What Choices Do We Need To Make?
Suffering a loss can be overwhelming. Our credo is,
“Don’t worry, we will handle the details”. There are some
choices you will want to make and they are listed below.
Clothing shows personality
The family decides on the clothing for the loved one. We can also help with your selections. Most people choose a favorite suit or dress. There are no rules and few things that are inappropriate in clothing attire. We have seen men in overalls and women in jeans. Clothing can express the unique personality of your loved one and how you want him/her remembered.
You will need to provide a set of undergarments, a pair of socks, and the attire you have chosen. Shoes are not needed, but often families have a special pair of shoes they want placed beside their loved one.
Music
Music––the
universal language––speaks to the heart and soul. The sounds of
the harp provide an ambiance of comfort and tranquility.
As you celebrate the life of your loved one, Professional Harpist Linda Cannon, can provide lovely, uplifting music during the Visitation, Funeral, Memorial Service, and/or Reception. Since 1994, Linda has been playing for many events throughout the greater Wausau area, and throughout the state. Currently she is working towards certification as a Harp Therapist. This certification will combine music with her second passion, Nursing, into one field of expertise, in order to better serve people.
Selections include religious, ethnic, contemporary, classical, pop, folk, and seasonal pieces. Special requests: (a favorite song or composer) just ask!
For repertoire, sound bites, etc., please visit www.cwiharp.com
Obituaries are important
Friends, family, and others will be looking for your loved one’s obituary. An obituary consists of all the pertinent dates such as birth, death, marriage, when the person moved to the area. It also should list any affiliations such as church, civic clubs, and social groups. It is appropriate to tell the occupation of the person, and you can list activities that define the life of your loved one such as: church, charity, volunteer activity or special cause.
Some newspapers allow the family to write their own obituaries—others are written by the paper’s staff. Paid obituaries are also an option that allows much more detailed information about the life of your loved one.
We can take your information, add the details of the service, and submit the obituary to the media.
Please note that today’s diverse mix of families and relationships can create delicate issues in preparing obituaries. The best way to handle these situations is to be as up-front as possible without being obtrusive. If a person is living with someone, then list that person as a "special friend" or a significant other. If there are former mates involved, list them as the mother or father of the surviving children. Don’t try to avoid the obvious. Our culture is more favorable to mixed marriages, blended families, and alternative lifestyles. We honor our loved one by being honest and forthright.
Caskets have meaning
Choosing a casket has a great deal of meaning. The choice of casket, clothing, the way the hair is combed, and even the cosmetics became a way of expressing love. We think of the meaning and value of our loved one while we are making these choices. It is not a morbid experience but rather a helpful part of your grieving process.
Browse caskets
Final rest
Many families have made arrangements for burial spaces long before death occurs. Some are faced with these decisions at the time of death. It’s not a simple decision in today’s world. Families are more scattered and deceased family members are no longer in one burial site. Your Funeral Director is a wonderful ally to help sort out the best cemetery and procedures needed to help make your choice.
Pallbearers
It is a great honor to be chosen as a pallbearer for a friend. Your family must chose at least six people to fill this task. Some hints might be in order.
Often family members are used. Chose people who can handle the heavy weight of the casket without straining. If there are more friends than needed, name the rest as honorary pallbearers. This is not the time to slight anyone.
We can help call those you select.
