 | Lester Kline has been in cemetery sales for 25 years. In 1972 he began working with an independent contracting company selling mausoleum crypts in Ashtabula, Ohio. After his tenure in Ohio, Les moved to San Antonio, Texas where he served in many positions including Family Service Supervisor, Sales Manager, General Manager, Area Manager, Assistant Regional Vice President, and Regional Vice President of Operations to name a few. In 2004 Les and his wife moved to Wichita where he is currently the area Sales Manager for all of the Wichita Dignity Memorial Funeral and Cemetery Locations. Les can be reached at 316-722-2100 or for more information visit www.resthavenmortuary-cemetary.com. |
Funeral Planning
2008-01-01 11:17:00
What you should know about funeral arrangements
What do I need to know to begin planning my cemetery arrangements?
When it comes to selection of a cemetery, it is a very good practice to call the cemetery and set up a time to visit. This will give you the opportunity to see what they have to offer and to check out all your options so you can make an educated decision. You may want to visit several different cemeteries to find the one you feel will provide you with the service and type of burial you want. Remember this is your eternal resting place, the place where your family and friends will come to visit from time to time.
There are several different types of burial which I will briefly describe:
Let’s start with the traditional ground burial. There are usually many different prices for lots depending on the location and desirability of the area. Many cemeteries have restrictions on what type of memorial you may place on the grave spaces. You need to decide if you would like an upright type monument, a level with the ground granite or a bronze memorial placed on a granite base. If you want to get creative, you may want to have a custom headstone, but be sure the property you select will permit the type of memorial you want. Some cemeteries have special estate areas when you can buy several spaces together for you and other family members which may also allow for a family monument.
Many cemeteries have a Lawn Crypt Garden. These are pre-installed crypts with some type of drainage system. Some of them are double depth, where the first burial casket is placed on the bottom, then there is a shelf or divider placed inside the crypt for the second casket. With this type of burial, you will still need to purchase the memorial.
Next is the Mausoleum, which is entombment above ground in a clean dry ventilated crypt. One type is the community mausoleum. They are designed for many different families. With the mausoleum, all you need to purchase is the memorial or lettering. You may prefer to choose a private mausoleum. They come in may shapes, sizes, style, and colors. You will also need to purchase several spaces or a family estate for its placement. Take your time to get all the facts if this is your selection.
Most cemeteries require the use of an outer burial container, usually referred to as a vault. The main purpose is to help prevent the grave from sinking or caving in over time. Some cemeteries charge a vault setting fee at the time of the service.
There is usually an opening/closing and tent set up fee. Some cemeteries permit you to pay for this in advance and freeze the price.
For those of you interested in cremation, many cemeteries have the same type of burial selections for placement of the cremated remains. Also, cremation benches are becoming quite popular, but you need to be sure the cemetery you select permits them.
I am sure you would agree that it makes sense to make as many of these decisions as possible ahead of time. Many cemeteries can provide you with a free copy of a detailed Planning Guide, where you can list all these decisions, or you can call me at 722-2100 and ask for Les.
