Sunset Funeral Home in Mahomet, IL

When a death occurs, it is common to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Here are some general steps you can follow:

• Notify the authorities or emergency services if the death occurred outside of a hospital or care facility.
• Contact a funeral home or a funeral director to begin making arrangements. If arrangements have been pre-planned, then contact the funeral home handling those plans.
• Make a list of immediate family, close friends, and employer or business colleagues and notify each by phone.
• The funeral home will help you begin making arrangements and coordinate arrangements with the cemetery. This includes arranging clergy, ordering death certificates, deciding on the time and location of the service or services (if desired), gathering obituary information, and selecting an appropriate organization for gifts or donations (if desired).

Bring the following information to complete the state vital statistic requirements:

1. Birth Date
2. Birthplace
3. Father’s Name
4. Mother’s Name
5. Social Security Number
6. Veteran’s Discharge or Claim Number
7. Education
8. Marital Status

• Take care of the deceased’s personal affairs, such as contacting their employer, insurance companies, banks and creditors.
• Make any necessary legal arrangements related to the deceased person’s estate.

Remember to take care of yourself during this time. Allow yourself to grieve and seek support from loved ones or a professional counselor if needed.

It is standard practice for funeral homes to respond promptly when notified of a death. Typically, someone from the funeral home will come to the location of the deceased right away. However, if the family wishes to spend a short time with the deceased to say goodbye, that’s perfectly acceptable. Your funeral director will come when the time is right for you.

This decision is a personal one based on a variety of factors, including cultural and religious beliefs, personal preferences, environmental considerations, and cost. There is no right or wrong choice.

Burial is a traditional option that involves interring the body in a casket in the ground. Most of the time, when burial is selected, the body will be embalmed for sanitation, restoration, and preservation. Immediate burial without embalming is an option. If immediate burial is selected, the body cannot be present for any services selected.

Cremation is another option in which intense heat is used to reduce the body to ashes. This option is often preferred by those who want a simpler approach. It can also be less expensive than burial. After cremation, there are several ways to memorialize the person who passed away. One of the most popular ways is through interment where a forever resting place is chosen, and the cremated remains are buried or entombed in a spot in the cemetery.

Ultimately, the decision between burial and cremation should be based on what feels right to you and your family, taking into consideration religious or cultural beliefs and personal values. You may wish to discuss your options with a funeral director or other trusted advisor to help you make an informed decision.

Yes, we have the Memories of the Heart Children’s Program. This program combines arts and crafts projects with gentle discussion to guide children through the mystery of a funeral or cremation, providing support during a difficult time.

The Mahomet Chapel has a large room for most services, or can be converted for smaller gatherings. There is also a private lounge with a cafe, fireplace, and tables that can be used for smaller services.