Your Top Questions Answered: Preplanning FAQs

If you’ve attended a funeral in the Milwaukee area, you’ve likely noticed the many elements that are involved when creating a final farewell. From the visitation to the funeral to the burial and reception, there are numerous decisions that need to be made. This is why our team at Krause Funeral Homes encourages everyone to preplan their own funeral.

Maybe it’s never occurred to you to plan your own arrangements. Or maybe it’s been on your to-do list for a while, and you just haven’t gotten around to it. Regardless, we’re here to guide you through the process and make it as easy as possible. Our staff has many years of experience helping families in Milwaukee, New Berlin, and Brookfield with prearrangements. Here, we’ll address questions we’re often asked about preplanning so you can have the information you need to get started.

Why should I preplan?

As with so many other parts of life, a little planning now pays off later. Think of it this way: Your loved ones won’t have to wonder or deliberate about your end-of-life preferences. You can decide whether you want a traditional burial or cremation. Or, whether you’d prefer a large traditional funeral with a clergy member or a smaller, private celebrant-led service. What about adding personal details to the funeral, such as specific songs or readings? This is what makes a farewell memorable.

It’s fair to say many families would have difficulty answering these questions on your behalf once you’re gone. And you can imagine the stress of having to find all of your important paperwork that’s required. Addressing all of this ahead of time will put you in control and take away the guesswork for your family.

Can I save money by preplanning?

Let’s first clear up the common misconception that if you choose to preplan, you also have to pre-pay. At Krause Funeral Homes, that is not the case. If you’d prefer, we can simply save your preferences for when the time comes. Keep in mind, though, that there are advantages to pre-paying, such as ensuring there will be no hidden costs and taking the burden of paying for the service from your family’s shoulders.

Can I choose my final resting place ahead of time?

Yes – and this is a very important and personal decision to make. Maybe you want to be buried in another state – near your place of birth or next to another loved one who has died. We can coordinate the logistics and work to eliminate duplication of services and fees. If you choose cremation, we can help you select a permanent memorial location. If you’d like to have your cremated remains scattered somewhere meaningful to you, we can research local and state laws to make sure it’s possible.

What information should I have ready to begin the preplanning process?

After a death, there are more than 100 details to address. Our planning checklist outlines each item, and delineates which tasks can be taken care of while preplanning. You can reach out to us today to learn more, or you can begin the process online from the comfort of home.

The most important thing is that you get started! We meet with families every day that would have benefited if their loved one had taken the time to preplan. Give your family a gift by lining up your own arrangements. And feel free to contact us any time – we’re always here to help.

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