M any who have undergone the emotional strain of arranging a funeral within hours of losing a loved one have made the choice to pre-plan their own funeral. Doing so lifts the burden from their loved ones by relieving decision-making pressure at a time of grief and emotional stress.

F uneral arrangements are a deeply personal choice. Pre-planning provides you with the time needed to make practical, detailed decisions that reflect your standards, lifestyle, taste and budget. And we assure you and your family that the choices you make will be carried out as planned.

T HINGS TO BRING WITH YOU WHEN MAKING FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

Photos
Larger is better than smaller.
Several is better than one.
Used for newspaper, printing, hair dresser and as a guide for our work. Formal pictures, as well as
snapshots, are acceptable. If you bring several, we will help you choose the best one.

Life Insurance Policies
We do not charge a fee for assisting you with claims. Certain policies may be assigned to the funeral home directly, if you so wish.

Military Discharge Papers

Clothing for Men

Suit/Sportcoat & Slacks OR
Sweater, Shirt & Slacks OR
Long-sleeved Shirt & Slacks OR
Fraternal or Military Uniform
Dress Shirt & Tie
Undergarments
Underwear, T-shirt& Socks
Shoes are optional

Clothing for Women

Dress with long sleeves OR
Suit with long sleeves OR
Sweater, Blouse & Skirt/Slacks
Undergarments
Underwear & stockings/socks
Bra or Camisole
Slip for dress or skirt
Shoes are optional

Glasses, Jewelry and/or Rosary

THINGS TO DO . . .

We will help you coordinate and notify:

Minister and Church
Cemetery
Musicians – organist & singers
Military honors
Newspapers
Fraternal & veterans organizations

You will need to select:

Clothing
Time & place of service
Funeral merchandise
Flowers
Music
Funeral luncheon

You will need to notify:

All the relatives
All the friends
Casketbearers & Honorary Casketbearers
Bank
Employers
Insurance agent
Unions

Honoring Life’s Memories

This short phrase sums up our mission. We are committed to provide you with a funeral experience that honors the memory of your loved one’s life. What better way is there to share the person you knew and loved with others?
Take a moment to reflect on the questions below. They can help you organize your thoughts and allow you to plan a more personal and meaningful ceremony.
How did he Live?
• Think of five words that describe him.
• What traits did you admire most?
• Did he ever give you any words of wisdom?
Whom did she Love?
• What relationships were important to her?
• Other than family, who will be affected by her death?
• Who had the most influence on her life?
What made him Laugh?
• What did he do for fun when he was younger?
• In later years, how did he enjoy spending his free time?
• What type of things gave him pleasure?
What things did she Learn?
• What things interested her?
• What accomplishments made her proudest?
• Was she a member of any clubs or organizations?
What kind of Legacy did his life represent?
• How would he want to be remembered?
• What stories would he want passed on to future generations?
• What five objects could you collect that capture what he was about?

What is an Obituary?
In the past, the obituary was used just as an announcement of a death – just the facts.
Today, they are increasingly used as an opportunity to reflect on a life well lived and how that life made a difference. This is extremely helpful to those unable to attend the services, as the obituary may be the only opportunity they have to reflect on the life of a relative, friend or colleague who has died.
Our funeral home will provide you with full assistance in composing the obituary.
However, for some, the process of writing an obituary is a special opportunity to say goodbye. It can be a wonderful tribute that gives us all a sense of who the person was and what they meant to those who knew and loved them.
Though there are basic guidelines for writing an obituary, there are no hard and fast rules.
Basic Announcement Information
The lead paragraph of an obituary includes the name and address, including any past addresses where the person had community ties. The date and cause of death may also be included in this section at the discretion of the writer.
Scheduled Ceremonies
This section provides the time, date and location of any services being held, including the location of the final interment (cemetery or mausoleum). The obituary may also contain the locations involved with the scattering of ashes in case of a cremation.
Biographical Information & Life History
Next, if appropriate, some important facts about the person's life may be included. Occupations, memberships, community service, education and military service are typical examples. This section could also contain information about hobbies and favorite activities.
Survivor Information
The list of surviving family members usually includes the names of spouses, parents, children and siblings along with their spouses and cities of residence. However, the names of grandchildren, other close relatives and special friends may also be included.
Contributions
Some families provide the option of making charitable donations on behalf of the deceased in lieu of sending cards or flowers. In these situations, the address of the charity is necessary for contributors.




Examples

A Basic Obituary
Mark A. Johnson, of Cleveland, died April 8, 2000, at the age of 77.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 3 p.m. on April 11, 2000 at St. Dominic Cathedral, 3500 Swanson Ave, Cleveland.
Born September 26, 1922 in Euclid, Ohio, he was the only son of the late Frank A. Johnson and the late Alice Johnson (nee Smith). .Johnson lived most of his life in Cleveland; he was an employee of USA Steel for 32 years. An active member of the local Kiwanis, Johnson served as an Air Force pilot over Europe during World War II.
Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife of 48 years, Josephine (nee Wilson); his son Jack; and his daughter Mary of Buffalo, NY. Mr. Johnson is also survived by two grandchildren: John and William.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks contributions be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 2700 Main Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44111.

DEATH CERTIFICATES
We will obtain certified copies of the death certificate for you from the state health department. In North Dakota the current charge is $5 for the first copy and $2 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. You may need a certified death certificate to make claims or make changes to the following:
Life Insurance Policies
Bank Accounts
Stocks and Bonds
Retirement Accounts — IRA, 401(K), Pension, Profit Sharing
Automobile Title
Real Estate Deeds and Titles
Telephone & Other Utilities
Credit Card Accounts

SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
Our funeral home completes a form provided by the Social Security Administration
which is usually accepted as proof of death.
Inquire about eligibility for Survivors Benefits.

SOCIAL SECURITY
1680 E CAPITOL AVE
BISMARCK, ND 58501

Phone Numbers:
Local Number (701) 250-4200
Toll-Free 1-800-772-1213
TTY (701) 250-4620


from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays to schedule an appointment.
VETERANS’ BENEFITS
Our funeral home will assist you with the applications for a flag,
a veterans’ grave marker and burial benefits.
Contact County Veterans Affairs office to:
____ Apply for Widow’s pension
____ Check on Veterans’ life insurance

McLean County Veterans’ Service Office
Todd Schreiner (701) 462-8541

HOW TO APPLY FOR A COUNTY ASSISTED BURIAL

Contact the McLean County Social Services Office for assistance
in acquiring an application form (701) 462-3235

INSURANCE
Our funeral home provides insurance claim filing services FREE OF CHARGE.
_____ Contact all life insurance companies for claim forms and file claims.
_____ Check for accidental death benefits on all insurance policies.
_____ Check for life insurance benefits on loans and credit cards.
_____ Check named beneficiaries on all of your insurance policies and change if necessary.
_____ Check for group benefits with employer, even if retired.
_____ Check with employers regarding changes that may need to be made to your group insurance policies.
_____ File claims for health insurance and/or Medicare supplements.

ORGANIZATIONS
_____ Contact labor union about death and survivor’s benefits.
_____ Check with fraternal organizations about available benefits.
_____ Contact American Legion, VFW and similar veterans organizations about available benefits.

LEGAL & FINANCIAL AFFAIRS
_____ For memorials given in memory of deceased, forward all funds to appropriate groups.
_____ Notify the bank, especially if Social Security benefits are directly deposited.
_____ Notify deceased’s employer and inquire about 401 (K), pension, profit sharing or similar retirement benefits.
_____ Contact your attorney regarding probate of the Estate.
_____ If estate is in trust, check with bank’s trust department or your attorney.
_____ Have your attorney update your will or trust.
_____ Update bank accounts, stocks and bonds into your name.
_____ Get copies of all bills as soon as possible.
_____ Transfer or update automobile titles at Department of Motor Vehicles.


We hope you will find this checklist helpful in settling your affairs.
Please consult legal counsel.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO HANDLE AFFAIRS
Call all parties before you visit their offices to see which documents they will need. If you give them original copies of documents, ask for a receipt if you need them returned to you.
Death Certificates
Social Security Number—your’s and deceased’s
Military Discharge Papers
Insurance Policies
Real Estate Deeds and Titles
Stock and Bond certificates
Automobile title and registration
Loan papers, contracts, and account numbers
Bank and account numbers
Retirement account documents including IRA, 401(K), pension and profit sharing
Marriage Certificate or divorce papers
Birth Certificates—your’s and minor children’s
Recent income tax returns and W-2 forms
Will and/or Trust papers

GETTING ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
Surround yourself with loving and supportive people.
Take care of your body and spirit.
Know that you will eventually make this difficult transition.
Allow yourself to feel the pain, rather than avoid it.
Tears are a natural way to help you heal. It’s OK to cry.
Grief has no time table. Everyone is unique. Be patient with yourself.
Talk about your experience. Ask for help when you need it.
Laugh when you need to.
Be kind to yourself.