Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a funeral cost?
With us no more than it should. When it comes time to plan a funeral, you have enough to think about without having to worry about cost. We offer a variety of service options so the cost depends on your personal selections.
We have a helpful brochure entitled “How much does a funeral cost?” Please call today for your copy that provides further details about this question.
Why should I preplan my funeral?
Our funeral home has been helping people preplan their funerals for generations. We have compiled a list of 125 things that must be done when a person dies. Many items on this list can be planned, arranged and/or paid for before the time of need.
Our website www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com shares a list of ten reasons to preplan. Probably the most important reason is the consquent peace of mind people enjoy once funeral prearrangements are complete. Call us today if you are interested in more information about the many benefits of funeral preplanning.
What is a green funeral?
A green funeral incorporates environmentally friendly options to meet the needs of a family requesting a green service. A green funeral can include any or all of the following basic options: no embalming or embalming with formaldehyde-free products; the use of sustainable, biodegradable clothing, shroud or casket; using recycled paper products and locally grown organic flowers and food; carpooling; arranging a small memorial gathering in a natural setting; and natural or green burial.
What is a green burial?
In a “purist” natural or green burial, the body is buried without embalming, in a natural setting. Any shroud or casket used must be biodegradable, nontoxic and of sustainable material. Traditional standing headstones are not permitted. Instead, flat rock, plants or trees might serve as grave markers; some cemeteries use GPS to mark the locations of gravesites.
Is there a local green cemetery?
Not currently, but there are three in the works.
What about cremation? Is it considered green?
In general, cremation is not considered green because the cremation process uses nonrenewable fossil fuels, even though cremation does use fewer resources than conventional forms of disposition. Cremation also produces airborne emissions. However, cremated remains do not need to be interred in a cemetery, which does reduce land use.
Where does the cremation process occur?
Our funeral home uses the local, family owned Traverse City crematory. By Michigan law, funeral homes are not allowed to own a crematory.
The following questions are examples of those found in “Ask the Funeral Director”. We would be happy to provide a program on this topic and/or send you a 24 page booklet published by Guideline Publications.
Why do we have funeral homes?
Funeral services were held in homes long before funeral homes came into existence. At first it was the local cabinet maker that supplied a casket to the family. The was the case with the Jonkhoff family as Gerritt (first generation funeral director) made both cabinets and caskets in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The family members did the cleansing, dressing, and cosmetics themselves. After the Civil War when arterial embalming began to be practiced, funeral directors would come to the family home and prepare the deceased. Funerals were still held in the home. As American customs and attitudes changed, so did funeral service. The funeral director was asked to assume more of the responsibilities of the funeral and provide a place to hold the service for those who preferred not to have the funeral service in their homes anymore.
How long does it take to plan a funeral?
There are no two people that are exactly alike and therefore no two funerals should be exactly the same. Planning most funerals at a funeral home takes approximatley two to three hours.