Plan Ahead
Planning during COVID-19
The thought of getting sick and leaving a spouse or child behind is a deep, unspeakable fear. Yet it can actually be helpful, even reassuring, to talk about what will happen after we die. “Preplanning” is one of those to-dos that is easy to put off or ignore — yet with uncertainty in the air and our loved ones nearby, this is perhaps a good time to have those conversations and express our wishes about how we’d like to be remembered.
If you’d like to begin gathering information or better understand your options, our dedicated Family Services team is available for conversations to walk you through the considerations or questions you may want to think about as you plan ahead.
Cremation
Lakewood offers cremation services in our on-site crematory. We’ve also created a variety of dedicated spaces, both indoors and outside, for cremated remains — providing beautiful places for loved ones to gather, celebrate and remember for generations to come.
Burials
With 250 acres of rolling hills, fields and woods, there are a variety of locations to choose from — allowing you to find a space that speaks uniquely to you and your family.
What you can do during COVID
During this time, our dedicated Family Services team is available to walk you through the considerations or questions you may want to think about as you plan ahead. In addition, we welcome you to explore this website, or drive or walk through our grounds to explore the beautiful spaces available at Lakewood. Please call us with any questions as you explore the grounds for yourself, or if we can provide any additional information.
Contact Us
Connect with a member of our Family Services Team
Stay in Touch
Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date on any COVID-related policy changes and guidelines that impact Lakewood. We’ll also share events, history and art features, and timely resources for you and your loved ones.
Why plan ahead?
Most of us are not prepared to deal with the grief, indecision, change and costs of a loved one’s death. Making decisions about memorial property or cremation in advance helps protect your family from having to make these decisions when their lives are complicated by grief.
Advantages of pre-planning include:
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Puts you in control of decisions
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You can make choices together with your spouse and family
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Purchase at today’s prices
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Pay in installments over time with no interest
If you’re considering purchasing in advance, Lakewood’s knowledgeable staff can help you learn about your choices and answer your questions. In order to prepare you for this conversation, this site contains information about Lakewood’s cremation and traditional burial options. You can also refer to our glossary and find answers to common questions.
Please call us at (612) 822-2171 or send an email if you would like to discuss your options
Where to Start?
It can be hard to know where to start when planning ahead. To help, we have compiled some information for you to consider. Please call or email us if you have questions.
When planning ahead, you’ll want to consider the following:
Choosing Cemetery Property
To help you prepare for a conversation about your options, think about the following questions:
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Do you want traditional in-ground burial, above-ground entombment or cremation?
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If choosing cremation, do you want a place to be remembered where family can visit?
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Do you prefer for loved ones to visit a space that is indoors or outdoors?
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Do you want to be near other family members?
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Are you interested in an upright monument or sculpture?
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If choosing cremation, where will the body be cremated? (You have options.)
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What is your budget?
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How will you pay? Would you like to pay in installments?
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Who should contact the cemetery at the time of death?
Planning a Funeral
You may want to consider choosing a funeral director to help you with funeral planning. Funeral directors have experience in all areas of funeral planning, including arranging ceremonies, providing caskets, placing obituaries and so forth. Visit the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association website to find a funeral director.
If you would like to do some of your own research, there are many funeral planning articles and guides from different sources online. Try Funeral Planning 101.
Understanding your Legal Rights
Learn your rights under Minnesota law with the Consumer Guide: Funeral Goods and Services, offered by the Minnesota State Auditor’s office.
Creating a Will, Trust, and/or Health Care Directive
Consult with your lawyer or estate planner to develop these official documents.
Keeping Personal Records
It's a good idea to gather and keep important information about your finances in a safe place for your family. You'll want to consider the following: creating a will, knowing which documents to store, writing down a personal history about you and your spouse, veterans' benefits, Social Security benefits, financial/insurance information, and contact information for children and professional advisors.
To help gather this information, please call us at (612) 822-2171 or send an email and we’ll mail you a free guide for organizing your personal records. (We're sorry, there's not currently an electronic version available to download.)
More Information
The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA) has pre-planning guides and resources for consumers. Visit their site to read more about planning ahead.