When A Death Occurs

When a death occurs, the order in which things need to be done often depends on where the death occurred. But, one thing should always be remembered: your heightened emotional state upon the death of a loved one. That's why we suggest that you ask a friend for help - someone who is more able to think clearly, and give you the support you need.

Checklist: What to Do When a Death OccursChecklist: Who to Contact After a Death Occurs

Those Important Questions

If there is no pre-plan in place, there are several other questions that you may have to have answered in regards to the death of your loved one:

- Do I have to have embalming?

- Do I need to purchase a casket?

- What about cemetery arrangements?

- Does the family have to engage the services of a minister?

- What type of service should we have?

By contacting our staff, we'll be able to help answer your questions and assist in making the appropriate plans. You can reach us at (410) 377-8300.

However, as we’ve said before, one of the best ways to make sure that all of your questions and desires are taken care of is to make pre-arrangements. This is as simple as outlining your wishes to having all of the details written down and the financial arrangements prepaid. Please contact one of our staff at (410) 377-8300 to learn more about pre-arrangement.


What to Expect When You Arrive at the Funeral Home

One of the first things the funeral arranger will do is to provide you with our general price list. He or she will then guide you through the entire arrangement process, explaining how you can create a memorable personal celebration of your loved one's life. This is not a one-way conversation; we want to hear your ideas and desires, and use them as the foundation for the arrangement process.

This process may include:

- Preparing and filing the official death certificate

- Scheduling the location, date and time of services or events

- Selecting a casket, urn or other items

- Preparing a death notice/obituary

- Death Notice Template

You may also sign necessary authorizations or make arrangements to have them signed by the appropriate family members.

We’d like you to bring any photos, a favorite song, or memorabilia so that you and your funeral arranger can better discuss how you would like your loved one to be remembered. Having these things, and knowing their favorite song or favorite gathering place – even their favorite activity – will help us create a truly fitting memorial service.

The following checklist will help you remember what information about the decedent and items will be needed when meeting with a funeral arranger.

- Full legal name- Home address

- Social Security number

- Date of birth

- Place of birth

- Father's name

- Mother's maiden name

- Veteran's discharge papers (DD-214)

- Recent Photograph

- Highest education

- Occupation

- Place of burial (if applicable)

- Clothing


A staff member of Mitchell-Wiedefeld Funeral Home, Inc. will be honored to explain all of the options available to you.

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