What to do when death occurs

Guidance from Cremation Society of Waukesha

Step 1 : Notify Us

Call Cremation Society of Waukesha at 262-436-9400.

Be ready to provide:

• Full name of the deceased
• Location of the deceased (hospital, nursing facility, or residence)
• Your name, address, and phone number
• Name and contact info for the next-of-kin
• Pre-arrangement information (plan name or number, if applicable)
  

Step 2 : Make Funeral Arrangements

Complete our online arrangement questionnaire or schedule a meeting with us (additional fees apply if meeting in person).

Please gather the following (if applicable):

• Clothing for the deceased (if having an identification viewing)
• Social Security number
• Date and place of birth
• Parents’ names (including mother’s maiden name)
• Legal marital status
• Education background
• Veteran’s discharge papers or VA claim number
• Pre-arrangement paperwork (if applicable)
• Cemetery lot information (if applicable)
• Determine how many certified death certificates are needed

Step 3 : Notify Family and Friends

• Create a list of people to notify
• Use a “branching” phone tree to share responsibility
• Prepare obituary information (we can assist with newspaper submissions):
• Photo, age, birth details, cause of death, education, occupation
• Memberships, military service, family survivors
• Service details (time, location)
  

Step 4 : Organize Practical Support

• Ask family or friends to answer the door and phone
• Keep a record of visitors and flower deliveries
• Arrange meals for the coming days
• Accept offers to help with cleaning, errands, or childcare
• Plan accommodations for out-of-town guests
• Decide what to do with flowers after the service (nursing homes and hospice facilities take donations of flowers)

Step 5 : Legal and Financial Matters

• Notify the bank if Social Security checks were direct deposited
• Contact insurance companies
• Locate the will and notify the attorney and executor
• The funeral director will assist with Social Security forms
• Check for benefits from:
• Life and casualty insurance
• Credit unions, trade unions, fraternal/military organizations
• Review outstanding debts and credit cards (some may include coverage)
• Contact creditors if you need extra time for payments
• If the deceased lived alone:
• Notify utility companies and landlord
• Forward mail through the post office
• Change the name on titles items (houses, cars, recreational vehicles, etc.)

Step 6 : Acknowledge and Thank Others

• List people to thank for flowers, calls, and assistance
• Send thank-you notes or printed acknowledgments
• Include thanks to anyone who offered their time and support