One of the most loving things that an individual can do is to leave behind details and information regarding their own final wishes. Pre-planning takes the unexpected stress, and decision-making from the bereaved family.

There are many choices available when making final arrangements. Pre-planning a funeral or memorial service can be pre-paid at the time of planning or payment options are available. Families also have the option of pre-planning without making any payments during this process. Each of us has our own personality, interests, beliefs and traditions. Our job as professional funeral counselors is to assist you in creating a meaningful and appropriate service which reflects you and the life you have lived. Our funeral counselors are happy to explain and answer all of your questions concerning pre-planning.

Below is a list of general questions to help you begin the process of pre-planning.

Required Information for the Death Certificate, Obituary and Death Notice

  1. Full Name
  2. Address
  3. Date and Place of Birth
  4. Father's Name
  5. Mother's Name (with Surname)
  6. Date and Place of Death
  7. Social Security Number
  8. Level of Education
  9. Veteran's Information (Branch, Discharge or Claim Number, War Service, etc.)
  10. Marital Status (If applicable, Spouse's Name with Surname, If applicable, Years Married)
  11. Occupation (Place of Employment, Year of Retirement)
  12. Cemetery Information
  13. Physician's Name
  14. Informant/Next of Kin (Address and Contact Information)
  15. Memberships, Past and Present (Church, Fraternal Organizations, etc.)
  16. Hobbies, Past and Present
  17. Accomplishments (Educational, Occupational, etc.)
  18. Survivors (Number of Grandchildren, Great-Grandchildren, and Great-Great-Grandchildren)
  19. Photo

Items Requiring a Death Certificate
Make sure to have a Death Certificate for each institution, agency or organization providing or holding each of these items.

  1. Social Security Benefits
  2. Insurance Policies
  3. Checking Account
  4. Savings Account
  5. Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
  6. Stocks
  7. Bonds
  8. Deeds (Homes, Land, Trailer Homes, etc.)
  9. Titles (Automobiles, Boats, Motorcycles, etc.)
  10. Pension Funds
  11. IRAs
  12. Loans
  13. Credit Cards
  14. Attorneys