Funeral Arrangements
Compassionate Funeral Guidance
Every life has a story – our focus is to honor it
Every celebration of life should be as unique as your loved one who lived it. There is no formula for honoring a loved one’s life. Our caring staff is here to listen to your wishes and concerns and help you arrive at the best way to honor the life that was lived.
Whether you are considering funeral preplanning for yourself, assisting a family member through their loss, or you have recently lost a loved one, we are here to guide you through this process to help you honor your loved one in the way they and you desire to be honored.
(608) 249-8257 for 24/7 on-call support.
Step 1: Choose Burial or Cremation
Reasons for Traditional Burial
People choose a traditional burial for different reasons. Some believe loved ones can gain closure by attending a wake/visitation with a casket present to be able to see and say goodbye to their loved one. For others, a funeral with a burial service provides the most meaningful way to mourn the loss of a loved one. Some people choose burial so they can be laid to rest alongside a spouse or other family members, and others choose burial for religious reasons.
Green burials are also available and are a simple and natural means of burial that is an alternative to the “traditional” funeral and allows the burial site to remain as natural as possible. Many people choose this option because it is a natural way to return to the earth.
Reasons for Cremation
People may choose cremation because of environmental reasons or personal reasons such as opting to not have a viewing at the memorial service or to create a truly unique and custom celebration of life.
A common misconception is that with a cremation service, the remains have already been cremated at the time of service. However, it is possible to host a wake service with cremation and a traditional graveside service afterward. This would require a separate burial service at a later date, but combines traditional service and burial desires with cremation. Cremation allows the family to have more flexibility with the timing of the services and customization of the celebration of life and final resting place for their loved one.
Step 2: Choose the Type of Service You’d Like
Our team at Ryan Funeral Homes will assist with the selection and implementation of the final arrangements desired. These services include, but are not limited to, preparation of the body, filing of any necessary permits and documentation, and logistics such as coordination of all service details with clergy, newspaper, cemetery, etc. along with the lead car, funeral coach, and support vehicles.
Step 3: Choose How to Honor Your Loved One at the Service
Learn More From Our Team…
What a Green Burial is and How to Plan One
Guide to Memorial Services
Guide to Traditional Services
Next Steps for Making Funeral Arrangements
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Madison North East
2418 N. Sherman Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
Tel: 608-249-8257
Madison West
5701 Odana Road
Madison, WI 53719
Tel: 608-274-1000
Verona
220 S. Enterprise Drive
Verona, WI 53593
Tel: 608-845-6625
DeForest / Windsor
6924 Lake Road
DeForest, WI 53532
Tel: 608-846-4250