“A goal without a plan is just a wish.” 

                      Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, writer and pioneering aviator

 

     When it comes to your final arrangements, Mikal’s Funeral Parlor believes that you should be in charge of making the decisions.  The arrangements you make will reflect your exact wishes and desires.  Anyone can create a plan, at any stage in their life, and you can make changes at a later date if you wish.  You can create the perfect draft to then email to us, in the comfort of your own home or you can call to schedule an appointment to come in to meet with a member of our staff to put your plan in place.

 

     Pre-arranging your own service will help to ease the burden of your loved ones.  By taking care of your arrangements before the time of need, you are relieving your family of doubt, providing them certainty, lifting the financial burden off of your loved ones and giving them more time and energy to focus on healing and remembrance. They won’t have to ask themselves, “Am I making the right choices?” and can instead focus on what matters: saying goodbye and celebrating your life journey with those who cared about you most.  It will also alleviate any questions, problems or differences, which can occur among family members. When you plan ahead you know that your wishes will be fulfilled. They will need only to… follow, your, instructions.  

​

 

Here are some helpful things to keep in mind:

 

What is Your Father’s name, your Mother’s Maiden name, your level of Education, and your Social Security Number.

Do you have any Special Affiliations such as:  Fraternal Service, Union Membership, Service Organizations, along with any other special recognitions or groups that you are a part of?

Who are the Friends and Relatives who should be notified in the event of your passing?

Are you a Veteran?  If so, do you have the following items readily available:

• Military service

• Branch rank

• Date of enlistment

• Date of discharge

• Name(s) of war/conflict(s) toured

• Serial number

 

 

Other ways in which you can paint your perfect picture of Pre-Planning:

​

Gather personal information for your obituary

​

Choose a charity to direct donations to, if desired

​

Choose a funeral home

​

Make note of any special instructions you desire for your services and final disposition

 
 

 

Type of Service

​

Funeral or No Funeral?

 

Choose Burial or Cremation

 

Select a casket or cremation container

 

Choose the location and type of service

 

Decide whether you’d like to have a viewing or visitation

 

Choose a floral arrangement

 

Select which photographs and memorabilia you’d like to display

 

Consider any customs, traditions, or religious rites that are important to you and your family

 

Choose the clothing you’d like to be dressed in

 

Select music and hymns, if desired

 

Arrange transportation for your physical remains and your family(limos?)

 

Brainstorm any additional ways you’d like to personalize/customize the services or pay tribute to your accomplishments, hobbies, personality, and life story.

 
 

People

​

Choose a clergy member or officiant to preside over the service

 

Select any musicians whose talents you would like to employ

 

Select pallbearers

 

Choose friends or family members to perform the eulogy, read scripture, or prepare a speech

 
 

Cemetery

​

Choose a cemetery

 

Select a burial or cremation plot, or a mausoleum

 

Decide between above- and below-ground burial

 

Select a memorial or grave marker and inscription

​