When a Death Occurs
When a Death Occurs
Experienced Professionals
Available 24 Hours a Day
Personalized Services
Gruetzmacher Funeral Home & Cremation Services wants you to know that when a death occurs, the order in which things need to be done often depends on where the death occurred.
But, one thing should always be remembered: your heightened emotional state upon the death of a loved one. That's why we suggest that you ask a friend for help ~ someone who is more able to think clearly, and give you the support you need. Please contact us regarding our services and competitive pricing.
At Home or at Work
When a death occurs at home or in the workplace, a family member or co-worker should contact emergency personnel. If the death occurs at home with family or friends present, and the person is under a physician's care, the family will want to call us directly.
However, if the death occurs in a residence and no one is there at the time of death, the Medical Examiner will need to be notified and respond to the residence before the deceased is removed from his or her home.
If in any case you are not sure of who to notify or what to do, you may call Gruetzmacher Funeral Home & Cremation Services and we'll assist you in notifying the proper agencies.
While Under Supervised Care
When a death occurs in a care facility, such as a hospital or nursing home, the professional staff will notify you and the necessary authorities. If the name of the funeral home has been left with them, the institution will notify the funeral home at the time of the death. The funeral director will contact you immediately following their notification to help you proceed. (However, we suggest you contact the funeral home immediately, so you've got the reassurance you need that all is taken care of properly.)
If a loved one was in the care of a hospice program, a hospice representative will give family members instructions and procedures to follow. The medical examiner will be notified by hospice. Following their release the hospice will contact the funeral home.
The First Call
We are experienced professionals who can provide much of the information you need, provide emotional support and offer compassionate guidance.
While you may ask the director any questions at this time, you will be able to discuss the arrangements in detail later when you meet in person. During this initial call, the funeral director will gather information to be able to transport your loved one to the funeral home.
The funeral director may ask you several questions, including whether your loved one made any pre-arrangements. The director will also schedule a date and time for you to meet at the funeral home and will let you know what items will be need for planning purposes.
We also recommend contacting family members and friends and clergy or other spiritual advisors.
Other Pertinent Questions
- Do I have to have embalming?
- Do I need to purchase a casket?
- What about cemetery arrangements?
- Do we need to arrange the services of a minister?
- What type of service should we have?
By contacting us, we will be able to help answer your questions and assist in making the appropriate plans. You can reach us at (920) 842-2151.
However, one of the best ways to make sure that all of your questions and desires are taken care of is to make pre-arrangements. This is as simple as outlining your wishes, to having all of the details written down, and the financial arrangements prepaid only if you want. Please contact us to learn more about pre-arrangement.
What to Expect When You Arrive
When you visit us, the funeral director will provide you with price lists and guide you through the entire arrangement process, explaining how you can create a memorable personal celebration of your loved one's life.
The arrangement process may include:
- Preparing and filing the official death certificate
- Scheduling the location, date and time of services or events
- Selecting a casket, urn or other items
- Preparing an obituary notice
- Scheduling vehicles
- Selecting pallbearers
You may also sign necessary authorizations or make arrangements to have them signed by the appropriate family members.
Feel free to bring any photos, music or memorabilia so that you and your funeral director can discuss how you would like your loved one to be remembered. More and more people today choose to personalize the funeral services they plan for their loved ones. A favorite song, a favorite gathering place, even a favorite activity can all become part of the service.
Our funeral directors will listen and assist you in planning a loving tribute that captures the spirit of the person whose life you wish to honor. The funeral director will discuss personalization with you during your arrangement conference.
Funeral Checklist
- Full legal name
- Home address
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Father's name
- Mother's maiden name
- Veteran's discharge papers (DD-214)
- Recent Photograph
- Highest education
- Occupation
- Place of burial (if applicable)
- Clothing
- Clergy name and phone number
- Survivors (name and relationship)
- Insurance policies (if applicable)
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