For those who have just lost a loved one, arranging the details of the funeral can add another deeply stressful experience to one of the most difficult periods of life. With the grief, despair and confusion that follow a death, making even the simplest decisions can be almost impossible.

    By prearranging the funeral, you and your loved ones have the opportunity to make choices which will bring not only peace of mind today, but comfort when the need arises. You can take all the time necessary to plan a service that will include your personal preferences.

  During pre-planning you have time to answer such critical questions as:

Will there be visitation?

Will the service be religious or not, traditional or non-traditional?

Where will the service be held?

Who will act as pallbearers?

What kind of music, flowers, readings, etc. should be included?

What type of casket and burial vault will be used?

Is cremation preferred?

    Other important considerations may include writing a will, selecting a cemetery lot and choosing an appropriate monument or memorial.

    Many people who pre-arrange a funeral also pre-fund it with the funeral home.
There are three options for doing this.

Irrevocable Burial Trust

The first method is done by setting up an irrevocable burial account that is held at a bank trust department. Currently our irrevocable trust accounts are set up are through PNC Bank. Tax free interest earned on these accounts will offset any inflation in funeral expenses over the years. It is guaranteed by us to cover funeral expenses as previously chosen when paid in full at the time of arrangements, and we'll refund excess funds to the family.

Homesteaders Life Insurance

The second method you may select is via the Homesteaders Life Insurance Company. When you buy a Homesteaders funeral plan, you are actually buying a special life insurance policy. This policy pays for your funeral arrangements at the time of need, no matter how far in the future. Payment options are available over 1, 3 or 5 year periods.

Life Insurance Assignment

The third method is by taking a current life insurance policy and making an irrevocable assignment of ownership to the funeral home in order to provide money for the funeral services at the time of need. The policy would be redeemed at the time of death and proceeds would be used to pay for the funeral bill. Any unpaid portions of the funeral bill would be passed on to the family or estate. Likewise any additional funds would be returned to the family.

    We at Brugger Funeral Homes are here to help ease the burden of funeral planning. Your choices should be practical and consistent with your lifestyle. Decisions should be made at a time of peace instead of a time of grief.

    Pre arrangements can be made with any of our funeral directors. Please call to set up a time to talk to one of our experienced, caring and dedicated directors.