When a loved one dies, it can be a very disturbing time for the survivors. They are faced with many varied tasks before, during and after the funeral service. The staff at Matz funeral home is trained to provide thoughtful assistance during these challenging times. In an effort to be of greater help, we have developed the following list of important things you may wish to consider in preparing for the tasks that lie ahead.

When a death occurs:

The very first thing you will want to do is contact us at either of our locations. We will immediately go to work to care for the deceased and help you arrange funeral services. At your convenience, we will want to discuss the following information:

-Vital Statistics about the deceased such as full name, address, social security number, birthdate, marital status, etc.

-Personal history of the deceased such as education, employment, military service, memberships and affiliations, general biographical information etc.

-Clergy to be contacted.

-Type of funeral service desired.

-Type of casket, vault, urn.

-Musical selections.

-Scriptural selections.

-Clothing and Jewelry requests.

-Pall Bearers.

-Type of disposition: Earth burial, Entombment, Cremation etc.


Financial Benefits:

-Pre-funded trusts or funeral plans

-Insurance policies: life, health, accident

-Social Security

-Veterans Administration

-Employer or Union pension funds

Estate Settlement:

Here are some of the items that may affect probate procedures in settling the estate of the deceased:

-Will, letter of instruction or estate record

-Real estate holdings

-Checking or savings accounts

-Securities

-Safe Deposit Boxes

-Business assets and other holdings

-Federal estate tax, inheritance tax, and personal income tax

During the Funeral Service:

Although funeral ceremonies are designed to honor the life of the deceased, they are also a means of helping survivors begin to deal with the reality of the loss. During the days and events that constitute the formal funeral services, you may want to consider the following suggestions:

-Share your feelings and memories with your family and friends.

-Include children in the funeral services.

-Be patient, and take things slowly.

-Allow extra time to get ready for each event.

-Get as much rest as possible.

Etiquette of Acknowledgements:

The following suggestions are provided to help you in acknowledging those who participated in the funeral and expressed their sympathy. Within two weeks of the funeral...

-Send a personal note thanking the clergy for spiritual help and guidance.

-Send a note of thanks to pall bearers and friends who volunteered services, sent flowers, made offerings, contributed memorials, gave money or provided food.

-Reply to letters with a brief note. Sympathy cards do not require a reply.

-Use your best judgment for situations not listed above. In general, an acknowledgement card with a few personal words added is sufficient to express your gratitude.

-It is not necessary to send an acknowledgement card to all who have signed the register book.

After the Funeral Service:
The process of grieving and adjusting to life without the deceased does not end when the ceremonies are concluded. The days and weeks ahead will bring new challenges and adjustments. Here are some of the things you will want to consider as you move on with your new life.

-Make necessary changes to bank, charge, investment and mortgage accounts.

-Update insurance policies.

-Update your will.

-Update personal property and motor vehicle records.

-Consider pre-arranging and pre-planning your funeral.