved a special time and place to say goodbye and find comfort and healing in one another.

Why have a viewing?

Why have a viewing?

A viewing—also known as “visitation,” a “wake,” or “calling hours”—can involve an open or closed casket, and is seen as a vital part of the grieving process. Having their loved one present often helps family and friends to accept the reality of their loss, especially for those who may not have seen him or her in a while. The opportunity to come to terms with the death and say a final farewell is an important step on the road to closure and healing.

What is the purpose of embalming?

What is the purpose of embalming?

Embalming is a process used to sanitize and temporarily preserve the body of a person who has passed away. It can also enhance the appearance of a body that has suffered damage from an accident or illness. By preserving the body through embalming, we can give you and your family time to make personalized and meaningful arrangements, including a viewing if desired.

What should I say when I run into the bereaved in public?

What should I say when I run into the bereaved in public?

What you’ll say depends upon whether or not you’ve already had contact with the bereaved. If you’ve already offered your condolences, or attended the visitation or service, simply greet the bereaved warmly and express an interest in their well-being. If this is your first meeting since the death and you’re in a public setting, it’s kinder not to bring up the death directly. Instead, say something like, “I understand these must be difficult days for you,” and perhaps ask about when might be a good time to visit, or suggest that you meet for lunch.

What can I do to help later?

What can I do to help later?

The grieving process doesn’t end with the funeral, and it will take time for the bereaved to heal. The family will need your support for months to come, so make sure to check in on a regular basis. Drop a note, make a phone call, and continue to invite them when you make social plans; they’ll let you know if and when they are ready to participate. Reach out to the family on special occasions, like birthdays or anniversaries, especially during the first year following their loss.

What do funeral directors do?

What do funeral directors do?

A funeral director is a licensed professional who specializes in all aspects of funerals and related services. They provide support to the family, guide the arrangement of visitations and funeral ceremonies, prepare the body according to the family’s wishes, and ensure that everything goes according to plan. They also arrange for the removal and transportation of the body throughout the process, and assist families with any legal or insurance-related paperwork they might need to file. They’re experienced at recognizing when an individual is having an extremely difficult time coping with a loss, and can provide extra support and recommendations for professional help if needed.

Can I personalize my service? (“Is ____ okay?”)

Can I personalize my service? (“Is ____ okay?”)

Absolutely! Our staff has years of experience getting to know families and incorporating their loved one’s hobbies, activities, interests, and unique requests into meaningful and memorable services. Don’t hesitate to make a request because you think it might be too “out there”—we’re honored to work with you to create a service that truly reflects and celebrates your loved one’s individual life journey.

What do I do when a death occurs while out of town or away from home?

What do I do when a death occurs while out of town or away from home?

It’s important that you contact the local medical authorities first (as well as the police, if appropriate), and then make sure to give us a call as soon as possible. We will work with you to make the necessary arrangements to get you and your loved one back home as quickly and easily as possible. Calling us will also help you to avoid duplication of efforts and fees.

Can I still have viewing and funeral services with cremation?

Can I still have viewing and funeral services with cremation?

Definitely! In fact, we encourage you to do so. Choosing cremation only indicates how you’d like to care for your loved one’s physical remains, and doesn’t exclude you from celebrating and honoring their life in any way. Whether you’d like to have visitation beforehand, arrange a funeral service before cremation, or wait and hold the service after the cremation, we’re happy to help you design a meaningful service to accompany the cremation.

How long does the cremation process take?

How long does the cremation process take?

This usually depends upon two things: the size of the individual and the type of casket or container used. A thin person in a cardboard container will take approximately 3 to 4 hours while a heavier person in a wooden casket could take approximately 4.5 to 5 hours.

How can I be sure that the remains I receive are those of my loved one?

How can I be sure that the remains I receive are those of my loved one?

First of all, cremation of multiple bodies is illegal in the US and many other countries, so the cremation chamber is not designed to hold more than one body at a time. In addition, cremation is a regulated process with strict procedures that are followed to ensure we’re holding our services to the highest standard possible. All necessary paperwork and fees must be completed with local authorities, and then a checklist is completed at the crematory. A metal disk with a unique ID number accompanies the remains from the time the body is received, throughout the cremation process, and after cremation occurs the metal disk is attached to the bag containing the remains.

Where can I scatter my loved one’s cremated remains? Are there any restrictions?

Where can I scatter my loved one’s cremated remains? Are there any restrictions?

In general, the government does not regulate the scattering of cremated remains. Make sure you check with your local regulations beforehand, but most locations are usually okay as long as you are considerate and dispose of the container properly. If you wish to scatter the cremated remains on private land, it’s good practice to consult the landowner first.

What question will be asked during funeral arrangements?

What question will be asked during funeral arrangements?

Here is a link to many of the question that will be asked during arrangements.

Information Sheet

How do I start to write an obituary?

How do I start to write an obituary?

Here is a link to our suggestion for writing an obituary.

Download Sample Obituary

Are there any benefits for Veterans?

Are there any benefits for Veterans?

If you are currently receiving a pension from the VA or are on disability because of a service connected injury, you may be eligible for monetary help with the funeral expense. All honorably discharged veterans are eligible for military honors with the presentation of the Flag, and a government marker. Veterans can check on their eligibility by talking with the County Veterans Service Officer. See our link to the Department of Veterans Affairs below.

Department of Veteran's Affairs

What are the benefits in regards to Social Security?

What are the benefits in regards to Social Security?

The Social Security benefit is a one-time lump sum in the amount of $255, payable to an eligible surviving spouse or to a dependent child. The Funeral Home will notify Social Security following the death. See our link to Social Security Administration for more information on Social Security benefits.

Social Security Administration

How do I obtain a certified copy of a death certificate?

How do I obtain a certified copy of a death certificate?

Certified copies of the death certificate are obtained from the State Office of Vital Records in the state which the death occurred. We can assist you in obtaining a copy or you may contact them directly at:

Nebraska:
$16.00 per copy
Health Records Management
P.O. Box 95065
Lincoln, NE 68509-5065
Phone: (402) 471-2871

Iowa:
$20.00 per copy
Office of Vital Records
Lucas State Office Bldg, 1st Floor
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0075
Phone: (515)-281-4944

Does Pelan Funeral Services offer memorials?

Does Pelan Funeral Services offer memorials?

Yes, we do. We have been associated with Fremont Monument for over 20 years. We are proud to say that not only do we have a professional, but also a personal relationship. Because of this, we can assure you that Fremont Monument will provide the highest level of workmanship and service to your family.

How can I get more detailed information about memorials?

How can I get more detailed information about memorials?

You can browse through the Monuments page on our site, stop by our Lyons location and window shop our display, or call.

Pelan Funeral Services - Oakland
Phone: (402) 685-5673
Fax: (402) 685-5383
310 S. Charde Ave., P.O. Box 51, Oakland, NE 68045

Pelan Funeral Services - Lyons
Phone: (402) 687-2644
Fax: (402) 685-5383
204 N. Main St., P.O. Box 235, Lyons, NE 68038

Pelan Funeral Services - Tekamah
Phone: (402) 374-1551
Fax: (402) 685-5383
1103 J St., P.O. Box 203, Tekamah, NE 68061

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