Quick Start Guide: Funeral Home and Cremations in Des Moines, IA

Iles Funeral Home offers different burial and cremation services since 1960 for families in Des Moines, IA. We want to help people complete the relationship with their loved one by providing a space that encourages each person to give and receive emotional support.

When it comes to funeral arrangements, the friendly staff at Iles Funeral Homes can take care of everything. Their years of expertise ensure that they have all of the necessary abilities to care for your family in every way possible during this trying time. Call us at (515) 276-4567 and create a perfect plan for your loved one.

When it is time to start planning funeral and cremations in Des Moines, IA, sometimes families feel a sense of overwhelm because of the many services that are offered. You have the opportunity to create a custom-designed event. But the many options can make it difficult to know where to start.

The good news is that you don’t need to finalize these decisions without help from an expert team. Our staff is here to assist in the funeral planning process, helping you choose the ideal services to suit your family. Our full-service approach gives you access to everything you need in one location.

Since we have been serving the community for years, our funeral planning staff has a streamlined way of supporting families through these important decisions. Not only do we present the options, but we also dedicate the time to teach you about available services. As you learn about this industry and different types of funeral packages, then you will have confidence knowing that you are choosing the ideal solutions to honor your loved one.

 

When to Begin: Funeral Home and Cremations in Des Moines, IA

 

What is the ideal timeline to start discussing information about funeral services and cremation services? It is never too early to get started! We encourage families to talk to us as soon as possible so you can evaluate your options without feeling rushed in the decision.

Here’s an overview of typical timelines to begin funeral planning:

• Advanced Preplanning: You are in excellent health right now and don’t have a timeline for a funeral in the future. Preplanning allows you to learn about available funeral packages and finalize your decisions in advance. Through this process, you can prepay for the services and document your wishes. As a result, your family doesn’t have to feel the stress of last-minute funeral planning.
• Short Term Preplanning: Another type of preplanning happens when a loved one receives a terminal diagnosis. In this situation, the family decides to start planning the funeral right away so the person can be involved in the decisions. If the doctors have given your family member a few weeks or months to live, then we encourage you to call us as soon as possible.
• Immediate Planning: There are times when a funeral is unexpected, which means that funeral planning doesn’t begin until after death. In this situation, it’s critical that you call us right away so we can assist with transportation. Even though you only have a short time to finalize funeral services, our staff has an excellent system to help you work through the most critical details.

When you start with funeral planning early, it gives you the peace of mind to know that you are prepared for future events. But families don’t always benefit from preplanning, which is why our staff is also prepared to assist with short-notice services.

 

 

Finalizing the Funeral and Disposition

As you are choosing a funeral home and cremations in Des Moines, IA, you’ll find that most decisions fall into a few main categories:

• Disposition of the Body: You’ll need to choose the method and location where the body will be laid to rest. For example, do you prefer cremation so you can pick any place for the ashes? Or, do you like the idea of having a burial site to visit the cemetery whenever you’d like? Our team can help you compare the pros and cons so you can decide on the best way to lay your family member to rest.
• Funeral or Memorial: Next, you will need to consider whether it is important to hold an event for friends and family. People find closure when they gather together to share memories. You might want a small gathering with only a few of the closest family members in attendance. Or, another option is to schedule a big, traditional funeral if you prefer. Finally, some families want to hold a celebration of life as a fun, exciting way to honor the person’s memory.
• Administrative Services: There is always paperwork and other necessary steps that need to happen to coordinate various stages of the funeral or cremation. Our staff assists with grief resources, finalizing the death certificate, and other things that are happening in the office. Have confidence knowing that we pay attention to minor details to ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.

When you contact us for a consultation, we will walk you through these details step-by-step. Our goal is to provide a stress-free experience as you navigate the difficult decisions relating to funeral planning.

 

Contact Us to Learn More

You deserve quality services, which is why it is important that you choose a reputable provider. Get started with funeral home and cremations in Des Moines, IA, by contacting us right away to schedule a consultation.

 

Funeral Home & Cremations FAQs

How can I reduce funeral expenses?

• Do online comparison shopping.
• Avoid embalming.
• Reject the “gasketed casket”.
• If you're having a direct cremation, go with wood.
• Purchase a casket or an urn somewhere.
• Consider a funeral at home.
• Donate to a medical school.
• Learn more on how to control funeral costs.

 

How much does Social Security pay to those who have passed away?

Widows and widowers can receive a one-time death payment of $255 to help with the financial burden when their spouse dies. The lump-sum is paid only if they were living together at the time or receiving benefits on behalf of their deceased partner's account. Learn more about the social security benefits.

 

Is there a death benefit for a veteran?

Family members of some vets who are buried in private cemeteries may be eligible for a veteran’s death benefit, or burial allowance. Eligible family members can get this money if their loved one had received VA pension and disability compensation while they were alive. This would help the families with expenses such as funeral costs and transportation to the cemetery where their relative is laid to rest