What is the significance of a funeral service?
From the beginning of recorded history, societies have honored those who died with a traditional ceremony. According to beliefs at that time, the purpose of the ritual was to send the deceased on his or her journey into the afterlife.
Today, however, many experts agree that the benefits of a service are for those who are left behind after a death. A "closure" of sorts must occur to help survivors adjust to their loss and recognize that a death has occurred. A funeral service provides the opportunity for friends and family to celebrate the life that was lived and allow the healing process to begin.

How much does a funeral cost?
Funeral costs vary depending on the funeral home and type of service selected. There are two types of costs associated with a funeral: (1) services provided by the funeral home and (2) merchandise such as a casket or urn.

Is everything included in the price given to me by the funeral home?
All charges involving the funeral home's services and merchandise are available from our professional staff. We will provide a general price list with all charges.

Can I make my funeral arrangements before I die?
Yes. Today, pre-arrangement and prepayment of funerals are becoming more common. Prearranging will provide you with more time to review your options and give you a choice in your own funeral service. Pre-arrangement will provide you with the peace of mind that everything has been taken care of, relieving your family of the emotional and financial burden that often comes with making arrangements when a loved one passes away. Oftentimes, making arrangements in advance also guarantees a service and funeral at today's prices, free from inflation. At Buchholz Math Hermann Mortuaries, we will assist you with your pre-arrangements.

How many types of caskets exist, and why are some more expensive than others?
Caskets are made of either metal (bronze, copper or steel) or wood. Prices vary, depending on the exterior and interior materials used. Bronze, a semiprecious metal, is more expensive than steel. Mahogany, a rare hardwood, is more expensive than the readily available softwood pine.

What is embalming and is it necessary before services are held?
Embalming is the temporary preservation of a deceased's remains. It is not required by law, but is common practice when a viewing is planned.

Can a funeral home assist me with Social Security benefits and Veteran death benefits?
Yes. In fact, Buchholz Math Hermann Mortuaries will do more than just assist you with securing these benefits. Our staff is trained to complete all necessary paperwork to begin the benefits process and to follow through to ensure that the benefits are secured in a timely manner.

What is involved in the cremation process?
Before cremation occurs, the death certificate must be completed and signed by the attending physician or medical examiner, and all civil and medical authorities must have issued all required permits. In addition, necessary authorizations to cremate must be obtained from the next of kin or authorizing person and no objections to the cremation can be raised. The cremation then takes place and the cremated remains are placed in the designated container or urn selected for final disposition.

Are special cremation containers and caskets available?
Buchholz Math Hermann Mortuaries offers a wide variety of cremation containers and caskets to meet each family's needs.

Are the services held before or after cremation?
Services are held at the discretion of the family. Many choose to have a traditional service first, followed by the cremation.

What happens to the cremated remains?
There are many options to consider with a cremation. A family can choose to bury the remains in a cemetery, store and display them at home in an urn or scatter them in a place special to the deceased. It is advisable to check local restrictions on scattering remains on public property and obtain permission for private property.

I have already made arrangements and funded my funeral in advance. What if I move or want to use another Funeral Home?
By making arrangements in advance, you were able to express your own wishes and relieve this emotional burden from your family. By funding your funeral in advance, you also relieved the financial burden from your family. Usually, these arrangements can be reestablished with another funeral home and nearly all funding vehicles are transferable by the owner.

What if I want to be cremated or have made arrangments for anatomical donation?
You can still have a pre-need agreement.

How do I know my money is safe?
Regions Bank, a state regulated financial institution is Trustee of your pre-need account. By state preneed law, withdrawal of funds without your consenting signature can only occur by death of you, the Trustholder.

Regions Bank, the Trust, is registered with the state of Missouri.

What if I find it necessary to cancel my agreement?  Will my money that I have invested be fully refunded?
Yes, if you cancel within 30 days of signing the contract. After 30 days, graduated refunds are available.

Why should I have a Pre-Need Plan?
Freezes the cost of the services, caskets, and vaults at today's prices.

Conserves your life insurance and/or your savings investments.

You determine the cost, thus preventing emotional over spending at the time of need.

It can be paid for in many ways: cash, check, charge in full at the time of purchase, in easy monthly installments, by full or partial assignment of insurance policies.

Depending on your age, you may take up to 3 (three) years to pay.

No age limit. The cost is the same at all ages.

Trust guaranteed protection

Transferable to a different funeral home if necessary at time of need.

It can be made irrevocable:  The Division of Family Services accepts this for Medicaid applications.

Protection against financial reverses.

Assures you that your wishes and requests will be known.

Lifts the burden of decision from your family members.

Peace of mind from having your affairs in order with the funeral home of your choice.

Can the cost of funeral increase in the future?
As long as you keep your deposits current, the cost can never go up.

How much does a Pre-Need Plan cost?
This will depend upon your selection of services and funeral merchandise. Our funeral professional will proved an in depth analysis.

Can I have less than a "Full Service" funeral?
Certainly. The program can be tailored to your wishes and needs.

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