Schmidt & Bartelt

read moreLiving with loss is something none of us wants to bear. The thought of it alone is often pain enough. But try as we may to avoid it, the real comfort comes from those who share your fears, anxieties or grief. Those closest to you who understand your loss and the emotions you're experiencing. Who, simply put, listen to what you're feeling and respond in the most comforting ways you could ever imagine. They're your family. They're your friends. And they're also the people you'll find at Schmidt & Bartelt.

read moreIt may not be the most original thought-treating you with the same care and respect we'd treat our own families-however it is the most genuine and sincere sentiment we hold. Understand we are not like conventional businesses because the work we do is personal. We are not driven by individual accomplishments and accolades, but the need to serve you and your family when death occurs and help you through the difficult days that follow. Your personal comfort and wellbeing is our first priority. We are funeral directors but we could just as easily be called family directors.

read moreMaking prearrangements can be as simple or as detailed as you would like. You can plan the entire service, select casket and music, etc. or simply record all the necessary information for legal forms and other paperwork. Either way, each decision you make is one less decision your family needs to worry about. Another reason to preplan is to ensure your family receives all of the entitled benefits they are due. It is important that all of your personal records, including bank account numbers, investment information, insurance policy numbers and location of these papers and documents be accessible to your family.

read moreCremation is an option that offers you many of the same service options as traditional burial. Your choices range from direct cremation with no viewing, visitation or religious rites to a full service funeral, which may include a public or private wake, a religious service followed by cremation. When remains are scattered, many people choose to have a non-traditional ceremony in memory of the deceased as part of the scattering process. Your only limitation is your imagination. When selecting a funeral home or cemetery you may wish to base your selection on the willingness and ability of the staff to explain all your options.

read moreFrom caskets and vaults to urns and keepsakes, we offer everything you need to complete your funeral arrangements. To learn more about the various products and available options, visit the appropriate pages or contact one of our funeral directors directly for personal assistance.

read moreTo help eliminate confusion, we have developed a planning guide entitled the Biographical Record Guide, where you can collect and make such pertinent personal details readily available at the time of death. Also included in this guide are places to record religious and memorial service wishes, cemetery and burial particulars, and a section that provides insights into resolving financial matters and collecting benefits due you. The following is a sample of the information it helps you plan for in advance.

read moreFrom the beginning of recorded history, societies have honored those who have died with a 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. In essence, it provides "closure" of sorts to help survivors adjust to their loss. It provides the opportunity for friends and family to celebrate the life that was lived and allow the healing process to begin.

read moreWhen death occurs in an institution. When the death occurs in a hospital or nursing home, the medical staff should take care of all the necessary legal steps. You need only to notify the medical staff that Schmidt & Bartelt will be handling funeral arrangements, and they will have you sign any necessary release forms. When death is anticipated at home. Today, more terminally ill people are electing to die at home under hospice care. In this situation, you need only to notify Hospice that Schmidt & Bartelt will be handling arrangements, so they can take care of all the necessary legal requirements.