Families are faced with many decisions when planning a funeral service. We have compiled a variety of questions that are often asked by families. If you have additional questions not stated here, please feel free to contact us.

Is it important to have a funeral?

A funeral demonstrates the progression of a society, as it acknowledges the contributions a person made while living, and the void that will be felt now that he/she has passed. Funerals help to point out the reality of death, the value of life and relationships, and that a life has been lived. Experts on grief have shown that a meaningful ceremony provides comfort and closure to family and friends affected by the passing of a loved one. A funeral service gives family and friends the chance to express how special the person was and how their lives were touched by the relationship they shared.

How costly are funerals?

The total cost of a funeral depends on the personal wishes of the family such as the type of service the family selects, the merchandise chosen by the family, and cash accommodation items. Cash accommodation items are expenses that originate from outside sources other than the funeral chapel that pertain to the funeral service such as cemetery charges and clergy honorariums. According to the Iowa Funeral Directors Association, the average price of a traditional funeral in Iowa is $7,373.00, excluding cash accommodation items.

Should I pre-pay for my funeral?

Many people find comfort in arranging and paying for their funeral services in advance. We have brochures and an on-line Pre-Planning form to assist you in recording biographical information as well as recording your preferences for services and merchandise. Funding is available in a variety of options and our staff can assist you in selecting a funding method that would best fit your situation.

How important is a visitation?

The visitation is an opportunity for family and friends to gather in an informal setting to extend their condolences and lend support to the family of the deceased. The visitation is an opportunity for people to express their support for the family of the deceased. It also allows people to share how their lives were touched by the deceased. A visitation can be used for traditional and cremation services.

It is okay to have a service without viewing?

It is a matter of personal choice when it comes to having a service without a viewing. It is a proven fact that viewing is an important step in the grieving process for many people. Viewing the deceased gives family and friends the chance to say goodbye and begin working through the grieving process. Historically, families have shared that choosing not to have a viewing has increased the difficulty of their grieving process. The decision to view is determined by the personal wishes of the deceased or family.

What is cremation?

Cremation is the procedure where extreme heat is used to reduce a human body to bone fragments. The soft tissues of the body (skin, organs, connective tissue) are consumed by the heat and all that remains is the hard tissue (bone). The hard tissue is then processed into smaller particles known as cremains. The cremains may be placed in an urn for final disposition.

I would prefer cremation, but my family is against this, what can I do?

A concern like this is best addressed prior to the time of death. People all have different preferences. It is very important to discuss these matters with everyone involved, especially if family members have different views on the matter. The staff at Brosh can discuss with you the various service options available with cremation and assist you and your family

What is the function of a vault?

The purpose of a vault is to protect the casket and its contents from the natural elements.

What are vaults made of?

The two most common types of vaults are made of metal or concrete. The metal vaults can be constructed from steel, copper or bronze.

Is an outer burial container and a vault the same thing?

No. An outer burial container does not have the sealing properties of a vault. The outer burial container is a minimum requirement of most cemeteries.

Why do I need a monument?

It is customary to place a monument or marker at the burial site for identification purposes and as a memorial to a loved one.

What are monuments made of?

Monuments are usually made of stone, ranging from granite to concrete, or metal. There are many variations in the types of stones or metals used and the prices can vary significantly.

How do I purchase a cemetery lot?

The staff at Brosh Chapel can coordinate the purchase of your cemetery spaces at the location of your choice.

Is it appropriate to bring children to a funeral?

Absolutely. It was once said about children and funerals, “If a child can walk bring them, and if they cannot, carry them to the funeral.” If you are questioning bringing a child to a funeral, please speak to a funeral director. They can assist you in determining the best solution so that both parent and child are best served.

How do I explain death to my children?

It is important that children are taught early in life that death and grieving are both normal aspects of being alive. It is very important to be open and honest with children and to avoid phrases such as, “Grandpa is sleeping.” This is an easy explanation to use, but can cause confusion as the child ages and develops an understanding of death.

Is there a death benefit from Social Security?

If you have paid into Social Security, there is a one-time death benefit of $255 payable only to a surviving spouse at the time of death or dependent children.

Who is eligible to receive veteran’s burial benefits?

The Veterans Administration will pay a $300.00 burial and funeral expense allowance for deceased veterans who were, at the time of death, entitled to receive pension or compensation, or would have been entitled to receive compensation but for the receipt of military retried pay.

Eligibility is also established when death occurs in a Veterans Administration Facility or in a contract nursing home to which the deceased was properly admitted.

For veterans who die of a service-connected disability, the VA will pay a burial allowance up to $2,000 in lieu of other burial benefits.

Who is eligible to receive a burial flag?

The Veterans Administration will issue an American flag to drape the casket of an eligible veteran who was discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. They will also issue a flag for a veteran who is missing in action and is later presumed dead.

Will the Veterans Administration provide a headstone or marker?

The Veterans Administration will furnish, upon request, at no charge to the applicant, a governmental monument to mark the grave of an eligible veteran buried in a national, military post or base, state veterans’ or private cemetery.

How does a funeral expense affect Title 19 in Iowa?

It is best to contact a licensed funeral director to discuss issues concerning Title 19 and how to set aside funds for funeral expenses. The staff at Brosh Chapel is knowledgeable and can assist you regarding Iowa Law.

What is a will?

A Will is a document containing directions setting out how the property of the person making the Will (the “Testator”) shall be distributed upon his or her death.

What happens if I die without a Will?”

If you die without a Will or valid Will, the outcome could be a legal and financial nightmare as well as an emotionally-devastating experience for your loved ones. Not having a Will at the time of death is called being Intestate. It means you have not left instructions setting out how you want your assets to be dealt with on your death and have not appointed anyone to be legally in charge of your Estate (known as your “executor”). A Court in your jurisdiction eventually appoints an Executor. Nothing can be done with your Estate until the Court appoints an Executor which can be months after your death. If no family member applies to act as Executor, a government representative is appointed. Your Estate will be distributed in accordance with the formulas of the laws of your State or Province. Those laws are inflexible and may not reflect either your personal wishes or the needs of your loved ones.

If I do not leave a will, does my estate automatically go to my spouse?

No. It depends on state law. For instance, in some states your spouse may only receive one-third of your estate. This is why it is important to execute a will; so that you control the decision.

What is a Power of Attorney?

Power of Attorney is a document which allows you to give authority to another person to act on your behalf.

What is a Durable Power of Attorney?

It is a specific power of attorney which authorizes other persons to act on your behalf in the event of a disability. This authority ceases at the time of death.

Can I make Durable Power of Attorney for health care only?

Yes. A durable power of attorney for health care can be given to other persons to act in your behalf in making medical decisions regarding your care until the time of your death. .

What do I do about the unpaid bills and credit obligations of my loved one?

You will need to gather all of the bills together and make sure you are aware of all of the credit obligations of the deceased. Many installment loans, service contracts and credit card accounts
are covered by credit life insurance, which pays off the account balance in the event of the death of a customer.

Do I need to contact the bank regarding jointly held accounts?

Make a prompt request for release from each bank in which the deceased and you held a joint account. A bank will usually stop payment on all checks as soon as a death notice is published. The bank must also have the account cleared by the state tax authorities.

In regards to the Solon location, how can you provide funeral services and wedding ceremonies in the same location?

Brosh Chapel in Solon is a non-denominational chapel which means we are able to offer funeral services and wedding ceremonies of various religious affiliations. The chapel is designed to act as a quiet and peaceful setting for various life cycle events such as funerals and weddings. In the instance of a wedding, the equipment needed to conduct a funeral service is completely removed from the chapel and is stored out of the view of the wedding party and guests. Even though funeral services are held at Brosh Chapel and Community Center in Solon, all the embalming and preparation procedures are performed at the Cedar Rapids location.