Torch, Winter 1981

8 expensive method of disposal could also be the most ex– pensive to the mental health of the bereaved relatives. TORCH: How expensive can a fu– neral be? WILHELM: Expense can be nearly unlimited. The most expensive funeral offered at our funeral home is $15,120. TORCH: Can a person prearrange the costs of the funeral? WILHELM: Yes, A Payable on Death Account (POD) is money set aside with a local bank and this ac– count is in the client's name. This account is owned by the client and can be withdrawn or closed out by the client at any time . TORCH: What percent of your work is done by prearrangement? WILHELM: Five percent of our funerals have been prearranged. TORCH: What does it mean to em– balm? WILHELM: According to the Ohio Laws governing embalming and funeral directing, embalm– ing is "the preservation and disinfection ... of the dead human body by application of chemicals externally, in– ternally, or both." TORCH: Does a body have to be embalmed? WILHELM: Generally speaking, in the state of Ohio, deceased human remains need not be embalmed prior to burial or cremation. However, according to the Ohio Department of Health Rules and Regulations, He-5-15, the transportation of bodies dead of acute con– tagious diseases ... "shall be thoroughly embalmed with an approved disinfectant fluid by an embalmer licensed in the state of Ohio." And, according to He-5-16(B), "When the destination cannot be reached within twenty-four hours after death, the body shall be thor– oughly embalmed and the coffin or casket placed in an outside case of substantial construction." TORCH: Why do some people choose mausoleums? WILHELM: Some people prefer above ground rather than earth burial, and some desire the status that accompanies the more costly mausoleum interment. TORCH: Should.· people shop for tombstones? i-....... • WILHELM: Most peop1e are aware of the differ– ences between sandstone and granite, the former being more porous than the, latter; but what they do not know is that there are comparisons between granites. Granite prices are affected by and directly Felated to the crush– ing strength (durability) and moisture absorption (color preservation) . Yes, people should shop for monuments and grave markers. TORCH: What types of caskets are available? WILHELM: Caskets are constructed of either wood or metal exteriors, and the material used for the she1l determines the price variance. Many hardwoods are available. There are also pressed wood and pine caskets which would usually cost much less. In metal caskets, variance of material thickness and type is just as broad. Interiors of many styles and colors are avail– able. TORCH: Is a vault required? What is its purpose? WILHELM: A vault is required by most ceme– tery regulations but is not required by Ohio state law. Its purpose is to keep the ground above it from caving in. It is usually made of a concrete, metal, or fiberglass re– ceptacle encasing the casket for earth burial, and it also serves to protect the wood or metal casket from the moisture and soil. TORCH: Why do grave sites vary in cost? WILHELM: Some people might prefer the shade of a strong, towering, old oak; whereas another might select a hillside overlooking a breathtaking view. Cemeteries may charge more for this kind of site. Peo– ple usually associate a cemetery or gravesites with tran– quility, rest, natural beauty, and a pleasant place to later visit and reflect upon the past. TORCH: Do you see any trends in funerals? WILHELM: Today, people are more apt to make arrangements based upon their own individual personalities and needs, rather than predicating their decisions upon the basis of what others will think of their choice or custom. Most people still prefer a minis– ter and some are getting back to the church funeral. However, there are more and more families with no church affiliation who ask for assistance from a minis– ter with whom they are not acquainted. TORCH: Any unique stories or memories? WILHELM: As in the other professions, the fu– neral director becomes part of momentary crises which later are looked upon with much less gravity. Such memories, for the sake of survivors concerned, are best told in person and at a time further down the road. How– ever, I will share an interesting story. The funeral of a fine Christian man was held here in the funeral home. The Baptist minister concluded his message with an in– vitation for decisions by asking for a show of hands. Eleven people raised their hands for salvation. The same minister preached a funeral service in his own church, and again concluded with an invitation . Three raised their hands for salvation. Of these three, one was the 56-year-old brother of the deceased. Several weeks after the funeral, a son of the deceased phoned to say that his uncle had just passed away. What a blessing, to complete a family in the Lord.