When someone passes away, the funeral director does everything they can to make things right for the family. It's their job to manage and direct the entire funeral home in preparation for a funeral or memorial service. But what does their job entail? 

What Does a Funeral Director Do?

1. Complete All Necessary Paperwork

One of the funeral directors’ more administrative tasks is dealing with the paperwork that is required after a death. This might include submitting papers to state officials for formal death certificates, resolving insurance claims, notifying proper federal insurance agencies of the death, and applying for veteran’s funeral benefits on behalf of the family. They also assist the purchasing of any caskets, urns, or other burial containers or vaults.  

2. Make Transportation & Preparation Arrangements

Funeral directors are frequently responsible for arranging the transportation of the body to the funeral home and then to its final resting place. Once it arrives at the funeral home or crematory, many directors are also charged with embalming or preparing the body for burial. This is done according to the wishes of the deceased or their family. They may also make arrangements for all travel and transportation on the day of memorial service, including how mourners will be transported and the order they arrive in.

3. Consult With the Deceased’s Family

They will also be the face of the funeral home for the family members of the deceased. A family might meet several times with them to discuss the logistics, such as location, dates, memorial services, and burials. They may also assist the family in arranging for clergy, pallbearers, and obituary notices. They then work hard to make sure that every wish or need is met for all of the services being used.

4. Listen, Support, & Advise

As they meet with family and friends, funeral directors are trained and experienced in dealing with bereavement. As they strive to make the final arrangements of a loved one, they will also try to determine how family members are dealing with the death and can refer them to professionals who can help or support groups in the community.

Whether you are making plans for your own funeral or that of a loved one, Brater-Winter Funeral Home wants to be there for you in your time of need. They specialize in celebrating the lives of those lost and making their final preparations as stress-free as possible. Give a funeral director a call today at (513) 941-1940, or visit their website to learn more about their services.