Easing the Burden by Gannett Wisconsin Media

Friday September 23, 2011

Easing the Burden Funeral and Estate Planning

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

EASING THE BURDEN

2 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Contents 3

Plan for life and protect your family

4-5

Pre planning funeral

6-7

Stratford welcomes new funeral home

8-9

Losing a child

10-11

Grief support groups

12-13

Cremation

14-15

Getting loved oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body home

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 consent of Gannett Central Wisconsin Media. For information, contact Tara Marcoux at 715-384-3131 or e-mail at tmarcoux@gannett.com.

Staff General managers Jonathan Gneiser Mike Beck Allen Hicks

Section editor Linda Taylor

Advertising Marshfield: Tara Marcoux Stevens Point: Mary Jo Johnson Wisconsin Rapids: Tara Marcoux Wausau: Scott Hehir

Graphic design Steve Sitko

EASING THE BURDEN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Plan for life and protect your family ife 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 importance of life insurance protection. Life insurance offers families 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 coverage. “Life insurance is for everyone and the need is everywhere,” said Curtis Langemeier, a Modern

Woodmen of America managing partner in Wisconsin Rapids. According to LIMRA International’s 2010 Life Insurance Ownership CURTIS Study: LANGEMEIER » Only 44 percent of U.S. households have individual life insurance. That’s a 50-year low. » 30 percent have no life insurance protection at all. » Among households with children 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 insurance 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 coverage 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 insurance.” Modern Woodmen members and others can find life insur-

Convenient in-home arrangements available. Our service packages simplify the arrangement process.

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Curtis Langemeier is a Modern Woodmen of America managing partner in Wisconsin Rapids.

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lives and secures futures. The fraternal financial services organization offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.

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Life Tributes Funeral Home offers unique options and services to create a funeral or memorial service that is truly an expression of one’s life. Complete funeral packages priced affordably

ance information and planning calculators online at modernwoodmen.org. Or, they can contact Langemeier at 715-421-2800 and ask how Modern Woodmen’s Planning for Life can help them determine their personal financial needs. Founded in 1883, Modern Woodmen of America touches

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4 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

EASING THE BURDEN

Pre-planning funerals By John DeLaporte Manager, Helke Funeral Home

eath is a fact of life and facing ones mortality is a very difficult idea to come to terms with. People are exercising, eating 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 funeral choices, so that when funeral arrangements do become a necessity, you are not left to make many

stressful decisions in a short period 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 grandchildren 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. See Pre-planning/Page 5

Blessed are they that Mourn For They Shall be Comforted After 95 years, Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Homes has perfected taking care of the details, so that families can focus on what matters most.

Greg Zoromski

Amy Atkinson

Jason Schulta

Cindy Sherﬁnski

Licensed Funeral Director/Owner

Licensed Funeral Director

WI-5001381765

www.petersonkraemer.com

715-845-6900 Athens • Edgar • Marathon • Wausau East • Wausau West

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

NEW AT

Pre-planning

WAUSAU HEARING AID CENTER/DIVISION OF ENT ASSOCIATES

From Page 4

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 information is kept at the funeral home. Current funeral costs, funeral ceremonies, burial and cremation options would be discussed. Prefunding 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 prefund 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 policy 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 insurance policy be transferred to another 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, purchased 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.

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6 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

EASING THE BURDEN

Stratford welcomes new funeral home Funeral home goes green with building reuse By John F. Person Owner of Rembs Funeral Home, Sauter/Rembs & Martens/Rembs Funeral Home

he 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 continued 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.

Renovations In 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 capabilities along with a large gathering room for family members. Here they can relax in a kitchen atmosphere with a cup of coffee to See Welcome/Page 7

Rembs FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY

John F Person

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

Funeral Directors: Irvin Vollert Justin Herman Jeff Krcil

WI-5001381273

Serving All Faiths Prearranged Funerals Cremations Services

By planning now, the added conﬁdence of knowing that you have the best interests of your loved ones in mind will be another way of letting them know how much you care, how much you have always cared. Greg Jackan

WI-5001381423

2201 Chestnut Street Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494 Phone: 715.423.5460

Over 100 Years of Continuous Service

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

We answer our own phones 24 hours a day 715-387-1242 • 1-888-736-2705 300 S Oak Ave, Marshﬁeld • www.rembsfh.com

EASING THE BURDEN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Welcome From Page 6

talk and reminisce of the loved one. With off-street parking, it makes it a much safer atmosphere 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 completed in January 2010. Now the 50-year-old building blends into the surrounding neighborhood with a more friendly and homey interior.

Going green We hear a great deal in the media about green buildings and sustainability. Most people think of buildings in this category 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 buildings saves tremendous amounts of raw materials and the resulting energy required to produce them. The re-use of buildings also preserves raw land and the living environment, and helps prevent neighborhood blight and vacant/abandoned structures. Providing an excellent facility for funeral service well into the future can be done while being sensitive to today’s issues of energy conservation and environmental preservation. 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 professionalism. An open house of our new facility is scheduled for 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 14.

John A. Ritchay John A. Ritchay Jr.

423-1414

Michael J. Ritchay

1950 12th St. S. Wis. Rapids

Phillip G. Nowicki Aaron W. Ritchay

BOSTON FUNERAL HOME 1649 Briggs Street • Stevens Point 344-4223 • Since 1888

ON-SITE CREMATORY

Funeral Directors

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Pre-Need Arrangements

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Nathan Boston WI-5001381431

Bill Boston

George Barnes

EASING THE BURDEN

8 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Losing a child By John DeLaporte Manager, Helke Funeral Home

ow 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

See Losing/Page 9

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 Funeral Home 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 A ‘ ssembling Life’s Paperwork’ binder. This free binder will help guide you in compiling information and documents that your family may ever need WI-5001381707

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Losing From Page 8

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 gently 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 Group grieving Camp HOPE (Helping Others’ Pain available through your local library End) takes place three times a year at and Internet. Many funeral homes and the Lion’s Camp, 16 miles northeast of churches offer children grief materials for you to check out. Stevens Point. may imagine. It also provides a safe environment for them to receive support and hugs, express emotion, listen to stories, see pictures and participate in the funeral ritual. Our funeral home has recently implemented 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.

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EASING THE BURDEN

10 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Grief support groups can offer help Wisconsin Rapids area

hen friends or family members lose a loved one, helping them through their time of grief is one of the most supportive and loving 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.

» 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.

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 information 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 715-3465355. » 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

Wisconsin Rapids and Marshfield » Coping with Grief During the Holidays, a free dropin 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 Group for Younger Surviving Spouses/Partners, 6 p.m. before and after the December holidays. Registration is to 7:30 p.m., third Monday of each month, Redeemer encouraged. Meetings will be from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Lutheran Church, 900 Brilowski Road, Stevens Point. No Mondays, Nov. 14, Dec. 12 and Jan. 16, 2012. For more registration is required. For more information, call 715- information, call 715-387-7052 or 800-397-4216. 346-5355. » Journey of Life — Understanding Grief is a series of » GriefShare, 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays and 7 p.m. Thursdays, six consecutive weekly sessions of information and supHighland Church, 700 Hoover Ave., Plover. For more port. Facilitators will offer support, practical informainformation, call 715-341-4640. tion and resources in a supportive environment. Sessions See Support/Page 11

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EASING THE BURDEN

Support From Page 10

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

Marshfield area » When Mourning Comes grief support group, 6:30 p.m. potluck, second Thursday of the month, St. John’s Church, B3750 Highway 13, Spencer; support group for parents of deceased children. » Men in Grief drop-in support group specifically for senior men grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. For the initial meeting, participants are encouraged to bring a favorite photo to help to share their story. The hope is that relationships will be formed among participants, creating “grief buddies” for ongoing support and connection. There is not cost; registration for the initial group is encouraged. For more information, call 715-387-7052 or 800-3974216. » Good Grief 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 (58 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.

Quality Services, 333 Pine Ridge Blvd., Wausau. Nan and Gary Zastrow, 715845-4159. Learn how to cope with the grief that affects you physically, spiritually and emotionally. Wausau area » Suicide Grief Support » A Time for Healing: 7 p.m. Oct. 18, and Jan. Group, 6:30 p.m., second 17, 2012, Ministry Saint Tuesday of the month, Clare’s Hospital, 3400 S t . M a r k ’s L u t h e r a n M i n i s t r y P a r k w a y, Church, 600 Stevens Weston. Perinatal grief Drive, Wausau. Henry or program that helps guide Bonnie, 715-359-9818. » Good Grief, Living a woman and her family through grief. “A time with Loss, 4 p.m. to 5 for Healing” is a memo- p.m., second Monday, rial service for families Universalist Unitarian and friends who in the Church, 504 Grant St., past three months have Wausau. 715-847-2703. » Good Grief, Living experienced a loss. » Grief Support Group: With Loss, 3 p.m. to 4 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Third p.m. Fourth Thursday Thursday of the month, of the month, Pine Crest Saint Andrew Lutheran Nursing Home, 2100 E. Church, 3200 N. Mountain Sixth St., Merrill, Sara at R o a d , R i b M o u n t a i n . 715-536-0355. » Grief group, 6 p.m. to Gretchen at 715-843-9006. » Grief support group, 7:30 p.m., second Tuesday 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. second of the month, Ministry Thursday of the month, Good Samaritan Health Ministry Saint Clare’s Center, 601 S. Center Hospital, 3400 Ministry Ave. Merrill. A monthly P a r k w a y , W e s t o n . grief support gatherGretchen Iverson, 715- ing for adults who have 8 4 3 - 9 0 0 6 . M i n i s t r y ’s experienced the death of grief support groups are a loved one. Features an monthly adult gather- informational presentaings for individuals and tion with opportunity for families who have expe- questions and sharing. rienced the death of a Sue Kruger, 715-539-2187. » ALASO (“Always lovloved one, regardless of their involvement with ing and supporting othhospice. These gather- ers”), 10:30 a.m. Oct. ings provide a caring 6, and 6 p.m. Oct. 20, community for learning Community Enrichment about grief, finding sup- Center, 1004 E. First St., port, sharing memories, Merrill. Women of all ages are encouraged to and identifying feelings. No fees, no registration. attend. 715-536-4226. » S t . A n n e ’s G r i e f All adults are welcome. » Grief Share Group: S u p p o r t G r o u p , 6 : 3 0 6 : 3 0 p . m . t o 8 p . m . p.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays Tuesdays through Nov. through Nov. 14, Fireside 1 5 , Tr i n i t y L u t h e r a n Room, Church of Saint School, 501 Stewart Ave., A n n e , 7 0 0 W. B r i d g e St. Anyone may attend. Wausau. 715-848-0166 » Healing Grief From RSVP appreciated, but t h e I n s i d e O u t , 6 : 3 0 not required. Contact p.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesdays Jennifer Kareken, 715through Oct. 18, Aspirus 849-3930, ext. 303, or jen W a u s a u H o s p i t a l , niferk@stanneswausau. Conference Room A-1, org. For information and to r e g i s t e r, c a l l S h a r l a , Bereavement Coordinator for Ministry Home Care, 715-387-7052 or 800-3974216.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

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12 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

EASING THE BURDEN

Cremation By John DeLaporte Manager, Helke Funeral Home

What is cremation? Cremation is simply an alternative to burial. It is the process 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 complete 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 cremation 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 See Cremation/Page 13

and a conversation with Mary... the perfect combination for your peace of mind Call (715) 842-3993 today for an appointment to discuss your ﬁnal wishes and experience the freedom of knowing that its all taken care of.

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

Lori A. Pekol Pre-Arrangement Specialist

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

GESCHE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE 4 South Grand Avenue • Neillsville, WI 54456 Phone (715) 743-3322 • Website: www.GescheFH.com

MMary ar y MMachmueller-Gunther achmueller-Gunther

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EASING THE BURDEN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

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 cremation casket. » Memorial service with a private family viewing. » Memorial service without private family viewing. » Direct cremation without any services.

Cremation From Page12

of baptism. We celebrate high school and college graduations, weddings and retirements. Death marks the end of a life lived. That special life is remembered 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

What are the different costs associated with cremation?

» Funeral home services: The cost for professional staff, facilities and equipment 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 container which is the minimum required container for sanitary handling purposes when no casket has been bought), cremation 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 process. » Cemetery (if applicable): May include the cost of a grave or mausoleum niche, grave opening and closing What are the different methods charges, and a grave marker/monument (if applicable). of disposition of the cremated » Miscellaneous costs: Stationary, remains? flowers, clergy, organist, soloist, news» Burial or entombment in a cemetery paper charges, lunch and certified death certificates from the courthouse. or mausoleum. If you are interested in cremation, » Kept at home. » Scattering on private property or please contact your local funeral director to help answer all your questions. cemetery gardens (if available).

YOUR HOMETOWN FUNERAL HOME FOR 73 YEARS You Are Cordially Invited To Attend Our Grand Reopening Of The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home 208 West Clark Street • Colby, Wisconsin

Open House October 9, 2011 • 10 - 3:00PM Proudly Serving The Colby Area Since 1938 Door Prizes and Refreshments!

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F UNERAL H OMES & C REMATION C ENTER “Because goodbye’s are important” Abbotsford • Colby • Dorchester • Owen

WI-5001381391

715-223-3872

14 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

EASING THE BURDEN

Getting a loved one home after death

By John DeLaporte

Manager, Helke Funeral Home

Riverview MONUMENTS LLC Serving The Wausau Area Since 1962

LLC

Granite Monuments Bronze Markers & Signs Vases & Cremation Urns Signs and Plaques On Site Lettering Custom Designs

631 E. Grand Avenue Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

WI-5001382271

WI-5001382051

Office - 715.423.4610

YoureinaBetterPlace.com

715-675-3553 4012 N. 6th St. (CTW W) Wausau, WI 54403

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You can choose who you want to make an everlasting memorial for yourself or loved one. Let RVM help you decide what is best for you and your family.

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EASING THE BURDEN ust 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 vacation suffer unimaginable stress and anxiety. It is hard enough to deal with a loved ones death within the familiar surroundings of your hometown, with the immediate support of relatives, friends, neighbors and your church. 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 situation, 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.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

Estate Planning Seminar

Free!

September 27, 2011 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Memories Wedding and Banquet Hall 2811 Plover Springs Drive Plover, Wisconsin

FEATURING ATTORNEYS: Torren K. Pies

Protect your loved ones by creating essential estate planning documents • Wills and Powers of Attorney – Critical documents for your overall estate plan

Pine Ridge is an Assisted Living and Memory Care Community.

AAmy J. Eddy

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

• Avoiding Probate – Options for minimizing the need for probate and avoiding estate taxes • Medicaid and Long-Term Care/Nursing Home Planning – Options for protecting your assets

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.

Keith J. Pilger

CALL FOR A TOUR TODAY! From our family to yours, welcome to Pine Ridge.

• Charitable Giving – Maximize your estate planning strategies

Co-Sponsored by: LLC

CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION WI-5001381596

www.pineridgeliving.com 715-223-2200 1110 N. Division St. Colby On Hwy 13 next to Community Bank

715-421-0045 941 N. 25th St., Wisconsin Rapids Corner of 25th St. & Saratoga St.

FREE

This Seminar is . However, pre-registration is required. For reservations, call 715-344-0890 or e-mail dmossak@andlaw.com by September 26 WI-5001376513

Refreshments Will Be Provided

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