FAQ
What is Concierge Funeral Service™?
What cemetery options are available when using Kraft-Sussman Funeral Services?
Can Funeral Arrangements be planned and, if desired, paid for in advance?
Can I transfer my pre-paid funeral from another funeral home to Kraft-Sussman Funeral Services?
What if I have cemetery property in another city?
What is the difference between a funeral and memorial service?
What purpose does a funeral or memorial service serve?
Where can a funeral or memorial service take place
Can I personalize a funeral or memorial service?
As a United States veteran, will the Veterans Administration pay for my funeral expenses?
Is embalming required by law?
Can I still have a visitation and/or funeral service if I wish to be cremated?
Is a vault required at the cemetery?
Other questions and answers
What is Concierge Funeral Service™?
Concierge Funeral Service is the practice and philosophy at Kraft-Sussman Funeral Services to provide each of our clients with compassionate, personalized guidance and support, at your time of need or during your prearrangement process, in a way that meets your needs and fits within your means.
We will work with you from your first call through the end of the process, providing you with a variety of options, to help you make well-informed decisions.
What cemetery options are available when using Kraft-Sussman Funeral Services?
Because we are not affiliated with a cemetery, you have the choice of utilizing any of the Southern Nevada cemeteries. Our staff will provide you with information on all of your options and help coordinate the purchase of cemetery property if you like.
Can Funeral Arrangements be planned and, if desired, paid for in advance?
Yes they can. Many people find that preplanning arrangements gives them peace of mind knowing that their wishes will be carried out and the burden lessened on their family at the time of their death.
Preplanning your funeral consists of meeting with a representative of the funeral home to allow us to gather biographical information for a death certificate as well as information you would like to be included in an obituary notice. At this time you review the options available to you and select the services and items you would like to have for your funeral.
Once these pre-arrangements are made, you may decide to prepay your funeral to secure the price at today's cost. We use insurance instruments to prepay for these arrangements at Kraft-Sussman Funeral Services.
Can I transfer my pre-paid funeral from another funeral home to Kraft-Sussman Funeral Services?
Absolutely, you may transfer your pre-arrangement from one funeral home to another funeral home at any time. Many people who enter into a prepaid funeral contract do not fully understand what their transferability rights are. Plans can be transferred either before or after death occurs. Most of the laws in Nevada governing prepaid funeral contracts purchased through a funeral home are designed to protect you, the consumer. Kraft-Sussman Funeral Services accepts all pre-need transfers without any additional cost to you.
A contract can be easily transferred before a death or even after a death occurs. Simply contact Kraft-Sussman Funeral Services and we will be able to assist you. In order to transfer the contract, we need to notify the third party holding the funds and inform them of who the new funeral home will be. We make this process as simple as possible for you, personally handling all documentation and delivering it to your home for signing. In most cases the money never actually moves, only the funeral home designation changes.
What if I have cemetery property in another city?
Many people who live in southern Nevada have already purchased cemetery property in another city. Our staff will work with you and the funeral home and/or cemetery where the deceased will be buried to handle the preparation and shipping arrangements.
What is the difference between a funeral and memorial service?
A funeral is a service where the body of the deceased is present. The body of the deceased is not present at a memorial service. A memorial service may take place prior to or after burial or cremation, or in another city from where a burial has taken place.
What purpose does a funeral or memorial service serve?
For those who are left behind, a funeral or memorial service provides a place for family and friends to gather for support and reminisce. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the life and accomplishments of a loved one and a chance to say goodbye.
Where can a funeral or memorial service take place?
A service may be held at almost any location the family and friends feel would be comfortable and appropriate. Many people utilize the funeral home or a house of worship. However, with certain limitations, services may also be held in homes, community centers or other places which hold significance to the deceased, family and friends.
Can I personalize a funeral or memorial service?
Yes, and we encourage you to do so. Many people personalize a service by working with our staff to develop a short video which includes a favorite song and photos of the deceased. Some bring in photos or personal objects to display. Others share a favorite snack. Whatever direction you choose, we will work with you to help personalize your service so that is meaningful to you.
As a United States veteran, will the Veterans Administration pay for my funeral expenses?
Each veteran, discharged other than dishonorably, is entitled to a burial flag and a government grave marker for an unmarked grave. In certain circumstances, a veteran may be eligible for monetary benefits. These may include a burial allowance of $300, a plot allowance of $150 and some transportation expenses. If the death is ruled to be service connected, there may be additional monies available.
Eligible veterans, their spouse and their unmarried minor children may be buried at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City. There is no charge for the plot or for opening and closing of the grave site of a veteran. A $450.00 fee is charged for the burial of a family member. Headstones are provided at no cost by the federal government. Military honors are provided by military units.
Cremated remains are buried or inurned in national cemeteries in the same manner and with the same honors as casketed remains.
Is embalming required by law?
Except in certain special cases, embalming is not required by law. However, embalming will be necessary if you select certain funeral arrangements such as viewing during visitation. If the body is transported out of state, some states require embalming or a special sealed container. If you do not want embalming, you have the right to choose an arrangement that would not require it such as closed casket services, immediate burial or cremation prior to your services.
Can I still have a visitation and/or funeral service if I wish to be cremated?
There are many options available today with regards to cremation. The act of cremation is simply a form of disposition of the body, taking the place of burial. While you may desire a direct cremation with no services, many people are choosing to have visitation and a funeral service prior to the cremation. Others choose to have a memorial service after the cremation has been done with the urn present. Kraft-Sussman Funeral Services can help you make this service unique to fit your needs.
Is a vault required at the cemetery?
Most perpetual care cemeteries in our area do require some form of outer burial container. The word vault is used to describe an outer container that is waterproof by an air seal or by a top seal. Other containers such as a concrete box or metal grave liner are also used. We can help you decide which type of container is right for you.
Other frequent questions and answers may be found by clicking the links below: http://consumer.iccfa.com/ (International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association Consumer Resource Guide)
