What To Do When Death Occurs

The first thing to do when death occurs is call Henry W Anderson Mortuary by calling (952) 208-6508 or (952) 432-2331.

When a death occurs in your family, you may be faced with important jobs and decision-making during a very difficult time. You may not understand what to do or when to start making arrangements. Bearing the duty can be overwhelming. Remember that you are not alone. Henry W. Anderson Mortuary is available 24 hours a day, 365 days annually to help you with the details and offer our guidance. We have compiled the following list to help guide you through the steps you will need to take when a death has occurred. Your funeral director will help organize all the details when you meet for an arrangement conference.

After a death has occurred, notify Henry W. Anderson Mortuary by calling (952) 208-6508 or (952) 432-2331. The following are some questions that we may inquire when you call:

  • What exactly is the complete name of the deceased?
  • What exactly is the location of the deceased (Hospital, Nursing Facility or Residence)?
  • What is your name, address and telephone number?
  • What is the name, address and phone number of the next-of-kin?
  • Is there a prearranged funeral plan? (If yes, what’s the plan name or number?

We’ll then set an appointment time for you to come to the funeral home to complete the details of the funeral arrangement. We’ll ask you to bring in some items and information that’ll be crucial to complete the arrangement. These items will include:

  • Clothes for the deceased
  • Social security number of the deceased
  • The deceased’s birth date and city and state of arrival
  • The deceased’s parents names, including mother’s maiden name
  • Information about the deceased’s education
  • Marital status of the deceased
  • Veteran’s discharge papers or Claim Number
  • A recent photo of the deceased
  • Pre-arrangement paperwork ( in case that it’s appropriate)
  • Cemetery lot advice ( in case that it’s relevant)
  • Contact your clergy.

The funeral home will help you in determining the amount of copies of the death certificates that you will want and will order them for you.

You may want to use a “branching” system: make a few phone calls to other relatives or friends and ask each of them to make a phone call or two to special folks.

Gather obituary information, including a picture, age, place of birth, cause of death, occupation, college degrees, memberships held, military service, excellent work and a list of survivors in the immediate family. Comprise the time and place of the funeral services. The funeral home will generally write the obituary and submit it to the newspaper(s)

Organize for family members and close friends to take turns answering the door or phone. Keeping a careful record of visitors and flower deliveries will make it easier to thank folks later on

If Social Security checks are deposited mechanically, notify the bank of the death

Coordinate the food supply at home for the next several days

Organize for child care, if needed

Pick pallbearers and notify the funeral home. (People with heart or back issues may be named honorary pallbearers)

Prepare a list of folks to get acknowledgments of flowers, calls, etc. Send suitable acknowledgments, which might be a written note, printed acknowledgments, or both. Comprise “thank yous” to those who have given their time, as well

Notify insurance companies of the death

Find the will and notify the lawyer and executor

Carefully check all life and casualty insurance and death benefits, including Social Security, credit union, trade union, fraternal, and military. Check on possible income for survivors from these sources

Check promptly on all debts and installment payments, including credit cards. Some may carry insurance clauses that may cancel them. If there’s to be a delay in meeting payments, consult with creditors and ask for more time before the payments are due

Your funeral director will prepare the mandatory Social Security forms.

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