FAQS

When you think about your life experiences and everything that has led up to this day, one of the most pressing questions you will need to answer is, "How do I want to be remembered?"

Think about all the funerals you have attended in your lifetime and the thoughts that went through your mind. There is a good chance that "What would my funeral look like?" never crossed your mind. This is natural because as human beings we don't want to think about how fragile we are or that we are not going to live forever, or that death is imminent.  

By pre-planning your final celebration, you are in control of YOUR story, and how YOU will be remembered. Why not give the greatest gift you can give your loved ones... peace of mind!

Today, we have many options available to us in the types of ceremonies that one can choose to celebrate our life. Whether you prefer the more traditional route of being buried next to family or having your ashes spread across your favorite ocean, YOU have the freedom to choose the memorial or funeral services that is fitting of YOUR legacy. 

Traditional & Non-Traditional Funeral Service - A traditional or non-traditional funeral service takes place at a funeral home, church, graveside at a cemetery, or alternative location selected by the family, with a casket present and often with time set aside for mourners to view the body. Some choose to have a traditional funeral service before/after cremation. 

Visiting Hours - Visiting hours are often referred to as a visitation, viewing, or wake where family and friends come together informally before a traditional funeral service. The visiting time can be public or private held anywhere the family would like, usually at a funeral home, however, it can be somewhere else. 

Memorial Service - Memorial services are held to honor someone's memory without their body being present. This sometimes follows a cremation or private burial. A memorial service can be similar to a traditional funeral service, or you can make it as unique as you are in order to celebrate YOUR life.

Military Honors - Veterans or active service members are entitled by law to a free military funeral honors ceremony. This service can be held where you decide to be laid to rest, and typically includes two or more uniformed military personnel. 

Things to Think About - Your loved ones may be spread out across the country, or you may have more than one place you call home. In order to give your loved ones the time and opportunity to celebrate your life, consider having two or more memorial services. 

At Nelson Memorial Gardens, Inc. we can help you to choose the best option for you on how you would like to be laid to rest with traditional burial, cremation, or an alternative service.  There are several options available. Learn more about YOUR options here at Nelson Memorial Gardens, Inc. by consulting with one of our preneed counselors or funeral director.

Getting your affairs in order starts by creating a to-do list to follow so that nothing is left to chance.  

Name - make sure you write your name down as you would like it to appear in newspaper notices and funeral programs. 

List of Newspapers - write down a list of newspapers you would like to place your notice of transition in and where they are located (city/state).

Obituary - write your own obituary, who better to write it than you, no one knows your life story the way you do. 

Eulogy - decide who should write and read your eulogy.

Documents -  get the following items together: 

• Last Will & Testament 
• Living Will / DNR Order
• HIPAA Release
• Power-of-Attorney for Financial Needs
• Funeral Planning Declaration

Pre-Need Planning -  the list above is a good start to getting prepared; however, you will want to speak with a pre-need counselor about budgeting and financial options in order to put together a complete Pre-Need Plan to fund your final expenses and commemorate your legacy. 

Give your loved ones the gift of peace of mind by taking care of everything in advance and leaving nothing to chance.