Torch, Winter 1981

~ o one likes to think about death. In fact, statistics tell us that the average person will experience a death in the family only once every 14 years. Only two times in a per– son's lifetime, on the average, will he actually have to make funeral ar– rangements. Nevertheless, physical death comes sooner or later and many Christians are not prepared. The TORCH staff felt it important to explore the ins and outs of funeral ar– rangements, especially for this issue with its focus on death. We trust the following interview with Roger Wil – helm, a Christian mortician in Ra– venna, Ohio, will b~ helpful. TORCH: Mr. Wilhelm, is it true that the funeral director is one of the first persons called when someone dies? WILHELM: Yes, that is true . Since most deaths occur in an institution , nursing office policy usually re– quires the next of kin or some other person legally re– sponsible to contact the funeral director. TORCH: What is decided at the fu – neral director's office? WILHELM: There are numerous family desires which must be determined during the initial visit. Per– sonal history of the deceased for newspaper notices, death certificates, social security, veterans' benefits, and insurance claims must be ascertained. Also, times must be set for calling hours, services at a church or funeral home, and for interment. The casket, vault, clothing, and flowers are also selected at this time. TORCH: Are morticians certified? What about the funeral home itself? WILHELM: Embalmers and funeral directors are licensed separately, but one individual may, and usually does, maintain both licenses issued by the State of Ohio. Funeral homes must also be licensed by the State of Ohio, meet standards in accordance with the Department of Health, and satisfy strict requirements issued by the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors. TORCH: Is it more expensive to have a service at a church or at a fu neral home? WILHELM: Many funeral homes include one service charge which would permit a service in a church or at the funeral home with no difference in price. TORCH: What if the deceased was on welfare? WILHELM: When an Ohio welfare recipient dies, the Welfare Department uses the guidelines set before them to review the particular case in question and issues a ruling accordingly. Generally speaking, the Welfare Department in Ohio will pay $500 toward funeral expenses and will pay an additional amount of $500 to be spent by family or friends . TORCH: Do veterans get special treatment? WILHELM: Yes, depending upon the eligibility of the deceased. There are government provisions for up to $250 burial allowance--$150 as a plot or interment allowance and a government provided grave marker . An American flag is used to drape the casket of a war– time veteran whose discharge was other than dishonor– able . Military personnel on active duty are entitled to benefits which are more comprehensive. TORCH: What is the average Ohio funeral cost? WILHELM: An average funeral in this portion of Ohio is about $1845. This includes only the funeral home service charge, casket, and vault. Professional services Facilities . . . . . Motor Equipment Casket Vault $ 465 . 418 . 212 1095 . 405 . 345 $1845 In addition to these costs, there are other incidentals which must be considered in determining the entire fu– neral cost to a particular family . Clergyman's honorarium . . $ 25 Cemetery (1 grave) . . . . . . 150 Cemetery opening and closing 100 Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Hair dresser . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Classified newspaper notice . . 30 Death Certificates (6 at $2 each) . . 12 TORCH: Many people may think that the $1845-plus funeral cost is high. Are funeral homes charging excessively? WILHELM: I must point out that only $465 of the funeral quoted above is funeral home labor . From the other costs that are itemized, you can see that the funeral director has little or no control over them. TORCH: You mentioned a clergy– man's honorarium. Is there a set fee? WILHELM: No, there is no set fee for ministers, nor do ministers usually set fees for themselves. TORCH: What is the least expen– sive way to dispose of a body? WILHELM: The local college of medicine would be the least expensive. However, since the gen– eral public could not all utilize this method , the least ex– pensive is instant cremation, or what is termed direct disposal. It must be noted that the least financially 7