Roupp Funeral Home Blog

Keep up with the latest news, events, and information from Roupp Funeral Home here at our blog.

By Andre Roupp 18 Mar, 2024
As we come together to celebrate the departed's life, it is essential to observe specific protocols, especially when it comes to funeral processions. Understanding and adhering to funeral procession etiquette ensures a smooth and respectful farewell and reflects our empathy and consideration for grieving families and loved ones. Here is Your Guide to Funeral Procession Etiquette : What is a funeral procession? A funeral procession is a motorcade escorting a hearse containing human remains to their final resting place. It's a solemn journey that starts at a place of significance, such as a funeral home or church and concludes at the crematorium or cemetery. These processions are important not only as a tribute to the departed but also as a source of community support, inviting onlookers to pay their respects as the procession passes by. Funeral Procession Protocols: The lineup, orchestrated by attentive funeral attendants, ensures a seamless progression, beginning with a lead car or hearse, followed by immediate family members and friends. Please see the parking attendant as you pull into a funeral parking lot, whether you’re going to the cemetery or not. They will direct drivers where to park. To ensure a smooth flow, attendees' vehicles are marked with flags or signs denoting their participation in the procession. Displaying these markers and four-way flashers or hazard lights communicates your role to fellow drivers. We advocate for a moment of patience, advising those not heading to the cemetery to wait until the entire procession has left the venue before departing, allowing for an uninterrupted passage. Driving in a Funeral Procession You will be driving very slowly – usually 30-40 mph on roads, depending on the standard speed limit, and no more than 55 mph on the highway. You will need to stay close to the car in front of you in the procession – do not allow room for a vehicle not in the procession to cut in. Stay in line with the procession at all times—Local traffic ordinances give a funeral procession the right-of-way, and other motorists must yield until the procession has passed, just as you would defer to an emergency vehicle. The lead vehicle of a funeral procession must observe all traffic lights and signs. Once it legally passes through an intersection, the rest of the funeral procession may follow with caution through traffic lights or stop signs, while staying attentive of other motorists. Do not leave your place in the procession line unless there is an emergency. The last car in the procession will have 2 funeral flags and hazard lights flashing to signify to other motorists that the procession has ended, and traffic may resume. Once you arrive at the cemetery, a cemetery attendant will typically be present to direct the procession to the gravesite or chapel, and the funeral attendant will collect the flags from your vehicle. Continue to follow the lead vehicle when in the cemetery. When you see a funeral procession on the road: Just remember that funeral processions have the right of way. Here are some additional Do’s and Don’ts on how to handle a funeral procession that passes through an area where you are driving: Do be respectful. Do yield. Once the lead car has entered traffic, such as through an intersection, the entire procession will follow without interruption. Even if their traffic light is red and yours is green, you must stop and allow the procession to continue through the intersection until all cars have passed. Look for the last vehicle in the procession – it typically has 2 or more flags and flashing hazard lights. Once it passes by, you may resume the normal flow of traffic. Don’t cut into or cut off a procession. Don’t honk at a car in a funeral procession. Don’t pass a funeral procession on the right side of a highway unless the procession is in the far left lane. Common courtesy should always prevail whether you’re in a funeral procession or encounter one while driving. Sometimes, they can be very long, but remember that a loved one has passed away. Be patient and refer back to these rules of proper funeral procession etiquette. Questions about a funeral procession or other funeral protocols?  Accompanying the departed to their final resting place is a beautiful act of love and deserves the utmost respect. If you have questions about funeral processions or require assistance planning a service, please contact our caring professionals here at Roupp Funeral Home.
irish funeral traditions
By Andre Roupp 04 Mar, 2024
When planning a loved one's funeral, it is essential to understand the traditions and beliefs that go into organizing this delicate event. Let's explore some of the fascinating Irish funeral traditions that are still commonly observed today.
vulcan launch
By Andre Roupp 19 Feb, 2024
Memorial services have taken a giant leap beyond the ordinary. The recent groundbreaking Vulcan launch has unveiled a celestial frontier for commemorating loved ones, proving that sending ashes to space is an extraordinary tribute and surprisingly more affordable than the average funeral. At Roupp Funeral Home, we wanted to share with you this fun innovation of memorialization and invite you to explore the cosmic possibilities and embrace the stars as the canvas for your loved one's everlasting legacy.
flowers at funerals
By Andre Roupp 05 Feb, 2024
Funerals have always been solemn occasions, marked by various rituals and symbols that help us express our deepest emotions. One such timeless tradition is the use of flowers, which, though primarily associated with expressions of sympathy and love, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the history of flowers at funerals and their significance in today's context.
By Crystal Statskey 22 Jan, 2024
When someone dies, it's often up to the survivors to make all the arrangements for the funeral. This can be a difficult task, especially if this is your first time doing it. There are many things to consider when choosing a funeral home, such as their services, price, and location. This article will discuss some things you should look for when choosing a funeral home. 1. What to look for in a funeral home Losing a loved one is one of the most challenging experiences a person can go through. At such a difficult time, knowing what to do or where to turn can be hard. One of the first decisions that must be made is how to say goodbye. If you decide to have a funeral service, one of the most critical choices you will make is choosing the proper funeral home. Here are some things to look for when making this important decision: You want a funeral home that is compassionate and understanding. They should take the time to listen to your needs and answer all of your questions. They should also be willing to work with you to create a personalized service that celebrates your loved one's life. You'll want a convenient funeral home for both you and your guests. Make sure to consider the location as well as the size of the facility. You'll also want to inquire about parking and accessibility for those with disabilities. Be sure to ask about pricing. Funeral services can be expensive, so you'll want to ensure you understand all the costs upfront. The last thing you want is to face hidden fees during a difficult time. By keeping these things in mind, you can help ensure that you choose a funeral home that is right for you and your family.  2. The benefits of using a funeral home A funeral home can provide several essential services, including helping to transport the body, handling paperwork and arrangements, and providing facilities for funerals and memorial services. They can also be a source of support and guidance during this difficult time. By working with a funeral home, you can ensure that your loved one receives the care and attention they deserve so that their final goodbye is peaceful and meaningful. Take your time choosing the proper funeral home, and remember to contact family and friends for support during this difficult time. 3. Tips for arranging a funeral The death of a loved one is always a difficult time. In addition to grieving, those left behind must also make arrangements for the funeral. For many people, this can be a daunting task. So, finding a funeral home that will assist you from start to finish is essential. Here are a few steps that can make the process easier: It is important to consult with family and friends to determine the deceased’s wishes. This will help to ensure that the funeral service is personal and meaningful. Next, choosing a venue and making all the necessary arrangements is important. Once again, it is crucial to involve loved ones in this process to ensure that the deceased’s needs are met. Finally, planning for any post-funeral gatherings or events is also essential. This can be a time for loved ones to unite and support one another as they rebuild their lives. By following these steps, you can help make the funeral arrangement process easier for everyone involved. Download Roupp Funeral Home's Funeral Resource Kit to guide you through what you need to know for planning a loved one's funeral. CLICK HERE to get your copy now. When a loved one dies, the last thing you want to worry about is the funeral arrangements. Following the tips in this article can make the process a little easier for yourself and your loved ones. If you're looking for more information on funeral homes or need help making arrangements, Roupp Funeral Home is here to help. We offer various services to meet your needs and support you during this difficult time. Call us today: 570-966-2402
By Crystal Statskey 08 Jan, 2024
Planning a funeral can be challenging — especially when those doing the planning aren’t familiar with the language being used. This is why we’ve made a list of a few most common funeral home terms that are the most confused with one another, describing their differences and similarities. VIEWING vs VISITATION: VIEWING - A time that usually precedes funeral services. It is an opportunity for survivors and friends to view the open casket of the deceased in public, usually in a special room within the funeral home. VISITATION - A time that usually precedes funeral or memorial services before cremations or burials. Its purpose is to allow mourners to pay their final respects to the deceased and to comfort, support, and encourage the deceased’s family. The casket is closed or an urn is present during a visitation. FUNERAL vs MEMORIAL or CELEBRATION OF LIFE: FUNERAL: A ceremony where the casket of a deceased is present, and can be followed by burial or cremation. Whether the casket is opened or closed for the funeral service depends on family preference or church requirements. Funerals are typically led by a clergy. MEMORIAL: A ceremony where an urn or no remains are present, and can be followed by the burial of the urn. Memorials are typically led by a clergy, but can also be led by family or friends. CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Similar to a memorial, a celebration of life is a ceremony where there are numerous speakers, who tell memories and stories of the deceased’s life and memory. The urn may or may not be present for this service type. Celebrations of life are typically not led by a clergy, but can be. CREMATION vs CREMAINS: CREMATION - The process of reduction of the body to ashes by fire. CREMAINS – Another term for “ashes” or “cremated remains” after the body has been cremated. VAULT vs CASKET: VAULT - A receptacle made of concrete or metal into which the casket is placed. Normally this item has four sides and both a top and a bottom. The main purpose of this item is to prevent the ground from sinking down around the grave site as the earth settles. By keeping the grass above the grave level with the rest of the cemetery, it is easier to mow. This item is more expensive than a grave liner – but it serves the same purpose. A grave liner meets most cemeteries' minimum requirements for ground support. A small vault may also be required for an urn burial in certain cemeteries. CASKET - A 4-sided receptacle of wood, metal, or plastic into which the deceased is placed for burial. Although sometimes referred to as a "coffin", a coffin is actually a 6-sided receptacle, typically seen in other countries, or around Halloween. MASS/PRAYER CARDS vs MEMORIAL FOLDERS: MASS/PRAYER CARDS - A card indicating that a Mass for the deceased has been arranged with a small prayer on the back of the card. (Catholic religion) MEMORIAL FOLDERS - Also known as funeral programs or printed documents that are handed out at a funeral or memorial service. It provides information on the funeral’s timeline, the names of the pallbearers, and more information about the deceased. DEATH NOTICE vs OBITUARY: DEATH NOTICE/ANNOUNCEMENT - A paragraph in the obituary section of a newspaper, or on the Internet, publicizes the death of a person and gives those details of the funeral service the survivors wish to have published. Sometimes referred to as an obituary, a death notice is usually shorter and sticks to the most important information. OBITUARY - A notice of the death of a person is usually placed in a newspaper, or on the Internet, containing a biographical sketch of the deceased person. An obituary is typically longer than a death notice and is sometimes written as a story of the person's life, listing their schooling, hobbies, occupation, and family members who are surviving and have passed away, along with service details. Each year we help families throughout Union County honor their loved ones with quality funeral services. When it comes to honoring a loved one, there are many options to consider. Our caring and considerate staff will gladly meet with you to discuss the different funeral services we offer while providing you with the help and support you need when it comes to deciphering how to plan a funeral. Whether it’s a more traditional funeral service that you desire or a less formal and more personalized funeral ceremony, Roupp Funeral Home can accommodate your needs. Give us a call today: 570-966-2402
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