When a Death Occurs
In the first hours after a loss, it can be hard to know what to do next. This guide walks you through the immediate steps — and remember, you can call Schnackenberg & Riddle Funeral Home at any time of the day, any day of the week.
The First Call
When you call, we will come when your family is ready. If you request immediate assistance, we come right away; if you would like to spend a short time with your loved one to say goodbye, that is perfectly acceptable. Your loved one will be brought into our care gently and respectfully, at any hour of the day or night.
What We Take Care Of
From the first call forward, we handle the practical details: bringing your loved one into our care, notifying the proper authorities, securing certified copies of the death certificate, preparing and submitting the obituary to the newspapers of your choice, and filing paperwork with Social Security, the VA, and insurance companies so your family receives the benefits due.
Information to Gather
Before the arrangement conference, it helps to gather a few things: the information needed for the death certificate (date and place of birth, occupation, parents' names), details for the obituary (memberships, military service, survivors), and a list of family, friends, and employers to notify. If a favorite outfit, photographs, or insurance policies are handy, bring those too — and if anything is missing, we will help you track it down.
