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Q & A
There are many questions when planning for the future. Below please find answers to the most commonly asked questions. If the question on your mind is not one of these please do not hesitate to either call or email us at the information below and we will respond.
- If I preplan and prepay, are my funds safe?
- What do we need to bring to the funeral home when we make the arrangements?
- What is cremation?
- If I choose cremation, can I have a funeral, and viewing?
- My parents are snow birds and go south for the winter, what if one of them dies down there?
- What if the death occurs in the middle of the night?
Other questions, feel free to contact us at area code 641.673.7366 or email us at info@batesfuneralchapel.com
If I preplan and prepay, are my funds safe?
Yes, 100% of the monies prepaid are trusted either in a bank trust or
through the life insurance companies we endorse. We provide prearranged
funerals as a service, and there is no fee charged you for this service.
Back to Questions
What do we need to bring to the funeral home when we make the arrangements?
You should bring several things with you to the funeral home for the arrangements conference, assuming they are readily available:
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Any notes, a photo of the deceased, or special requests made by the deceased
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The deceased's Social Security number
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Clothing
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If the deceased was a veteran, military discharge papers
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Insurance policies, if you chose
And finally, bring an open mind. Generally, people have not experienced arranging funerals, and they may think they know how funerals work based on an experience in another place many years ago. Today, options for funeral services are nearly limitless, and your original ideas may be only the starting point for the final arrangements chosen. However, should you know exactly what you want, we will keep an open mind to carry out your wishes.
Cremation is another method of disposition of human remains at the time of one's death. It is a very final, and very irreversible process. In cremation, a person's body is reduced to small pieces of bone fragments by the process of intense heat. The end result is referred to as cremated remains, ashes, or sometimes, cremains.
If I choose cremation, can I have a funeral, and viewing?
Yes, you can. People may choose cremation as final disposition after a traditional funeral service that includes visitation and viewing. Some choose a Memorial Service, either prior to or following the cremation. Most psychologists and grief counselors find these services to be very therapeutic for the bereaved family and friends.
My parents are snow birds and go south for the winter, what if one of them dies down there?
No matter where a death occurs, call Bates Funeral Chapel first and we will take charge of the situation, which will help minimize expenses. We will take care of all the necessary details in getting your loved one back to Iowa, and you arrange for getting the survivor back. We can make immediate decisions via the telephone or FAX, and when everyone is back home, we'll get together to finalize the arrangements.
What if the death occurs in the middle of the night?
Morning, noon, or night, our licensed staff is on call to respond to your need.
