Terry Marcou, General Manager of Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Service, Menomonee Falls and Sussex, was the featured speaker at Community Memorial Hospital's recent Senior Breakfast, "The Benefits of Pre-Planning." The record-breaking crowd of 100 was an indication of the growing interest in preplanning funeral arrangements. Here is an overview of Terry's presentation, featuring simple strategies for developing a plan that will give you and your family security and peace of mind.
Losing a loved one is a time of enormous emotional and financial stress, made more difficult when family members must make decisions about what their parent or loved one would have wanted. Despite the natural reluctance to think about death and its aftermath, more people are realizing that preplanning funeral or memorial arrangements is one of the wisest and most thoughtful things they can do for themselves and their family.
A comprehensive estate plan includes a will, power of attorney, living will (medical power of attorney), and carefully planned charitable gifts that benefit the causes important to you while reducing taxes owed by your heirs. It makes sense to include funeral preplanning as part of your estate planning process, to make sure that important decisions are made in advance by you, rather than for you.
At the Schmidt & Bartelt locations in Menomonee Falls and Sussex, the number of pre-arrangements has grown significantly, from 10-20 a year in 1985 to 250 a year now. "Preplanning your funeral or memorial service is becoming as common as preparing for any other important life event," says General Manager Terry Marcou. "Documenting your wishes ahead of time provides comfort and relief for everyone involved. It can be as simple or as detailed as you wish...it's up to you." Pre-funding is not necessary, but many people choose this option to minimize funeral costs, take advantage of all benefits they may be eligible for and guard against inflation. The two most common ways to pre-fund funeral arrangements are to establish a trust agreement (limited amount), or purchase an insurance policy (unlimited). Pre-payment means one less problem your loved ones must deal with during an emotionally difficult time.
Pre-arrangements typically include the type of service you wish (time, place, visitation, viewing), who you wish to oversee the arrangements, whether you want burial, cremation or organ donation, and payment provisions. It's a good idea to discuss your decisions with your family, so that they have some say in the planning. Plans are not binding during your lifetime; if your circumstances or wishes change, you can alter your plan accordingly. "Preplanning puts you in control of arrangements; you decide what's right for you, you set the budget, and you and your family can rest assured that your wishes will be carried out. It's a wonderful gift to leave to your loved ones at a very difficult time."
While opinions differ on closed or open casket, viewing is often an important part of the acceptance process, especially for children. Rather than trying to protect youngsters from the reality of death, funerals are an opportunity to help them learn to cope with an inevitable part of life. "Funerals are for the living," notes Terry. "It's an opportunity for families and friends to say goodbye, to celebrate and honor the life of their loved one." By sparing your family the burden of making difficult decisions at a time when they are already overwhelmed, all of you have the comfort and security that comes with knowing your final wishes are carried out.
Many people have found Community Memorial Foundation's Estate Protection booklet a valuable guide in identifying and organizing essential personal information in one secure place. For a free copy, call the Foundation at 262-257-3769.
More than half of all Americans don't! No matter your age or the amount of property you own, everyone needs a basic estate plan. If you die without a will, Wisconsin state statutes will dictate where your assets go upon your death (including a sizeable percentage in taxes). At minimum, a will should identify the people and organizations that you want to inherit your property, guardians for minor children and an executor that will be in charge of carrying out your directions. With a thoughtfully planned will, you can avoid significant tax liability and take care of the people and causes important to you. You may also make the decision to leave a lasting legacy to organizations such as Community Memorial Foundation that have had a positive impact on your life. These final decisions are just too important to ignore.
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