A group of friends were enjoying a vibrant evening at their favorite restaurant in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket district. There was laughter, talk about upcoming trips, a little discussion about grandkids and, of course, commentary on the housing market. And then someone said something unexpected. “I went to a luncheon last week and pre-planned my cremation.” The table went quiet for a few seconds. Then came the questions.
“You can do that in advance?”
“Was it expensive?"
“What if I move?”
Within minutes, what could have felt like a heavy conversation turned into one of the most practical conversations of the evening. One friend shared how relieved she felt knowing her children would never have to make decisions in a hospital hallway. Another admitted she had been thinking about this but kept putting it off. Someone else confessed she assumed it would be overwhelming and is now interested in hearing more.
Let’s talk about it
Here are some frequently asked questions about pre-planning provided by Neptune Cremation Service.
Can you really plan this in advance?
When people in Lincoln choose to do this, it’s about making decisions while life feels calm and clear, instead of leaving them to loved ones during a difficult time. It removes the decisions at the time, such as: Will the family agree? Who will pay for the final arrangements? Who will coordinate the paperwork?
Is it expensive?
Pre-planning is a gift for your loved ones that also protects your finances. Costs will rise, but you can lock in today’s rates. Funeral costs can double about every six to eight years. Can you imagine if you live for another 15 to 20 years?
What if the person moves away from home?
Should you move anywhere in the U.S. or Canada, your plan moves with you. If you are traveling or away from home, anywhere in the world you can choose to have added protection through Neptune’s third-party provider.
You can travel with confidence. Whether you're visiting family or going on a bucket list of adventures, you can have peace of mind that your loved ones will be provided 24/7/365 service anywhere if the unexpected occurs.
Will immediate family members know what to do when the time comes?
Yes, one call starts it all. From there, the process is smooth:
- Initial call received by Neptune’s professional staff.
- Remains brought into Neptune’s care and transported to an affiliated climate-controlled care center.
- Paperwork carefully reviewed with next of kin.
- Social Security is notified, death certificate is sent to physician. Cremation is scheduled and performed.
- Veterans Administration is notified if applicable.
- Ashes returned to family.
Can the final arrangements be personalized, whether that means a direct cremation, a viewing, a celebration of life or even a scattering of the ashes?
Yes, and that’s one of the most meaningful parts of planning ahead. There’s no one-size-fits-all. Pre-planning simply gives you a space to decide what feels right for you, whether that’s something simple or something more traditional.
Are you ready to begin this conversation?
At Neptune Cremation Service, Heidi Palenik has been helping families in Nebraska pre-plan cremation, providing clear information and answering questions to make the decision easier. If you would like to learn more, there are several comfortable ways to begin:
- Attend an educational luncheon seminar, where you can discuss with experts the benefits of pre-planning, options and costs in a no-pressure setting.
- Schedule a private meeting at Neptune’s office or in the comfort of your own home.
- Call with questions, even if you are simply gathering information for the future.
- Receive information via email or physical mail to review at home.
Planning your final wishes is, most importantly, about relieving your loved ones of uncertainty during a difficult and emotional time. Don’t leave this vital decision to chance. Start the conversation today, and turn what feels uncomfortable into an act of care, dignity and lasting love for those who matter most.
For more information, contact Heidi Palenik at 402.482.3324 or email Heidi.Palenik@sci-us.com.
