Resources

The short answer is NO.  The State of Iowa does not mandate embalming for a traditional burial if the final disposition takes place within 72 hours from the time of death.  Many times your family may choose an option, such as an open casket visitation/viewing, which then most funeral providers will  require embalming.  If you did not agree to embalming, you DO NOT have to pay for embalming.

Absolutely!  When we take your loved one into our care from the place of death, some assume when the family lets us know cremation is the route that will be taken, we immediately proceed with the cremation.  There are a numebr of steps that must occur prior to the cremation process.  Many times we can offer a comfortable room where your loved one is placed with a pillow and comforter which allows private time for you and your immediate family to say final goodbyes prior to the cremation process.  In the majority of cases, embalming is NOT required for this option.

Many casket and vault manufacturers offer a variety of options.  Sealed, locking, lined, gauge of metal, reinforced, etc.  In our opinion, a casket is a casket and a vault is a vault.  They all pretty much do the same thing. We will explain the differences of each item and let you and your family make the decision that is right for you and your budget.  Never let a funeral director "tell" you what youshould do.  We are here to inform and educate, not force our opinions on you.

Yes.  When one prepays their funeral plan with us, all funds are placed into a Homesteaders Funeral Policy or a burial trust.  We are highly regulated by the Iowa Insurance Division with yearly reports and on-site audits.  The funds are secure and are held in a separate account (funeral home has no control of) and can only be used at the time of death by the provider providing the services. If you move, that policy can be used at any funeral and cremation provider in the United States.

No.  There is truly not a specific time in which a service has to be planned.  Even with a traditional burial, services can be held 2-3 weeks after the time of death and with cremation services, it is not uncommon to schedule a service months out.  This allows family and friends to find a time that works for them and not feel rushed to get everyone together right away.

We like to think that ALL providers in the State of Iowa have the upmost identification and moral standards where the cremated remains you recieve back are those of your loved one.  We keep the same director with you and your loved one throughout the process; meaning 99% of the time the same director that picked your loved one up will also perform the cremation process and see that the cremated remains are placed in the appropriate urn and labeled accordinly.  This gives us the utmost assurances that no mistakes can or will be made.

Funeral and cremation costs have continued to rise on average 3-4% yearly.  We are a family owned and operated funeral provider.  We don't have countless managers, supervisors, shareholders, vice-presidents, etc. to pay.  We offer unmatched service for nearly every budget.

We will NEVER try and upsell you or force you to purchase something that is not needed. As mentioned, when it comes to merchandise selection, we will inform and educate you and leave all decisions up to you.  Unfortunately, some providers have their employees on a commission based salary.  In our opinion, this is embarrassing and the only thing that will arise from this is pressure to upsell you and your family.  We want you satisfied and happy with your selections today, tomorrow and a year from now.

Absolutely not.  The choice of the type of service/celebration of life gathering you have for your loved one is up to you.  Many families we serve are getting away from traditional "sit-down" services.  Many find a celebration of life gathering (open house feel) where photos and videos are shared and seperate gathering areas where stories and memories can be told are much more appropriate in these times then an actual service.  There are truly no rules one has to follow.  How you remember your loved one is up to you.

Many places like to advertise bottom of the barrell pricing to lure one in and once done, the cost is rarely if ever even close to what was stated.  Some of the most common add-on charges one will incurr at other places are: Saturday fees, evening fees, meeting with an acutal human being fee (versus all over the phone/online), size of loved one fee, expedited/rush of cremated remains fee, funeral home website obituary fee, thrid party fees, expedited paperwork fee, afternoon fees and  the list can go on and on.  We have straightforward pricing that includes EVERYTHING.   

As stated, we are a family owned and operated funeral and cremation provider.  There are many places that claim to be "family owned", however you will rarerly if ever see the owner.  Some metro funeral and cremation providers are corporate owned by large nationally traded corporations.  These typically tend to be more expensive and will have a higher number of employees that will assist you throughout the process, so you will be experiencing someone new all the time at each step of the process.  With us, you will have 24 hr direct access to your director to assist you anytime of the day or night.

Is there something you have always wanted to know?  Reach out to us!  There are no stupid or silly questions, so feel free to ask!  Call us at 515-987-6881 or email us at: ernstwaukee@gmail.com with you question or concern.