Frequently Asked Questions

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, (2) merchandise such as a casket or urn and (3) miscellaneous costs such as cemetery expenses, honorariums to the clergy or musicians, newspaper charges, etc.

Is everything included in the price given to me by the funeral home?
All charges involving the funeral home’s services and merchandise are available from the funeral home. We will provide a general price list with all charges.

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 emotional and financial burden that often comes with making arrangements when a loved one passes away. Oftentimes, making arrangements in advance also guarantees a service and funeral at today’s prices, free from inflation. At Jacobsen-Greenway Funeral Home and Greenway 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 and copper are semi precious metals and are more expensive than other metals. Steel caskets are made from 16, 18 or 20 gauge steel. There are caskets made from a variety of different woods. Hardwoods such as mahogany or walnut are more expensive than the soft woods such as pine. There is a wide variety of styles, colors and prices of caskets to fit into any family’s budget.

What is embalming and is it necessary before services are held?
Embalming is the temporary preservation of a deceased’s remains. Under Nebraska statutes, embalming is required if the deceased is not cremated or buried within 24 hours after death, or the deceased may be placed in refrigeration for 72 hours and then the same 24 hour requirements mentioned above apply.

Can a funeral home assist me with Social Security benefits and Veteran death benefits?
Yes. In fact, Jacobsen-Greenway Funeral Home and Greenway Funeral Home will do more than just assist you with securing these benefits. The funeral home will complete all necessary paperwork to begin the benefits process and to follow through to ensure that the benefits are secured in a timely manner. This includes Social Security, the Veterans Administration or we can help you with filing a claim with your life insurance company.

What is involved in the cremation process?
Before cremation occurs, the death certificate must be completed and signed by the attending physician or county coroner. After examining the death certificate, a cremation permit will be signed by the county attorney in the county of death. 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?
Jacobsen-Greenway Funeral Home and Greenway 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. Another option would be to have a memorial service with the cremains present followed by a committal service at the cemetery.

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 and need 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 nearly all funding vehicles are transferable by the owner.