The American funeral has changed considerably. It used to be that the term traditional funeral was the same for everyone. It consisted of a wake or visitation period, followed by a church service and burial in a cemetery. However, today there is no such thing as a traditional funeral. Families are choosing funeral services that are more reflective of the person and fit the lifestyle of the family. We welcome the opportunity to provide unique options that are personal and special to you. Because we serve such diverse groups, we provide many choices when it comes to a funeral. In order to select the best service that is meaningful to you, we have provided a list of common questions and answers regarding funeral services.

What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service?

The only difference between these two services is whether or not the body is present. A funeral service is conducted with the presence of the body and a memorial service is conducted in memory of the person, without the presence of the body.

Because the body is not present at the memorial, disposition may take place either before or after the service. You can hold a memorial service instead of a funeral, or in addition to it. For instance, you might have a funeral in the town where the person lived and died, and a memorial service later in the town where he/she grew up.

Why is a funeral service important?

In early times, societies honored the dead through ceremonies. According to beliefs at that time, the purpose of the ritual was to properly send the decedent on the journey into the next life. Today, however, psychologists and other experts agree that the benefits of the funeral are for those left behind; those who must reconstruct their lives following their loss. Before family and friends can fully adjust to their loss, survivors must express their grief in meaningful ways to them. They must face, openly and realistically, the fact that death has indeed occurred. The funeral provides the opportunity to do exactly that.

What is the purpose of embalming?

Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body, retards the decomposition process and enhances the appearance of a body disfigured by traumatic death or illness. Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, thus allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them.

Is embalming required by law?

In Alaska, embalming is not required by law. However, embalming is required if the family selects a funeral service with a public wake or viewing.

What times are available for a visitation?

While we provide guidance with respect to visitation periods, we leave it up to the family to decide. Morning, afternoon and evening hours are available during the week or on the weekends. We make every effort to allow you convenience and flexibility to meet the needs of your family.

Why do funerals seem so expensive?

When compared to other major life events, like births and weddings, funerals are not expensive.

Can you still have a traditional funeral with cremation?

Just because someone is interested in cremation does not mean the family cannot have a viewing and funeral service. All of the customs and ceremonies associated with a traditional funeral can still be performed prior to the cremation taking place. For these occasions, we offer economical cremation caskets as well as rental caskets.

Where can a funeral be held?

Traditionally, funerals are held in a church, but funerals can be held at any venue; our chapel, a gathering hall, even a home.

How can a funeral be personalized?

It is becoming more popular to customize a funeral service to the personality of the deceased. Prayers and remembrances offered by family and friends, favorite music, treasured belongings, pictures and mementos can all play a major role in making the final tribute fitting and moving. The family can choose to assemble a display containing photographs, favorite possessions, items from a hobby or awards the deceased received. These items help shift the emphasis of the services to the memories of the person’s life, rather than on the circumstances of his or her death. Personalization can also be added by simply choosing the most appropriate services and products available from the funeral home. These include cremation and its various service options, participating in a living memorial program, or purchasing a burial plot below the canopy of a sturdy oak tree.