When Death Occurs: A 22-Point Checklist

1. To set up an appointment, contact Sax-Tiedemann at (847) 678-1950. We can assist you with making arrangements with the cemetery for your convenience. There are some details that are required by the State. To fulfill this, please be prepared to supply the following:

2. Determine your preferred time and place of the memorial or funeral service before getting in touch with your clergy.


3. Identify how many copies of the death certificate are needed. Sax-Tiedemann would be happy to facilitate the orders for you.


4. Create a list of family members and friends, including the deceased’s employer and colleagues, that need to be notified by phone.


5. Determine the place where guests can send their gifts. The usual venues for memorials are churches, charities, and schools.


6. Write an obituary that includes details such as age, occupation, and cause of death. Pictures may also be included. Sax-Tiedemann provides the service of writing and submitting an obituary to local newspapers.


7. Volunteers can take turns answering calls and receiving guests. Do not forget to take note of those who have expressed their condolences so they can be thanked later on.


8. Get in touch with the bank of the deceased. It is important to find out if the deceased has any Social Security checks on automatic deposit.


9. Make sure that the food is sufficient for those who are present.


10. To help the family, find friends who can accomplish some of the household chores that need to be done.


11. Make sure that children are properly supervised at all times. In case it is necessary, arrange for child care.


12. Hospitality may be required for friends and family who come to visit.


13. Provide Sax-Tiedemann with a list of the pallbearers. We recommend that those with medical issues such as back problems be named as honorary pallbearers.


14. Prepare a means for transporting the flowers used in the service to the hospital, church, or funeral home.


15. People who cannot be reached by telephone should be told of the death by letter or other appropriate means.


16. Send a note to those who visited or sent flowers or gifts. Do not forget to include those who volunteered their time.


17. Notify the insurance company of the death.


18. The will of the deceased should be located. In addition to this, ensure that the attorney and the executor are aware of the death.


19. Be aware of the benefits that the family is entitled to. Some of the usual include trade union, credit union, and Social Security. The survivors should also be aware of any policies such as casualty and life insurances.


20. Make sure that the financial obligations of the deceased are in order. If there are some debts that may be cancelled due to the insurance clause in the agreements, make sure to make arrangements. If payment cannot be made on time, notify the creditors to possibly extend the period.


21. If the deceased lived alone, inform the landlord and utility companies. The post office should also be told where incoming mail can be redirected.


22. The funeral director is in charge of the Social Security Form SSA 721. Make sure that the number has been retired by getting in touch with the Social Security Office.