This is an issue we hear about time and time again at Krause Funeral Homes: Loved ones who make it clear they do not want a funeral or memorial service after they die. They might be thinking they are sparing their family the hassle and expense, but what they often don’t realize is the healing a meaningful tribute can offer their family. And when a funeral is preplanned, and maybe even pre-paid, there are no worries left on the family.
So, if your loved one has said this to you, or even solidified their wishes for no service by preplanning, what options do you have?
Some would say to honor the loved one’s wishes and forego a gathering altogether. Others might suggest hosting a small, private get-together, where close friends and family members can pay their respects. Then there are those who would say funerals are for the living, and they will decide how to proceed and process their loss.
Indeed, this can be an incredibly complex issue, and it’s one more and more families are dealing with in recent years. While there is no cut-and-dried solution, our professional team has a few suggestions for those of you who find yourselves struggling when a loved one makes this request.
We’ve been assisting Milwaukee-area families with funerals for more than 80 years, and we know the pivotal and highly meaningful role a service plays in the grieving process. Ceremony marks every transition in life: weddings, baptisms, graduations, and funerals. Gathering together to recognize the importance of the life that has been lived is essential after a loss. That said, the tribute you plan does not have to reflect a “traditional” funeral.
We offer alternatives such as celebrant services instead of religious services, visitations with or without viewing, unique ceremonies to honor the person who has died, and receptions that feel more like a party than a funeral. We try to be creative in helping families make funeral arrangements so the decisions truly reflect their personal preferences and the life that has been lived.
We can host an event at our facilities in Brookfield, New Berlin, or in Milwaukee on Capitol Drive or Brown Deer Road. With our on-site reception services, whether you want to throw a taco party with margaritas, a Packer-themed tailgate in the funeral home parking lot, or a lavish sit-down meal with a champagne toast, our professional team can help you create a one-of-a-kind event celebrating your loved one and respecting their wishes for something off the beaten path.
At Krause Funeral Homes, we believe every life has meaning, and we will work with you to design the tribute your family needs to bring healing. Come to us, and we will help you figure out your next step during this difficult time.