In the event of a loved one’s passing, families will often hold a funeral or memorial service to honor a life well-lived. If you’re new to the process, you might be unsure as to what happens at each. To provide some insight into the distinct differences and benefits of each service, Fossum Funeral Home in Onalaska, WI, explains.

Memorial

A memorial service is often held after a burial or cremation, particularly when the deceased has had close ties to a community. These events are designed to give the community at large the opportunity to pay their respects in more of an open forum. Unlike a funeral where the deceased is part of the event, a memorial service will not have the body present. This allows loved ones to be more creative about where they hold the service, such as at a park, hall, or even their own home. Memorial services are also more affordable than a traditional funeral, as the preparation of the body has already been taken care of. Families will only need to account for the costs of guests in attendance.

Funeral

The more traditional of the two options, a funeral service will include the deceased as part of the event. These services are typically held in a place of worship or a cemetery and will include a visitation, the service itself, and the committal service, a short ritual of prayers at the graveside of the deceased.    

If you’re looking to hold a memorable funeral or memorial service to honor your loved one, look no further than Fossum Funeral Home in Onalaska. Since 1926, their licensed funeral directors have provided families with everything from organized funeral planning to beautiful arrangements and tasteful burial services. As a one-person shop, families will benefit from personalized attention and plenty of one-on-one time. To speak with a funeral planner today, give them a call at (608) 783-9777 or visit their website for more information on their services.