The first step in planning ahead is to record background information about yourself or for the person for whom you are planning. We fill out a folder called a Personal Arrangement Guide with your vital statistics, personal history, immediate family, emergency contact numbers, legal information, and any personal preferences you may have for funeral services. We make a copy of this folder for you to keep. We also fill out an Emergency Alert Card folder for you so that you can have a card to carry with you that will list your emergency contact numbers as well as medical and basic information. This card folder can be filled out for you or for the person for whom you are planning. The second step in pre-planning is to decide on the type of service you would prefer, as well as to select a casket and vault. If you would like, we can give you cost information and options of pre-funding.   The third step is to pre-fund these services. By paying for these services now, you will be relieving your family of that responsibility at the time of need. The funeral plan will increase in value over the years and is intended to keep pace with any increase in funeral costs. The funeral plan is irrevocable so that should you ever need state assistance for nursing home care or for any other reason, it will meet all necessary guidelines.

If you would like more information about pre-planning, living wills or any phase of funeral service, please call us any time at Dengel & Son Mortuary at 785- 242-2323 or e-mail us at dengelmortuary@sbcglobal.net. There is no charge or obligation for our services, and we will be glad to meet with you in your home or at the mortuary.

Whether you decide to take one step at a time or complete your plans all at once, you will have the peace of mind of knowing you have made things easier for your family. You will have the comfort of knowing you have eased their burden by making your own decisions. Your family will have the comfort of knowing they are following your wishes. Pre-planning is truly a gift of love.