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How
much will a funeral cost?
The cost
of a funeral is directly related to the type of merchandise and services
that are chosen. Our basic service charge starts at $1,195.00, this
includes the professional services of the Funeral Director and the use
of our facility and vehicles. In addition to these basic charges, one
must consider the choices concerning casket, burial container, cemetery
fees; as well as, floral tributes, minister and musician honorariums
and grave markers and monuments. We make available caskets from Batesville
Casket Company; their prices range from $565 to $6,555. Our outer burial
containers or vaults are purchased from Trigard, their prices range
from $720 to $2,225. We realize that funerals are a major expense, we
want to make this difficult time less stressful. By being open with
us about your financial situation, we will work with you to make it
possible for you to have the service that best meets your needs. There
may be ways to minimize costs and funding sources that can be used.
Is my money secure
if I chose to prearrange my funeral?
Yes, your
money is entirely invested in the insurance company you choose, Homesteaders
Life Company, Forethought Life
Company, or National Prearrangement Services. These are well established
Companies with long secure histories. Your money can also be placed
in a trust account at the bank of your choice.
Why have a funeral?
Funeral services
are an important part of the healing process. Not only do they allow
for closure after the loss of a loved one, they are also a time for
family to renew ties with one another. It is important for families
to take a role in arranging the service with the assistance of the funeral
director. Those who attend the service should be comforted by familiar
items, poems, songs and verses that their loved one held dear. Funerals
are, in fact, as much or more for the living than they are for the deceased.
Why would I want
to prearrange my funeral?
As with any
important event in life, funerals require planning. You should plan
your own service, in advance, to spare those close to you from the stress
of attempting to make wishes they think would please you. If you take
the time, before your time of need, to plan your service, those you
care about will be allowed to grieve instead of worrying about arrangements.
In addition, many prearranged services can be financed in ways that
fight inflation and keep your investment safe.
What if I want to
change something?
No problem. In the future, if you decide to make changes to your prearranged
service, simply contact us and we will assist you in making any changes
you feel are important.
What if I die away
from Oskaloosa?
It is important to make Garland-Van Arkel-Langkamp the first call made
in the unfortunate instance of your death away from the area. If family
or friends contact another provider, you could end up paying for services
twice. Some people carry cards identifying their funeral care provider.
If you would like more information on numbers to call in case of a death
away from home, feel free to contact us.
What about cremation?
Cremation is always an option and, contrary to some beliefs, allows
for as many, or more, memorialization options than the traditional burial
and service. Cremation, simply put, is reducing the body to ashes. Once
the cremation is complete, the "remains" as they are called, can be
placed in an urn and buried, placed in a vault, or other means of preservation
and memorialization. We know there are a number of questions surrounding
cremation and we encourage people to ask them. As always, if you have
additional questions, please contact us.
When do you call
the Funeral Director?
In a word, "anytime". As Funeral Directors, we understand that people
may need us at times some might think inconvenient. However, we know
that your needs come first. Whether it is a question about planning
a funeral, or you have lost a loved one, we are a phone call away 24
hours a day, 365 days a year.
*Please note that we
have children's books, puzzles and blocks to entertain various ages
of children. Our
music and speaker system allows services to be heard even if you are
not in the chapel of family room, parents with small children often
feel more comfortable with their children in the lounge area during
the service.
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