Burial Services

Traditional Burial Services

It is important to recognize that funerals are for the living … for those who will suffer the trauma of losing a loved one. It is through the funeral process that a number of emotional needs are met for those who grieve. A funeral is similar to other ceremonies in our lives. Like a graduation ceremony, a wedding, a baptism, and a bar mitzvah, a funeral is a rite of passage by which we recognize an important event that distinguishes our lives. The funeral declares that a death has occurred. It commemorates the life that has been lived, and offers family and friends the opportunity to pay tribute to their loved one.

The gathering of the family and friends for the visitation and funeral service helps to provide emotional support so needed at this time. This will help those who grieve to face the reality of death and consequently, to take the first step toward a healthy emotional adjustment.

Individualized services
A valuable aspect of contemporary funerals is their individuality. Whether a ceremony is elaborate or simple, funerals are often individualized to reflect the life of the deceased and to hold special meaning for family and other survivors. It may reflect one’s religious beliefs as a re-affirmation of faith in a greater life beyond this world. It may reflect the occupation or hobbies of the deceased. It may center around an ethnic background or social affiliation. Generally, a ceremony is conducted with the body of the deceased present. In this sense, the ceremony provides an occasion for saying final goodbyes prior to burial.

Burial Packages
Litwiller – Simonsen Funeral Home provides several packages centered around burial in a local cemetery. They include:

Traditional service in our chapel or other facility with a visitation time for family and friends prior to services. Includes committal service at cemetery
Graveside service with a visitation time for family and friends.
Simple graveside without viewing
Memorial service in our chapel or other facility without viewing and burial completed without ceremony.
Green burial graveside without visitation