Frequently Asked Questions

Provided are answers to some of the most common questions that our Funeral Directors are asked. If your question is not answered here, please contact us for assistance.

Q: What do your funeral directors do?

A: Our funeral directors serve as both caregivers and administrators. They have the education and experience necessary to help the bereaved to cope with death, acknowledge their grief, and to prepare a meaningful funeral service to honor the deceased.

Q: What should I do if death occurs at home?

A: Please phone us as soon as you are comfortable. Our directors are on call 24 hours per day and will arrive when you are ready.

Q: What should I do if death occurs out of state or on vacation?

A: Please phone us. We will coordinate all necessary arrangements, both locally and out of state.

Q: What information should I bring to the arrangement meeting?

A: Please be sure to bring the following information:

• Deceased's vital statistics
• Deceased’s social security number
• Deceased’s life insurance policy information (if applicable)
• Deceased’s military discharge papers #dd214 (if applicable)

Q: If I choose cremation, does that mean I can't have a service beforehand?

A: With any type of funeral service, there are many options. Cremation is a means of final disposition, and does not dictate the type of funeral service chosen. The three most common approaches are:

• Direct cremation (no funeral service)
• Cremation followed by memorial and/or graveside service (urn present)
• Traditional service (body present) followed by cremation

Q: How do I explain death and the funeral process to my young children?

A: At Morris Nilsen, we offer a special program, developed by Karen Nilsen, R.N., called What's a Funeral Anyway? A Special Time to Always Remember™ (The STAR Class). The class is available to all families with young children, and is a sensitive, caring approach to helping children understand the funeral process.

If your question has not been answered here, please contact us and a director will be happy to assist you.