Easing Burdenthe

Funeral and Estate Planning

Wausau Daily Herald Stevens Point Journal Marshfield News Herald Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune

Friday September 23, 2011

EASING THE BURDEN2 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Easing the Burden is published by Gannett Central Wisconsin Media. Contents of this section are for Gannett Central Wisconsin Media. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without prior con-sent of Gannett Central Wisconsin Media. For information, contact Tara Marcoux at 715-384-3131 or e-mail at tmarcoux@gannett.com.

General managersJonathan GneiserMike BeckAllen Hicks

Section editorLinda Taylor

AdvertisingMarshfield: Tara MarcouxStevens Point: Mary Jo JohnsonWisconsin Rapids: Tara MarcouxWausau: Scott Hehir

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Staff

Contents Plan for life and protect your family

Pre planning funeral

Stratford welcomes new funeral home

Losing a child

Grief support groups

Cremation

Getting loved one’s body home

3

4-5

6-7

8-9

10-11

12-13

14-15

EASING THE BURDEN FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011 3

Plan for life and protect your family

CURTIS

LANGEMEIER

Life is everywhere. From coast to coast. In small towns and big cities. Right here in

central Wisconsin. That’s why September is Life Insurance Awareness Month, a month to remind people about the impor-tance of life insurance protec-tion.

Life insurance offers fami-lies the financial security they need at crucial times in their lives — when a loved one dies. Americans are underinsured — the average person owns less life insurance than they believe they should. That’s according to LIMRA International research indicating almost 58 million U.S. households believe they need additional life insurance cover-age.

“Life insurance is for every-one and the need is everywhere,” said Curtis Langemeier, a Modern

Woodmen of America man-aging partner in Wisconsin Rapids.

A c c o r d i n g t o L I M R A International’s 2 0 1 0 L i f e I n s u r a n c e O w n e r s h i p Study:

» Only 44 percent of U.S. h o u s e h o l d s

have individual life insurance. That’s a 50-year low.

» 30 percent have no life insur-ance protection at all.

» Among households with chil-dren younger than 18, four in 10 say they would immediately have trouble meeting everyday living expenses if a primary wage-earner died today.

» Although they want profes-

sional help, almost eight in 10 American households currently don’t have a personal life insur-ance representative to turn to for advice.

September is the eighth annual Life Insurance Awareness Month, designed to raise awareness and educate consumers about the importance of life insurance cov-erage and the financial services representatives who are trained to help consumers meet their needs.

“This is a natural time to remind people to re-evaluate their life insurance needs,” said Lanegmeier. “And with Modern Woodmen’s new Planning for Life system, I have the tools to help people develop their own customized financial roadmap — which should include life insur-ance.”

Modern Woodmen members and others can find life insur-

ance information and planning calculators online at modern-woodmen.org. Or, they can con-tact Langemeier at 715-421-2800 and ask how Modern Woodmen’s Planning for Life can help them determine their personal finan-cial needs.

Founded in 1883, Modern Woodmen of America touches

lives and secures futures. The fraternal financial services orga-nization offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families through-out the United States.

Curtis Langemeier is a Modern Wood-

men of America managing partner in

Wisconsin Rapids.

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EASING THE BURDEN4 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

By John DeLaporteManager, Helke Funeral Home

Death is a fact of life and facing ones mortal-ity is a very difficult idea to come to terms

with. People are exercising, eat-ing right, watching their weight, cholesterol and blood pressure. Our life expectancy continues to increase with the added miracles of medicine. So why would anyone want to pre-arrange their own funeral?

Thankfully, most people have to make funeral arrangements for a loved one only once or twice in a lifetime. Because of this lack of experience, pre-arrangement can be a significant educational experience. It allows you the time to make informed decisions after examining many different funer-al choices, so that when funeral arrangements do become a neces-sity, you are not left to make many

stressful decisions in a short peri-od of time.

Pre-arranging also allows you and your family to mutually share personal thoughts and ideas in a relaxed atmosphere. It not only ensures that your family knows exactly what kind of ceremony you want, but more importantly, it gives you the opportunity to find out exactly what kind of funeral ceremony they need.

For example, you may want immediate cremation followed by a memorial service, but your spouse, children and grandchil-dren may need a visitation to say their good-byes and receive love and support from relatives, friends and co-workers. Remember that the funeral is for those you leave behind.

Finally, people who pre-arrange their funerals simply take great comfort knowing that everything is taken care of.

Pre-planning funerals

See Pre-planning/Page 5

Blessed are they thatMournFor They Shall be Comforted

After 95 years, Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Homes hasperfected taking care of the details, so that families

can focus on what matters most.

Greg ZoromskiLicensed FuneralDirector/Owner

Amy AtkinsonLicensed Funeral

Director

Jason SchultaLicensed Funeral

Director

Cindy SherfinskiLicensed Funeral

Director

www.petersonkraemer.com 715-845-6900 Athens • Edgar • Marathon • Wausau East • Wausau WestWI-5001381765

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011 5

Pay now or later?Pre-arranging your funeral may or

may not involve payment right now. Many families simply record their wishes in writing, and that informa-tion is kept at the funeral home.

Current funeral costs, funeral ceremonies, burial and cremation options would be discussed. Pre-funding a funeral offers you the added advantage of paying for your funeral when you can afford it, thus relieving your family of a financial responsibility later.

There are two basic ways to pre-fund a funeral. One option would be a funeral trust where funds are placed in a Certificate of Deposit in a local bank that would be paid upon death to the funeral home.

Another option would be buying a specifically designed insurance poli-cy that provides benefits for funeral expenses.

Here are some questions you should ask your funeral director:

» Is the money you prefund for your funeral expenses refundable?

» Does prepaying cover any future cost increases?

» Who receives the interest on the account and who pays the taxes on this interest?

» What happens to your money if the funeral home is sold or goes out of business?

» Can the funeral trust or insur-ance policy be transferred to anoth-er funeral home?

» If I go into a nursing home and I need financial assistance through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medical Assistance (MA), can the state take these funds?

Many people have purchased life insurance, made their wills, pur-chased cemetery spaces and have done some type of estate planning. In essence, they have already begun the pre-arrangement process. The next step is to speak to your local funeral director.

Pre-planningFrom Page 4

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EASING THE BURDEN6 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

By John F. PersonOwner of Rembs Funeral Home, Sauter/Rembs & Martens/Rembs Funeral Home

The Sauter Funeral Home in Stratford was operated by Jerry and Rose Sauter from 1938 until it was bought by Rembs Funeral Home, Inc in Marshfield in 1978. Jerry Sauter con-tinued to work as a director until his death in October 1999.

While working in the funeral business, Jerry also had a rural bottle gas company that serviced the Stratford area.

In 1998, John F. Person and Gregory Jackan bought the funeral homes from DuWayne Kundinger which included Rembs Funeral Home in Marshfield, Sauter/Rembs Funeral Home in Stratford, and Martens/Rembs Funeral Home in Junction City.

RenovationsIn the spring of 2011, Sauter/Rembs Funeral Home bought the

Mortgage Experts building at 901 South Weber Ave. (Highway 97 South) and renovated it to suit our growing family needs.

It has a spacious chapel area for visitations with DVD capabili-ties along with a large gathering room for family members. Here they can relax in a kitchen atmosphere with a cup of coffee to

Stratford welcomes new funeral homeFuneral home goes green

with building reuse

See Welcome/Page 7

RembsRembsFUNERALHOMEAND

CREMATORY

Over 100 Years of Continuous ServiceOver 100 Years of Continuous Service

Serving All FaithsPrearranged FuneralsCremations Services

Sauter/Rembs 715-687-4155 StratfordMartens/Rembs 715-457-2400 Jct.City

We answer our own phones 24 hours a dayWe answer our own phones 24 hours a day715-387-1242 • 1-888-736-2705715-387-1242 • 1-888-736-2705

300 S Oak Ave, Marshfield • www.rembsfh.com300 S Oak Ave, Marshfield • www.rembsfh.com

John F Person

Greg Jackan

WI-5001381423

WI-5001381273

To prepare for what lies ahead,see us about the details of a prearranged funeral plan.

By planning now, the added confidence of knowing that you have the bestinterests of your loved ones in mind will be another way of letting them

know howmuch you care, howmuch you have always cared.Funeral Directors:

Irvin VollertJustin Herman

Jeff Krcil

2201 Chestnut StreetWisconsin Rapids,WI 54494

Phone: 715.423.5460

EASING THE BURDEN FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011 7

talk and reminisce of the loved one. With off-street parking, it makes it a much safer atmo-sphere for families and friends coming to the funeral home to pay their last respects. The old building which dates back to the 1890s, next to the village of Stratford offices, was donated to the village by Sauter/Rembs Funeral Home.

Renovation of Rembs Funeral Home in Marshfield were com-pleted in January 2010. Now the 50-year-old building blends into the surrounding neighbor-hood with a more friendly and homey interior.

Going greenWe hear a great deal in the

media about green buildings and sustainability. Most people think of buildings in this cat-egory as hi-tech, stainless-steel structures bristling with solar panels and wind generators.

Many people overlook a major objective of the green

movement, which is the re-use and retrofitting of existing buildings. The re-use of build-ings saves tremendous amounts of raw materials and the result-ing energy required to produce them.

The re-use of buildings also preserves raw land and the liv-ing environment, and helps pre-vent neighborhood blight and vacant/abandoned structures.

Providing an excellent facil-ity for funeral service well into the future can be done while being sensitive to today’s issues of energy conservation and environmental preserva-tion.

The directors and staff at Sauter/Rembs Funeral Home in Stratford are proud to be a part of this thriving community. We hope your expectations are met with sympathy and profession-alism.

An open house of our new facility is scheduled for 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 14.

WelcomeFrom Page 6

WI-5001381431

BOSTONFUNERAL HOME

1649 Briggs Street • Stevens Point344-4223 • Since 1888

Funeral Directors

Nathan Boston Bill Boston George Barnes

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John A. Ritchay

John A. Ritchay Jr.

Michael J. Ritchay

Phillip G. Nowicki

Aaron W. Ritchay

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EASING THE BURDEN8 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

By John DeLaporteManager, Helke Funeral Home

How can I help my child cope with the death of a loved one?

Children react to death in the same manner as adults. They may feel shock, anger, guilt and become depressed.

Certainly the age of the child and their relationship to the deceased greatly influence the child’s reactions. Even very young children who don’t have the ability to grasp the concept of death, still are able to sense the sadness that has changed their environment. They pick up on facial cues, emotional conversations and experience disrupted routines.

Hugging and touching will provide comfort to young children. Cry if you need to, and let your child cry with you. Crying is normal stress relief for every human being. Questions and conversation should be encouraged with answers to be simple and as honest as possible. If you don’t know an answer, just say so.

Use every day experiences to help educate your child about death.

“Death education begins when a leaf falls from a tree, or when they see a dead animal in the street. Even at the age of 2 or 3, they ask about death,” according to Rabbi Earl Grollman, author of “Talking About Death: a Dialogue between Parent and Child.”

Children should be given the opportunity to attend the funeral, but should not be forced. If the decision is made to go, then a detailed explanation as to what the child will see and what will happen should be explained. The funeral provides the ability to see the deceased, which is oftentimes better than what the child

Losing a child

See Losing/Page 9

WI-5001381707

We plan for many events in our lives, from the marriage to our sweetheart,

the purchase of our first home, the birth of a child and finally retirement.

The one thing that many people put off planning for is their funeral.

Let the staff at Schmidt & Schulta FuneralHome assist you in this

final planning. Making your funeral decisions now is a wonderful ‘Last

Gift’ that you can give your family.

Call Schmidt & Schulta today at 715-253-2713 or 715-449-2688 or

visit us on the web at schmidtschulta.com and receive a complimentary

‘Assembling Life’s Paperwork’ binder. This free binder will help guide

you in compiling information and documents that your family may ever need

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011 9

may imagine. It also provides a safe environment for them to receive sup-port and hugs, express emotion, listen to stories, see pictures and participate in the funeral ritual.

Our funeral home has recently imple-mented the STAR or A Special Time to Always Remember program. It is an activity, developed for children to explain a funeral in their terms. Activities include decorating a frame with the deceased’s photo to take home as a keepsake, the reading of a story, which the children are able to follow along and color in their own copy of the coloring book; the writing of a personal message on a star that is then placed in the casket, or if an urn is present, a special basket placed near the urn; and most importantly, talking on their level about their feelings and concerns.

Group grievingCamp HOPE (Helping Others’ Pain

End) takes place three times a year at the Lion’s Camp, 16 miles northeast of Stevens Point.

It is a 400-acre wildlife refuge with a 45-acre private lake. According to the brochure, this free camp is “where children throughout the state gather to work through the grieving process after a loved one dies. The camp gen-tly guides the children through the complex emotions by showing them that they are not alone. Fun is the top priority at Camp HOPE. The children learn that it is OK to laugh and play and that to do so is not disrespectful to the memory of the person who died. Through playing, sharing, and being together with peers and staff who know the pain, the children realize that the emotions they are feeling are a normal part of grief.”

For more information on Camp HOPE, call Becky Loy at 715-341-0076.

In addition to the funeral, the STAR program, and Camp HOPE, there are many informative books and videos available through your local library and Internet. Many funeral homes and churches offer children grief materials for you to check out.

LosingFrom Page 8

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EASING THE BURDEN10 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

When friends or family members lose a loved one, helping them through their time of grief is one of the most supportive and lov-ing things a person can do.

A grief support group can help those left behind move on after a loved one’s death.

Here’s a sample of grief support groups in central Wisconsin.

Stevens Point area» Loss of Spouse Support Group, 10 a.m. to noon, six

consecutive Thursdays, beginning Oct. 6, Lincoln Center, 1519 Water St., Stevens Point. This series provides infor-mation and support for individuals age 60 and older to cope with the multitude of feelings, adjustments and day-to-day concerns experienced after the death of a spouse. Registration is required by Oct. 3. To register or for more information, call Gretchen Iverson at 715-346-5355.

» Ministry Home Care-Hospice Services Grief Support Group, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., first Thursday of each month, chapel area at Ministry Saint Michael’s Hospital, 900 Illinois Ave., Stevens Point; and 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., fourth Monday of each month, Trinity Lutheran Church, 1419 Rogers St., Stevens Point. No registration is required. For more information, call 715-346-5355.

» Ministry Home Care-Hospice Services Grief Support

Group for Younger Surviving Spouses/Partners, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., third Monday of each month, Redeemer Lutheran Church, 900 Brilowski Road, Stevens Point. No registration is required. For more information, call 715-346-5355.

» GriefShare, 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 7 p.m. Thursdays, Highland Church, 700 Hoover Ave., Plover. For more information, call 715-341-4640.

Wisconsin Rapids area» GriefShare, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, September through

May, Christian Life Fellowship, 600 Seventh St., Port Edwards. For more information, call 715-887-3565.

» GriefShare, 10 a.m. Thursdays, St. Luke Lutheran Church, 2011 10th St. S., Wisconsin Rapids. For more information, call 715-423-5990.

» Wisconsin Rapids Deanery Serenity Grief Support Group, 6 p.m., first Monday of each month, Room 105 at St. Vincent de Paul School, 831 12th St. S., Wisconsin Rapids. For more information, call 715-423-2118.

Wisconsin Rapids and Marshfield» Coping with Grief During the Holidays, a free drop-

in support meeting focusing on grief reactions during the winter holidays. Meetings are open to any adult who is grieving the loss of a loved one, no matter how long it has been since the death. Three sessions are scheduled in both Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids before and after the December holidays. Registration is encouraged. Meetings will be from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Mondays, Nov. 14, Dec. 12 and Jan. 16, 2012. For more information, call 715-387-7052 or 800-397-4216.

» Journey of Life — Understanding Grief is a series of six consecutive weekly sessions of information and sup-port. Facilitators will offer support, practical informa-tion and resources in a supportive environment. Sessions

Grief support groups can off er help

See Support/Page 11

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EASING THE BURDEN FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011 11

are generally offered several times a year in Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids. Registration is required. For more infor-mation, call 715-387-7052 or 800-397-4216.

Marshfield area» W h e n M o u r n i n g

Comes grief support group, 6:30 p.m. potluck, second Thursday of the month, St. John’s Church, B 3 7 5 0 H i g h w a y 1 3 , Spencer; support group for parents of deceased children.

» Men in Grief drop-in support group specifical-ly for senior men griev-ing the death of a signifi-cant person in their lives. For the initial meeting, participants are encour-aged to bring a favorite photo to help to share their story. The hope is that relationships will be formed among par-ticipants, creating “grief buddies” for ongoing support and connection. There is not cost; reg-istration for the initial group is encouraged. For more information, call 715-387-7052 or 800-397-4216.

» Good Gr ief Day Camp is a day of hope and fun facilitated by the experienced people at Ministry Home Care Hospice services. Open to people age 5-18, the campers will be divided into three age groups (5-8 years, 9-12 years, and teens). Each group will engage in activities that help them understand and share their grief and reinforce healthy coping skills — all in a fun and social atmosphere The next annual day camp is scheduled Aug. 8, 2012 in Marshfield. There is no fee for participation, but registration is required by mid-July. Parents of younger children are encouraged to attend.

For information and to register, call Sharla, Bereavement Coordinator for Ministry Home Care, 715-387-7052 or 800-397-4216.

Wausau area» A Time for Healing:

7 p.m. Oct. 18, and Jan. 17, 2012, Ministry Saint Clare’s Hospital, 3400 M i n i s t r y P a r k w a y, Weston. Perinatal grief program that helps guide a woman and her family through grief. “A time for Healing” is a memo-rial service for families and friends who in the past three months have experienced a loss.

» Grief Support Group: 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Third Thursday of the month, Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, 3200 N. Mountain Road, Rib Mountain. Gretchen at 715-843-9006.

» Grief support group, 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. second Thursday of the month, Ministry Saint Clare’s Hospital, 3400 Ministry P a r k w a y , W e s t o n . Gretchen Iverson, 715-8 4 3 - 9 0 0 6 . M i n i s t r y ’s grief support groups are monthly adult gather-ings for individuals and families who have expe-rienced the death of a loved one, regardless of their involvement with hospice. These gather-ings provide a caring community for learning about grief, finding sup-port, sharing memories, and identifying feelings.

No fees, no registration. All adults are welcome.

» Grief Share Group: 6 :30 p .m. to 8 p .m. Tuesdays through Nov. 15 , Trinity Lutheran School, 501 Stewart Ave., Wausau. 715-848-0166

» Healing Grief From the Inside Out , 6 :30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesdays through Oct. 18, Aspirus W a u s a u H o s p i t a l , Conference Room A-1,

Quality Services, 333 Pine Ridge Blvd., Wausau. Nan and Gary Zastrow, 715-845-4159. Learn how to cope with the grief that affects you physically, spiritually and emotion-ally.

» Suicide Grief Support Group, 6:30 p.m., second Tuesday of the month, St . Mark ’s Lutheran Church, 600 Stevens Drive, Wausau. Henry or Bonnie, 715-359-9818.

» Good Grief, Living with Loss, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., second Monday, Universalist Unitarian Church, 504 Grant St., Wausau. 715-847-2703.

» Good Grief, Living With Loss, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Fourth Thursday of the month, Pine Crest Nursing Home, 2100 E. Sixth St., Merrill, Sara at 715-536-0355.

» Grief group, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., second Tuesday of the month, Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center, 601 S. Center Ave. Merrill. A monthly grief support gather-ing for adults who have experienced the death of a loved one. Features an informational presenta-tion with opportunity for questions and sharing. Sue Kruger, 715-539-2187.

» ALASO (“Always lov-ing and supporting oth-ers”), 10:30 a.m. Oct. 6, and 6 p.m. Oct. 20, Community Enrichment Center, 1004 E. First St., Merrill. Women of all ages are encouraged to attend. 715-536-4226.

» S t . Anne’s Grief Support Group, 6 :30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Nov. 14, Fireside Room, Church of Saint Anne, 700 W. Bridge St. Anyone may attend. RSVP appreciated, but not required. Contact Jennifer Kareken, 715-849-3930, ext. 303, or jenniferk@stanneswausau.org.

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EASING THE BURDEN12 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

By John DeLaporteManager, Helke Funeral Home

What is cremation?Cremation is simply an alternative to burial. It is the pro-

cess of reducing the body to bone fragments by the use of intense heat and flame in a cremation chamber or “retort.”

Cremation usually takes about three to four hours to com-plete for an average-size person. The state requires that only one person can be cremated at a time.

After the retort cools, the bone fragments are swept into a rectangular pan and a magnet is passed through the bone fragments with any metal being immediately discarded. The bone fragments are reduced further by pulverizing. The amount of bone fragments weigh between 4 and 10 pounds.

Why do people choose cremation?Reasons include environmental concerns, religious beliefs,

cost, geographic location, simplicity and the fact that crema-tion has become more socially acceptable.

What are the different types of ceremonies available when choosing cremation?

We celebrate milestones in people’s lives. For a newborn baby, we have a baby shower and perhaps a celebration

Cremation

See Cremation/Page 13

4 South Grand Avenue • Neillsville, WI 54456

Phone (715) 743-3322 • Website: www.GescheFH.com

The staff at Gesche Funeral Home will give a $25 Gas Card to

those who make pre-funded arrangements made between

September 1 to December 31, 2011

Call (715) 743-3322 for more details

FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE

Lori A. Pekol

Pre-Arrangement Specialist

GESCHE

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and a conversation with Mary...the perfect combination foryour peace of mindCall (715) 842-3993 today for anappointment to discuss your finalwishes and experience the freedom ofknowing that its all taken care of.

302 Spruce StreetWausau, WI 54401(715) 842-3993www.Helke.com

Mary Machmueller-GuntherFamily Care Representative & Pre-Planning Specialist

Liscensed ainsured Intermeditary

EASING THE BURDEN FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011 13

of baptism. We celebrate high school and college graduations, weddings and retirements. Death marks the end of a life lived. That special life is remem-bered through a memorial or funeral

ceremony.This ceremony is a specific time to

remember the life of that special person. It allows us to express our thoughts, say good-bye, pay tribute to a loved one in a

meaningful way while receiving social, community and family support during this most difficult time.

Even though the service remembers the deceased, it is not for the deceased. It is for the relatives, friends, neighbors, co-workers, fellow parishioners, club members and everyone that person has touched through the years. Ceremony options includes:

» Traditional funeral service with the body present for visitation and funeral ceremony with the use of a rental or cre-mation casket.

» Memorial service with a private fam-ily viewing.

» Memorial service without private family viewing.

» Direct cremation without any ser-vices.

What are the different methods of disposition of the cremated remains?

» Burial or entombment in a cemetery or mausoleum.

» Kept at home.» Scattering on private property or

cemetery gardens (if available).

What are the different costs associated with cremation?

» Funeral home services: The cost for professional staff, facilities and equip-ment charges will vary depending on the type of cremation ceremony.

» Merchandise selected: The cost of a casket, rental casket, cremation casket or alternative container (cardboard con-tainer which is the minimum required container for sanitary handling purpos-es when no casket has been bought), cre-mation urn (which stores and protects the cremated remains), urn vault (which protects the urn when it is buried and is required by some cemeteries).

» Cost of the actual cremation pro-cess.

» Cemetery (if applicable): May include the cost of a grave or mauso-leum niche, grave opening and closing charges, and a grave marker/monument (if applicable).

» Miscellaneous costs: Stationary, flowers, clergy, organist, soloist, news-paper charges, lunch and certified death certificates from the courthouse.

If you are interested in cremation, please contact your local funeral direc-tor to help answer all your questions.

CremationFrom Page12

WI-5001381391

aurinaaFUNERAL HOMES & CREMATION CENTER

“Because goodbye’s are important”Abbotsford • Colby • Dorchester • Owen

715-223-3872

YOURHOMETOWNFUNERALHOMEFOR73YEARS

You Are Cordially Invited To AttendOurGrand Reopening Of TheMaurina-Schilling Funeral Home

208 West Clark Street • Colby, Wisconsin

Open HouseOctober 9, 2011 • 10 - 3:00PM

Proudly Serving The Colby Area Since 1938

Door Prizes and Refreshments!

EASING THE BURDEN14 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

By John DeLaporteManager, Helke Funeral Home

Getting a loved Getting a loved one home one home after deathafter death

www.riverviewmonuments.com • rvm4012@frontier.com

WI-5001382271

RiverviewRiverviewMONUMENTS LLC

Serving The Wausau AreaSince 1962

You can choose who you want tomake an everlasting memorial

for yourself or loved one.Let RVM help you decide

what is best for you and your family.

Granite MonumentsBronze Markers & SignsVases & Cremation Urns

Signs and PlaquesOn Site LetteringCustom Designs

715-675-35534012 N. 6th St. (CTW W)

Wausau, WI 54403

631 E. Grand AvenueWisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Office - 715.423.4610

WI-50

0138

2051

YoureinaBetterPlace.comYoureinaBetterPlace.com

LLC

EASING THE BURDEN FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011 15

Just as the songbirds fly South for the winter when the air of autumn turns chilly, so go the snowbirds

of Wisconsin. Snowbirds are Wisconsin retirees who vacation in the warm winter climates of the South.

When we think of vacation, the words safe, fun and carefree come to mind. But, everyone at some point has experienced the stress of the unexpected while on vacation. It could be car problems, sudden illness, hospitalization in a strange town or simply getting lost. Every winter, funeral homes across the state are called by families who need help when their snowbird dies while on vacation.

Families who experience the loss of a loved one while on vaca-tion suffer unimaginable stress and anxiety. It is hard enough to deal with a loved ones death with-in the familiar surroundings of your hometown, with the immedi-ate support of relatives, friends, n e i g h b o r s a n d y o u r c h u r c h . Now you find yourself alone in a strange city with no immediate

support and many decisions that need to be made in a short period of time:

» How do I get my loved one back to Wisconsin?

» What funeral home do I call?» Do I contact an airline?» What legal documents must I

complete?» Do I need to purchase a casket?» How much will all this cost?If you find yourself in this situa-

tion, just remember that you only need to make one phone call — to your hometown funeral director.

One phone call will eliminate the worry of logistics and excessive cost. Your local funeral director will immediately take care of all necessary arrangements needed to prepare and transport your loved one back to Wisconsin.

No matter where you vacation, your local funeral director has immediate access to other funeral professionals around the world. They will work together to ensure your loved one arrives home in an economical and timely manner, so that you can concentrate on taking care of yourself.

WI-5001381596

Pine Ridge is an Assisted Livingand Memory Care Community.

All rooms are very spacious and comfortable.

TYPICAL DESIGNS INCLUDE:

- Private bathrooms

- Individual Heating/Cooling

- Kitchenettes with a refrigerator

- High Speed Internet & cable TV access

- Two-room suites are also available

Common area offers adequate space for socialization, activities or quiet visits.Pine Ridge is a secured premise for the safety and comfort of our residents.

CALL FOR A TOUR TODAY!

From our family to yours, welcome to Pine Ridge.

715-223-22001110 N. Division St. Colby

OnHwy 13 next to Community Bank

715-421-0045941 N. 25th St., Wisconsin RapidsCorner of 25th St. & Saratoga St.

LLC

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATIONwww.pineridgeliving.com

WI-5001376513

Co-Sponsored by:

Refreshments Will Be Provided

Estate PlanningSeminar

Protect your loved ones by creatingessential estate planning documents

Keith J.

Pilger

This Seminar isFREE. However, pre-registration is required.For reservations, call 715-344-0890 or e-mail dmossak@andlaw.com by September 26

September 27, 20116 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Free!Free!

FEATURINGATTORNEYS:

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Memories Wedding and Banquet Hall2811 Plover Springs Drive

Plover, Wisconsin

A

• Wills and Powers of Attorney – Criticaldocuments for your overall estate plan

• Avoiding Probate – Options for minimizingthe need for probate and avoidingestate taxes

• Medicaid and Long-Term Care/NursingHome Planning – Options for protectingyour assets

• Charitable Giving – Maximize your estateplanning strategies

WI-5001381056

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