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Bishop's Resources

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Bishop's Guide for conducting funeral services.

We want to take this opportunity to express our thanks and appreciation to you for the many hours you give as you serve the families in your ward, especially when they are faced with the loss of a loved one. As we witness the loving care offered by our good bishops, we count it as true tender mercies.
I want you to know that all of us at Berg Mortuary are here to assist you in any way we can. We have put together a few resources items with we hope will be a help to you as you serve the families in your ward. I hope you will find these things helpful in streamlining your efforts as you conduct funeral services.
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Losing a Loved One

When faced with a death, knowing what steps to take can ease some of the uncertainty in a difficult time. Whether the passing occurs at home, in a care facility, or away from home, understanding the immediate actions to be taken is crucial. From contacting local authorities or emergency services to coordinating with a preferred funeral home, having a plan in place can help navigate the initial stages of bereavement with greater clarity and peace of mind.

Our team is dedicated to providing personalized assistance tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Whether it's ensuring cultural or religious customs are honored, arranging for special requests, or simply offering a compassionate ear to listen, we're committed to supporting you through every aspect of this journey. Our goal is to alleviate any burdens you may face during this challenging time, allowing you to focus on honoring your loved one's memory and finding solace in the midst of grief.

We're here to help you through any scenario:

Death Occurs at Home
Death Occurs at a Hospital or Care Facility
Death Occurs Away From Home
Contact us for immediate assistance

When a Death Occurs at Home

In the event of an unexpected death at home, the first step is to contact local authorities or emergency services. Ensure they are informed about any advanced directives or DNR orders. Medical professionals will confirm the passing and involve the coroner or medical examiner for official declaration.

If end-of-life care services were utilized, reaching out to the agency can streamline the process. It's advisable to contact a preferred funeral home for transportation arrangements. Until responders arrive, refrain from moving the deceased or altering the home.

When a Death Occurs at a Hospital or Care Facility

Children's reactions to death may differ from adults', often displaying a wide array of emotions like depression, guilt, or anger. Encouraging open expression of feelings is crucial, even if some children struggle to articulate them. Tailoring conversations to their developmental stage aids comprehension and processing, while regression behaviors may manifest during times of trauma or loss.

When a Death Occurs Away From Home

In the event of an unexpected death at home, the first step is to contact local authorities or emergency services. Ensure they are informed about any advanced directives or DNR orders. Medical professionals will confirm the passing and involve the coroner or medical examiner for official declaration.

If end-of-life care services were utilized, reaching out to the agency can streamline the process. It's advisable to contact a preferred funeral home for transportation arrangements. Until responders arrive, refrain from moving the deceased or altering the home.
Our veterans deserve to be honored and recognized for their sacrifices. This is especially true after they pass away, whether that death was service related or not. Veterans and their families may be able to receive monetary allowances to reimburse certain burial related expenses, honorary tributes as part of a funeral or memorial service, and special memorial and keepsake items. These benefits are intended to help honor the veteran’s life and express gratitude for their contributions to our nation.

Understanding Veteran Eligibility and Requirements:

Veteran eligibility for burial benefits, death benefits, and memorial items hinges on various factors, primarily verified through the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214). Pre-1950, different military branches utilized similar forms. In the absence of a DD Form 214, alternative documents demonstrating honorable discharge may suffice, and replacements can be obtained through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
MORE INFO FROM THE VA

Eligibility Requirements:

Active duty service members and Selected Reserve members are typically eligible.

Former service members with honorable discharge are generally eligible, barring dishonorable discharge.
Those completing at least one enlistment period in the Selected Reserves, without dishonorable discharge, qualify.
Former Selective Reserve members discharged due to service-related disabilities are eligible.

Veterans Burial Allowance:

A burial allowance, also sometimes called a “veterans death benefit”, may be available to help offset any burial, funeral, and transportation costs related to a veteran’s death. You will need to pay for these services in advance and then apply for the allowance, however it is an option if these expenses are not being reimbursed by another agency or the veteran’s employer.

The amount of a burial allowance varies based on the veteran’s date of death and whether the death was service related. There is also an additional allowance amount for a headstone or marker. Your funeral director can help you determine eligibility and the amount of any potential allowances. You can also find more information regarding burial allowances here.

Burial Flag:

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a United States flag at no cost to the next-of-kin of a deceased veteran. The flag is provided as a keepsake designed to honor the memory of the veteran. It is typically used during the funeral or memorial service during the flag folding and presentation ceremony detailed above before being presented to the family or next-of-kin. 

Family members or close friends of the veteran may apply for a burial flag if the veteran meets one of the following eligibility requirements: 

  • The veteran served during wartime
  • They died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941
  • The veteran served after January 31, 1955
  • They served in peacetime and were discharged or released from service before June 27, 1950 after serving at least one enlistment or were discharged due to disability that was caused or made worse by active military service. 
  • In certain cases, those who served in the Selected Reserves and those who served in the organized military forces of the Commonwealth of the Philippines while in service of the U.S. Armed Forces and who died on or after April 25, 1951.

Burial Flag:

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a United States flag at no cost to the next-of-kin of a deceased veteran. The flag is provided as a keepsake designed to honor the memory of the veteran. It is typically used during the funeral or memorial service during the flag folding and presentation ceremony detailed above before being presented to the family or next-of-kin. 

Family members or close friends of the veteran may apply for a burial flag if the veteran meets one of the following eligibility requirements: 

  • The veteran served during wartime
  • They died while serving on active duty after May 27, 1941
  • The veteran served after January 31, 1955
  • They served in peacetime and were discharged or released from service before June 27, 1950 after serving at least one enlistment or were discharged due to disability that was caused or made worse by active military service. 
  • In certain cases, those who served in the Selected Reserves and those who served in the organized military forces of the Commonwealth of the Philippines while in service of the U.S. Armed Forces and who died on or after April 25, 1951.

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