What Do Funeral Directors Do?

January 3, 2025

It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


Today, there was a funeral. People cried. Tissues were crumpled and left on the tables. Flower petals fell to the floor. Now, the cleaning staff is making things tidy for the family who will be here tomorrow.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


Someone in our town died away from home, the funeral director is traveling many miles to bring him home and into the funeral home’s care. The light is on in anticipation of his safe return.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


Hospice called. The teacher who taught the funeral director -- and you -- in the third grade isn’t expected to make it through the night. He’s catching up on paperwork while he keeps vigil. Soon he’ll be called to the home and it will be his turn to take care of the teacher.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


There are computer problems. The video tribute file a family sent won’t work. We’re staying late to make it right for their service.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


It was a busy day today and we still need to notify Social Security and the Veteran’s Administration of Mr. Smith’s death.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


There’s been a terrible accident. We’re doing our best to make a loved one presentable so that they can say goodbye with dignity.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


The obituary the Jones’s gave us for their father is full of misspellings. We need to correct them and get it to the paper.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


We’re reviewing all of the details for tomorrow’s service. When will the celebrant arrive? Do we have drivers for the cars? Who will be the pallbearers?


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


We’re checking tomorrow’s weather in case we need the umbrellas.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


The light is on because your neighbor, the funeral director, is pacing the floor. He can’t sleep. Tomorrow, he will oversee the service for his daughter’s classmate.


Sometimes death is just too close, even for him.



www.caldwellparrish.com

February 6, 2026
Families in Urbandale, Iowa, often ask how much cremation costs and what factors influence pricing. According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the national median cost of a funeral with cremation is approximately $6,280, while direct cremation typically ranges from $2,800 to $3,000. These figures c
January 9, 2026
According to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA), the national median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial is around $8,300. A funeral with cremation has a national median cost of about $6,280, based on the 2024 General Price List Study. These figures are accurate as of 2025.
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June 5, 2025
For most of us, one of our first questions when we think we need a funeral home soon is, “How much will it cost?” It’s understandable that everyone wants a simple answer to this question. Unfortunately, there is no one simple answer.
May 15, 2025
Taps. There is nothing like the sound of those patriotic notes. It grabs your heart, it makes you cry. It honors the service and risk a man or woman took for our safety and the safety of our country.
May 1, 2025
How does planning for your funeral in advance save you money? Doesn’t it just let the funeral home make money on your money? How big a part should emotion play in your funeral selections?
April 17, 2025
You are with someone with whom you share some history. Maybe it’s a brother, sister, or a childhood friend. You are talking about an event from the “old days” and you suddenly realize you all remember the event a little differently. Most of us have had this experience. Our relationships work in a similar fashion. The way we love, like the way we remember, is unique to each of us.
April 3, 2025
Your presence is important. If there is any way possible, please, just be there. When a child is born it is a life changing event for the parents, siblings and grandparents at the very least. It may also be a life changing event for the kindergarten teacher five years in the future. Bottom line, life matters.
April 3, 2025
Let’s talk about the stages of grief. There is denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. I studied them in nursing school, reviewed them when I got divorced and generally found them to be a pretty accurate and helpful bit of knowledge. And then, a family member died. Stages?