What purpose does a funeral serve?
It is the customary way to recognize death and its finality. Funerals are recognized rituals for the living to show respect for the dead and to help survivors begin the grief process. People often comment that a funeral is an opportunity to reflect on their own mortality, their priorities and spiritual issues. Increasingly, people are becoming creative in planning funerals to make them personalized and meaningful. Some communities of faith have very set rituals, while others encourage considerable variation and personalization. For people who are not part of a community of faith, a service does not have to be religious. Many clergy or moderators will tailor the service to the family's wishes

Why have a public viewing?
Viewing is part of many cultural and ethnic traditions. Many grief specialists believe that viewing aids the grief process by helping the bereaved recognize the reality of death. Viewing is encouraged for children, as long as the process is explained and the activity voluntary.

I’ve decided on cremation. Can I still have a funeral or a viewing?
Yes, quite often some sort of viewing precedes the actual cremation. Deisler Funeral Home can assist you with the necessary information for a funeral with a cremation following or a memorial service.

Should I bring my child to a funeral or the funeral home?
Yes, but there are a few things to consider. First, don’t force the child to attend the funeral or visitation. If the child asks to go, let him. Second: Usually, children under the age of 6 do not have a thorough understanding of death. It is important to explain to the child beforehand what he will see when he comes to the funeral home or funeral service. Be honest and explain to them in terms they understand, that death is a part of life. Most children understand that in nature, plants and animals die, but they do not know why people die, especially if it is someone they are particularly close to, such as a grandparent. There are a lot of questions racing through that young mind when they hear that someone has died. Like most adults, children want to know why someone has died, where they go to when they have died, and why couldn't the doctors or hospitals stop them from dying. Answer questions as they come but don’t bombard them with too much in your answers.

I’ve already made funeral arrangements with another firm. Can I transfer my plan to Deisler Funeral Home?
Yes, you can transfer your plan. You can call our office to transfer your pre-arrangement.

How much a does a funeral cost?
A recent N.F.D.A. survey estimated the national average funeral cost to be around $5,500. This figure did not include cemetery expenses and some cash advance items such as a minister and musician honorariums. Since funeral services vary so much, it’s difficult to arrive at a typical cost.

What exactly is cremation?
Cremation is a process in which human remains are reduced to their original elements by intense heat. The body must be enclosed in some type of container when delivered to the crematory, typically a casket or cremation container.

Is cremation less expensive than traditional burial?
It depends on the selections you make. Cost will vary according to the final disposition chosen, the services associated with these choices and the cremation container and urn selected. Typically, there is little price difference between burial disposition and cremation with similar services.

Can I make cemetery arrangements through Deisler Funeral Home?
We are not affiliated with any cemeteries, but we have contacts with all the area cemeteries, and we can put families in touch with cemetery personnel so they can make their cemetery decisions. Cemetery costs are treated like any other outside expense, such as flowers, newspaper notices, clergy and musicians, in that the expense can be added to the expenses when prepaying a funeral.

What do I need to do if I want to donate my remains to science?
The medical schools at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University are designated by Michigan law to receive bodies, and donation can be made to the medical school of your choice. To donate your body, simply visit the funeral home for a form.

How do I become a tissue and organ donor?
Information can be obtained by contacting:

The Michigan Eye Bank at 1-800-247-7250 or the Gift of Life Agency 1800-482-4881

Can I receive assistance to pay for funeral services?
In limited cases, some clients might be eligible for financial assistance from the Family Independence Agency (FIA). The process of applying for FIA assistance needs to take place within the allotted time given by the department. It is the responsibility of the family, not Deisler Funeral Home to apply for this assistance program. Please bring it to our attention immediately if you believe your family may be eligible.  We will assist you in any way that we can.

Note: Not all charges or services are covered by FIA and your family will be required to pay any differences in cost if approved. If denied by FIA, the family will be charged full price for all services, merchandise and outside miscellaneous (cash advanced) items.

To Contact the Saginaw County FIA Offices, call (989) 758-1500.

If you have a question that isn’t answered here, contact Deisler Funeral Home.