I was told to observe, to pay attention. This was going to be my first funeral service. It had been one week since I became an apprentice funeral director. I was but a mere 30 years old. Up until this point, I had almost zero experience with funerals. I had…

When someone is cremated, the end result is bone fragments that are turned into ash (cremated remains). Years ago (more like decades, really) cremation was seen as “taboo.” Catholic churches and Priests would not even recognize cremation as a “final disposition.” Those days have certainly changed, as cremation is on…

For the first time since 2014, My Chemical Romance has released a new song: The Foundations of Decay. For all of my early 2000’s emo-punk rockers out there, this is a trip down a deathly memory lane. I’ve had my funeral pre-planned and paid for going on a couple of…

While directing a funeral this week, I was moved by a poem that was read by the person reciting the eulogy about their friend who had passed away. Such a powerful message, emanating from such a simple line. Literally, a line. A dash. A life lived to its fullest. The…

Throughout my time as a funeral director, I have worn many hats. Most days, I play the part I went to college for. I have a dual Wisconsin state license as a funeral director and embalmer. I am also licensed as a life insurance agent. However, there are days when…

By age 22 I had dropped out of college. Twice. By age 24 I was a broke poker player who lived at home. By age 26 I was making $10/hour as a pipe plug fabricator. By age 28 I had my own apartment, working as a welder. By age 30…

Today I’m going to go over vocabulary used in funeral service. Understanding funeral types, merchandise, and the daily language I use will better serve you in the future. Let’s dive in. Casket: Not to be confused with a coffin. A casket is a rectangular vessel (made of wood, metal and/or wicker/particle…

I’m glad you asked. Per licensed funeral director, Nick Astorino, this is what he, I, and tens of thousands of other funeral directors “make.” “I make your child presentable after they get killed in a car wreck, or your mother finally look happy and at peace after she fights disease…