Did you Know there are Ways to Offset Funeral Costs?

We all know end-of-life expenses can add up quickly. We remind you often that pre-planning and locking in today’s prices is a great way to help with this future expense, but often, funerals are a sudden and unexpected cost. Believe it or not, there are ways to help offset the expenses.

The Social Security Administration provides a one-time death benefit of $255 to surviving spouses or dependents. Check to see if you are eligible.

Families with limited income can look into their state’s indigent burial program. If eligible, this can significantly offset costs in some cases. Here is more information on the state of Ohio’s program.  

If the deceased is a veteran, benefits may be available through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Find more information from the VA here.

Additionally, your local faith organization, crowdfunding and life insurance are other options to explore when trying to offset the cost of a funeral and burial.

Of course, your team at the Park is always available to answer questions and to assist with all your pre-planning needs. Just give us a call. 419.882.7151.

Pre-Planning: Why it Matters and How it’s Evolving

We often talk about pre-planning. Because of that, you probably already know the basics. You can lock in today’s pricing, thereby avoiding inflation. It gives you peace of mind knowing everything will be taken care of according to your wishes. And it’s a huge gift to your loved ones, allowing them space to grieve without having a million decisions to make.

But how is pre-planning evolving with time? It’s becoming common practice for Xennials (a microgeneration between Gen X and younger Millennials) and elder Millennials.

We are in the middle of a generational shift. What’s been referred to as the “younger generations” for so long is suddenly not so young. Xennials and elder millennials are starting to think about funeral pre-planning in a big way.

This group is very motivated by taking advantage of today’s pricing and avoiding future inflation. Funeral planning is being rolled right into other financial planning exercises.

The evolution of the availability of information and transparent pricing online is also something this generation of people appreciates. Being able to view everything conveniently and save information for planning right on their phone or other device streamlines the pre-planning process.

The Xennial and Millennial groups are very interested in mental well-being. Preplanning really caters to that lifestyle. It allows for creating a plan and documenting their personal wishes for their funeral/memorial. By doing this, they are reducing future conflict for family and loved ones.

In short, preplanning is becoming something that is included in future planning with intention. No longer something that needs to be planned immediately and under stressful circumstances due to a death, preplanning gives each of us the opportunity to create a plan that suits our personal wishes and needs while reducing future strain on family and loved ones.

As always, feel free to contact the friendly and helpful staff at the Park with any pre-planning questions you have.

Honoring Heroes at Toledo Memorial Park: Annual Wreaths Across America Event is set for December 13

Every December, a Saturday is chosen to place thousands of wreaths on the graves of veterans laid to rest at Toledo Memorial Park. These wreaths remember the fallen, honor those who served and teach our children the value of freedom.

Event Details:

Wreaths Across America
Saturday, Dec. 13 at noon
Toledo Memorial Park
6382 Monroe St. Sylvania, OH 43560

Visitors will experience a touching ceremony with wreath placement immediately following.

You can help us honor as many heroes as possible by sponsoring a wreath, volunteering on Wreaths Day or by inviting your family and friends to attend this special event with you. You can even request your sponsored wreath go to a specific grave by contacting the local coordinator, Mel Harbaugh at 419-270-3360 or email: 46elapid@gmail.com.

We truly hope to see you there.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Estate Planning

Having a will and an estate plan is truly a gift to your loved ones. Regardless of your age or wealth status, if you own property, you need a will. Without a valid will, your state of residence could decide how your assets are divided, which might not align with your wishes and intentions.

Estate planning is more than just a will; it’s planning of the uncertainty of the future. In your estate plan you can make your end of life wishes clear, name who should manage your estate, and more. Taking this step can also reduce future legal and tax burdens for your loved ones.

Key Considerations:

Think of this information as a roadmap or a starting point. Every person’s situation is unique, and this is not a substitute for legal advice. Once you have gathered your information, it’s important to seek legal counsel to finalize your estate planning documents.

Inventory All of Your Assets: Make a detailed list of your real estate, bank accounts and investment accounts, vehicles, life insurance, businesses, etc. Take note of retirement accounts and life insurance that can pass via a beneficiary designation.

Decide Who Should Inherit What and How: Be specific in your notes about how you want to distribute your assets.

Name an Executor: This is the person who will carry out all of the instructions in your will. Choose someone trustworthy and capable of this large and important task.

Minors and Guardianships: If you have children or dependents under age 18, your will is where you need to name a guardian to care for them.

Consider Digital Assets: In an increasingly digital age, you need to consider your social media accounts, email accounts and digital photo albums. You could assign tasks related to these items to your executor or you could appoint a separate digital executor to handle these items.

Writing Your Will:

Once you have all of your information and assets organized and collected, you want to hire an estate planning attorney. In some states, you can draft your own will, but hiring a professional greatly reduces the risk of errors.

Safe Sharing and Storage:

You’ll want to keep the original will in a secure, but accessible place such as a safe deposit box or a fireproof home safe. Your executor and trusted family should know where it is and how to access it. You can also provide your executor and trusted family with copies.

Review and Update Regularly:

As life evolves and changes, you should review your will and make updates as needed with your attorney.

 

Below are sources and additional resources. Please feel free to reach out to your friends at the Park with any questions. We will do our best to help or connect you with someone who can.

 

Sources and resources:

AARP
U.S. Department of the Interior
American Bar Association

A Guide on How to Be There for a Grieving Friend

When someone you care about loses a loved one, it can be hard to know what to say or do. You may worry about accidentally doing or saying something insensitive. But what really matters most is your presence, your empathy and your willingness to support.

Here are some ways you can help:

Reach Out Early and Continue to Reach Out

  • Don’t wait. A simple message acknowledging the loss can mean a lot. Let them know you care and you’re thinking of them.

  • Continue to check in over time. Many people offer support in the days right after a loss, but grief often stretches out. Continue reaching out weeks and months later.

  • Be consistent but gentle. They might not always respond and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate your gesture.

Listen More, Talk Less

  • Let them talk about their loved one. Don’t avoid mentioning the deceased. Naming them helps the bereaved feel their memory is honored.

  • Avoid platitudes like “They’re in a better place” or “Everything happens for a reason.” These often feel dismissive or minimize the loss.

  • Acknowledge how hard it is: “I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but I’m here for you.”

  • If they don’t want to talk, sit quietly with them. Sometimes your presence is the kindest gift.

  • Don’t rush. There is no right timeline for grief. Let your friend have the space to feel sad, angry, confused or numb.

Offer Practical Help

When someone is grieving, everyday tasks can feel overwhelming. Instead of saying, “Let me know what I can do,” try:

  • “I’m going to the grocery store; can I bring you anything?”

  • “Can I drop off a meal tonight or help with dishes tomorrow?”

  • “Would you like me to handle your mail or pick up something for your pets?”

Remember Important Dates & Milestones

Things like anniversaries, birthdays and holidays can reopen wounds. Mark these on your calendar and reach out, saying something simple like, “I’m thinking of you today. I’m here if you want to talk or just hang out.” Simple gestures like this remind your friend they’re not forgotten.

Encourage Support

You don’t have to be the only support system. If it feels appropriate, over time, gently suggest resources like:

  • Grief or bereavement groups (in person or online)

  • Counselors or therapists who specialize in grief

Be sensitive. Your friend may or may not be ready to accept those options.

Supporting someone who is grieving is one of the most important roles a friend can take on. You won’t always know the perfect thing to say or do and that’s okay. What matters is your presence, your willingness to listen, your patience and your love.

Your friends at the Park are always available to help and here are a few other resources in case you need more information.

https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/grief/how-to-help-a-grieving-friend

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-not-to-say-to-someone-grieving-11765591

Nearly a Decade of Honor: The 911 First Responders Last Call Memorial at Toledo Memorial Park

In September 2016, Toledo Memorial Park dedicated a powerful tribute to those who answered the call on September 11, 2001. The 911 First Responders Memorial serves as a lasting symbol of remembrance and gratitude.

What Makes it Special

  • The centerpiece of the memorial is a surviving steel beam from the World Trade Center wreckage, brought to northwest Ohio in the spring of 2016.

  • Attached to the beam is a jib from a 1940s‐era Bucyrus Erie Crane—a nod to fire truck ladders—and at the end, a weighted cable holds a U.S. flag that once flew over the US Capitol.

  • The beam rests on a 70-yard reinforced concrete base, shaped like a bolt, standing nearly 10-feet-tall. Its alignment is precise and points just one degree south of due east, directly toward the site of the World Trade Center.

  • In 2017, the memorial was complemented with the addition of a custom cast bronze bell crafted by Verdin Bell Company. The bell weighs approximately 250 pounds and rings in the musical note of E. It was first rung on 9/11/2017 by the Sylvania Fire Department.

A Place for the Community

The memorial area includes 185 niches for first responders and their spouses or significant others, and more than one thousand graves for first responders and their immediate family members. The area offers both cremation and traditional burial options. Personalized markers and monuments help make the section a deeply personal place of remembrance.

Annual Remembrance

Each year on September 11, the community is invited to gather at this memorial for a ceremony honoring those who sacrificed their lives, and to remember the courage and commitment of first responders. The “Last Call” ritual used in ceremonies for fallen police officers or firefighters is the inspiration for the memorial’s name and is observed during the service.

Over the past 10 years, this memorial has become a touchstone for remembrance, a place for families and the community to reflect and pay respects. The presence of the tower-beam, the bell, the symbolic design and the annual gathering all work together to ensure the heroism and selflessness of first responders is never forgotten.

Rooted in Memory and Built to Last

Since 1922, Toledo Memorial Park has been a place of remembrance, reflection and community. Over the years, the Park has grown to 180 acres of developed land and now serves as the final resting place for more than 89,000 people, including more than 14,000 veterans.

What makes this longevity possible is the Park’s unique structure. As a nonprofit cemetery, Toledo Memorial Park is funded in part by investment trusts. These trusts set aside money that is carefully invested, with the earnings used to help maintain the grounds, memorials and facilities year after year.

How Trusts Work for Nonprofits

For nonprofit organizations like Toledo Memorial Park, investment trusts act like a financial safety net. Instead of spending all the funds at once, the main amount (called the principal) is preserved and invested. Only the income generated from those investments is used to support ongoing needs. This ensures that the organization has a reliable source of funding not just today, but for decades to come.

Why Families Can Feel Confident

Because Toledo Memorial Park is supported by these trusts, families can feel confident that the Park will always be cared for, no matter what the future brings. The trust model provides stability, long-term planning and peace of mind. All of this helps the Park honor its mission of remembrance for generations to come.

Writing a Meaningful Obituary

The obituary is an important topic after the passing of a loved one. Telling the story of a life well-lived is a big responsibility. Previously on this blog, we have told the story of how obituaries have evolved over time. Today, we jump into tips to help you honor your loved one.  

First, it’s important to note that if writing the obituary is too overwhelming, your funeral professionals can help with the entire process. All you have to do is ask. Sometimes, there is a person who genuinely wants to take on the task of reflection and share the story of the deceased’s life.

Start with the Basics:

  • Full name

  • Age

  • Date and place of birth

  • Date and place of passing

  • Immediate surviving family members

  • Funeral or memorial service details

  • Preference for donations, flowers, etc

Once you’ve laid the foundation for the obituary with these items, you can move on to more personal storytelling.

Telling the Life Story:

  • Consider career accomplishments

  • Highlight volunteer work and community involvement

  • Mention hobbies and passions

  • Share unique memories or quotes

  • Share anecdotes that display the character of the deceased

You don’t have to cover every detail; now is the time to choose the memories and elements that feel the most meaningful.

Tools to Help:

  • Legacy.com provides obituary examples 

  • The Daily Item has templates and samples to help collect the details 

  • Interview family to make sure you’re capturing memories from a variety of people

  • Lean on your hired funeral professionals for help

    Choose a writing style that is warm and respectful. Clear language and short sentence structure will help keep things simple and heartfelt.

Once you have a first draft, review and edit carefully. Triple check the funeral and/or memorial gathering details for accuracy.

Writing an obituary for a loved one is a special gift that allows you to celebrate their life. It’s an opportunity to create a lasting tribute to a special person.

Pre‑Planning Funeral Arrangements, A Thoughtful Act with Big Benefits

Going beyond logistics, pre‑planning funeral arrangements is an act of care for yourself and your loved ones. As we’ve discussed before, advance planning gives you control over every detail and locks in today’s prices, leaving you with peace of mind while preventing future stress and uncertainty for your family.

Financial Protection: Lock in Today’s Prices

Inflation can significantly increase funeral costs over time. That’s why we emphasize the importance of locking in today’s prices to shield your family from future financial burden.

Prepaying ensures costs are covered upfront so your loved ones don’t have to worry about payments and decisions in their time of grief.

Emotional Relief: Allow Families to Grieve

When funeral arrangements are made in advance, family members can focus on supporting each other and grieving, rather than navigating details under emotional strain.

Personalization & Legacy

Pre‑planning ensures the service aligns with your values and personality. It gives you the opportunity to select music, readings, the type of service and more. There’s a special comfort that comes with making sure your farewell is truly meaningful and representative of your life.

Preventing Family Disputes

Clearly documented preferences reduce uncertainty and potential disagreements among relatives. When your wishes are spelled out ahead of time, it brings clarity and peace in emotionally charged moments.

More from Toledo Memorial Park Blog:

For a deeper dive, here are some past blogs from us on the same topic:

Pre‑planning funeral arrangements offers you control, peace and clarity while easing the emotional and financial load on your loved ones. Whether through personalization, price protection or documented wishes, this thoughtful step ensures your legacy is honored exactly as you intend.

If you'd like help getting started or exploring options, consider reaching out to us. The team is ready to guide you through the process with compassion and expertise.

The Silence of Grief and Why Mental Health Matters

Whether it’s expected or sudden, the loss of a loved one is a very difficult time. It truly changes your world. It’s deeply emotional and can come with sorrow, confusion, anger and even guilt. There’s so much to be done after a loss; planning the funeral, legal needs and more; but something that is unfortunately often overlooked is our mental health.

Grief is much more than sadness. And it’s not the same for everyone. For some people, grief arrives like a tidal wave, overwhelming and immediate. But for others, it can creep in slowly and last a long time. Everyone grieves differently and that’s okay. If you feel like your grief is lingering or prolonged, it’s time to seek support. Mental health support can help build resilience and allow space for true healing.

One funeral director openly discusses his experience with the unexpected loss of his son when he is faced with cases that involve mental health. In this story, he goes on to urge people to offer support to their loved ones who seem to be struggling with mental health. He says to recognize the warning signs. “If you notice someone that has extreme highs and extreme lows,” for example, it might be time to step in.

Tips for Helping Yourself and Others:

  • Allow yourself to feel your emotions.

  • Avoid isolation and talk to someone.

  • Be patient with yourself.

  • Check in regularly.

  • Listen without trying to fix problems.

  • Encourage seeking professional mental health support.   

Local Mental Health Resources:

If you or someone you love is struggling after a loss or just in general, here are several resources in our community available and ready to help guide you through the healing process:

Grief Support and Counseling:

  • Hospice of Northwest Ohio – Grief Support Center
    Offers individual counseling and group sessions for adults, children and families.
    1450 S. Detroit Ave., Toledo, OH
    (419) 661-4001
    www.hospicenwo.org

  • Harbor Behavioral Health
    A leading mental health provider offering grief counseling, therapy and support groups.
    Multiple locations across Toledo & Sylvania
    (419) 475-4449
    www.harbor.org

Immediate or Emergency Support

  • Zepf Center 24/7 Crisis Care
    For urgent behavioral health needs or emotional crises.
    Crisis Hotline: (419) 904-CARE (2273)
    www.zepfcenter.org

  • National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
    Dial 988 from any phone for confidential support, anytime.

  As always, you can reach out to the team at Toledo Memorial Park any time.