See if you can relate to this line of thinking: “After I die, I don’t want a funeral, visitation, or memorial service of any kind. I want to be cremated and for that to be the end of it.”
A surprising number of Milwaukeeans we meet with here at Krause Funeral Homes have expressed this sentiment to us. They don’t want to put their family through any trouble after they die – emotionally or financially. They don’t want a fuss made. They can’t stand the thought of their loved ones gathering for such a sad occasion or feeling obligated to plan a service of any kind.
We understand why people might have these concerns, but we also can say without hesitation that funerals significantly help the grieving process in expected and unexpected ways. Throughout our 80-plus years of service, we have seen just how crucial it is to acknowledge death in a healthy way.
If you have the mindset that you’d rather not have a funeral after you die, consider the healing that takes place when your friends and family gather to remember you. Sharing stories about your life, describing what you meant to them, expressing feelings of loss – this is what strengthens a community and helps adults and children through a difficult and confusing time.
Beyond that, we are here to help plan a service or memorial that is highly personal and meaningful. You might be surprised how many options there are to beautifully reflect your passions, hobbies, and accomplishments – and these do not have to be expensive.
If you enjoy cooking, think of how special it would be for your family and friends to gather for a reception featuring your favorite foods. From a more refined, full-course dinner to a barbecue with brats and beer, we can make it happen. If you have a love of photography, imagine your favorite photos on display, or maybe you have a sports memorabilia collection you would like to set out for everyone to enjoy. Our team of professionals can make this happen.
The best way to spare your relatives from having to make important decisions about your arrangements is to put your preferences in writing. This way, you can select the exact services you want and determine how much you would like to spend.
We meet with families in Milwaukee, Brookfield, and New Berlin every day and constantly see firsthand how preplanning a funeral saves time, money, and emotional energy. Instead of your loved ones having to discuss and guess what you would have wanted, you can choose every detail. Instead of saddling your family with 100-plus decisions during a vulnerable time, you can take control over each aspect of your final farewell.
We can’t say it enough: Don’t just talk about what you want (or don’t want) for your funeral; put your wishes in writing! We are here to answer your questions and help you create a tribute that suits you perfectly. Reach out to us today or get started planning using our convenient online form. Remember – we are available 24/7 to help you in any way possible.