Frequently Asked Questions
Who Owns your Company?
When you ask us, we'll tell you, "We do." Because our funeral home has been 100% independently owned and operated by the Karvonen Family for 3 generations. We are proud to continue our family tradition… Greg and Suzi Karvonen.
What is the significance of a funeral service?
From the beginning of recorded history, societies have honored those who died with a traditional ceremony. According to beliefs at that time, the purpose of the ritual was to send the deceased on his or her journey into the afterlife. Today, however, many experts agree that the benefits of a service are for those who are left behind after a death. A "closure" of sorts must occur to help survivors adjust to their loss and recognize that a death has occurred. A funeral service provides the opportunity for friends and family to celebrate the life that was lived and allow the healing process to begin.
How much does a funeral cost?
Funeral costs vary depending on the funeral home and type of service selected. There are three types of costs associated with a funeral: (1) services provided by the funeral home and (2) merchandise such as a casket or urn and (3) cash advances.
Can I make my funeral arrangements before I die?
Yes. Today, pre-arrangement and prepayment of funerals are becoming more common. Prearranging will provide you with more time to review your options and give you a choice in your own funeral service. Pre-arrangement will provide you with the peace of mind that everything has been taken care of, relieving your family of the burden that often comes with making arrangements when a loved one passes away. At the Karvonen & Son Funeral Home, we will assist you with your pre-arrangements.
How many types of caskets exist, and why are some more expensive than others?
Caskets are made of either metal (bronze, copper or steel) or wood. Prices vary, depending on the exterior and interior materials used. Bronze, a semiprecious metal, is more expensive than steel. Mahogany, a rare hardwood, is more expensive than the readily available softwood pine.
What is embalming and is it necessary before services are held?
Embalming is the temporary preservation of a deceased's remains. It is not required by law, but is common practice when a viewing is planned.
Can a funeral home assist me with Social Security benefits and Veteran death benefits?
Yes. In fact, the Karvonen & Son Funeral Home will do more than just assist you with securing these benefits. Our staff is trained to complete all necessary paperwork to begin the benefits process and to follow through to ensure that the benefits are secured in a timely manner.
Can there be funeral services or ceremonies if cremation is chosen?
Cremation does not limit, but in fact increases the options available. The options for ceremonies prior to or following the cremation can include the selection of a casket or an urn, visitation with the body present (or memorial visitation where the urn is the focal point), a display of photographs or personal effects and awards, the location of the funeral ceremony and selection of music.
What is involved in the cremation process?
Before cremation occurs, medical authorities must have issued all required authorizations and permits. In addition, necessary authorizations to cremate must be obtained from the next of kin or authorizing person and no objections to the cremation can be raised. The cremation then takes place and the cremated remains are placed in the designated container or urn selected for final disposition.
Are special cremation containers and caskets available?
The Karvonen & Son Funeral Home offers a wide variety of cremation containers and caskets to meet each family's needs.
Are the services held before or after cremation?
Services are held at the discretion of the family. Many choose to have a traditional service first, followed by the cremation.
What happens to the cremated remains?
There are many options to consider with a cremation. A family can choose to bury the remains in a cemetery, store and display them at home in an urn or scatter them in a place special to the deceased. It is advisable to check local restrictions on scattering remains on public property and obtain permission for private property.
I have already made arrangements and funded my funeral in advance. What if I move or want to use another Funeral Home?
By making arrangements in advance, you were able to express your own wishes and relieve this emotional burden from your family. By funding your funeral in advance, you also relieved the financial burden from your family. These arrangements can be reestablished with another funeral home and are transferable to another funeral home at any time.
