Preplan checklist
Planning ahead is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give your family. While there's no need to make every decision today, considering the following questions can help you begin creating a plan that reflects your wishes and provides peace of mind for those you love.
Remember, our staff is always available to help guide you through these decisions and answer any questions along the way.
Personal Information
Gathering this information now can make things much easier for your family in the future.
You may wish to record:
- Full legal name
- Current address
- Date and place of birth
- Social Security number
- Father's full name
- Mother's maiden name
- Educational background
- Occupation and career history
- Marital history
- Names of children, grandchildren, and other close family members
You may also want to begin collecting information that could be used in your obituary, including accomplishments, hobbies, memberships, volunteer activities, and special interests.
Service Preferences
Think about the type of service that best reflects your personality, values, and wishes.
Consider:
- Burial or cremation
- Traditional funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life
- Preferred location for services
- Religious, spiritual, cultural, or military traditions
- Favorite music, hymns, readings, or poems
- Clothing you would like to wear
- Personal items, photographs, or memorabilia you would like displayed
- Special themes, colors, hobbies, or interests you would like incorporated
- Preferred charity or memorial organization for donations
Remember, there are no right or wrong answers. The most meaningful services are often the ones that genuinely reflect the person being honored.
People You'd Like Involved
Many people find comfort in selecting individuals who have played important roles in their lives.
You may wish to identify:
- Clergy member, celebrant, or officiant
- Musicians or vocalists
- Pallbearers
- Readers
- Eulogy speakers
- Honorary participants
- Military or veteran organizations, if applicable
Final Resting Place
Consider how you would like your final disposition handled.
Options may include:
- Cemetery burial
- Mausoleum entombment
- Cremation with burial
- Cremation with scattering
- Placement in a columbarium niche
- Keeping cremated remains in an urn
You may also wish to think about:
- Cemetery selection
- Burial plot ownership
- Monument or marker preferences
- Memorial inscription wording
- Location for scattering, if desired
Veteran Information
If you have served in the military, gathering this information now can help your family access available benefits and military honors.
Important information includes:
- Branch of service
- Rank
- Service dates
- Date of enlistment
- Date of discharge
- Military serial or service number
- Wars, conflicts, or deployments served
- Location of DD-214 or discharge papers
Memberships & Community Involvement
Many families choose to recognize organizations and groups that were meaningful throughout a person's life.
Consider documenting:
- Church memberships
- Fraternal organizations
- Service clubs
- Union memberships
- Professional organizations
- Volunteer activities
- Awards and special recognitions
Important Documents
Consider creating a folder containing:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Military discharge papers (DD-214)
- Insurance policies
- Cemetery deeds
- Preplanning documents
- Financial and legal contacts
- Advance healthcare directives
Most Important of All...
Don't worry about completing everything at once.
The purpose of preplanning isn't perfection—it's providing guidance for the people who love you. Even a few documented wishes can make a tremendous difference for your family someday.
If you'd like help creating a personalized plan, we'd be honored to meet with you. Call Nelson-Doran Funeral Home at 218-829-4755 to schedule a complimentary preplanning consultation.
A little planning today can provide comfort and peace of mind for years to come.
