At Locke Funeral Services, our commitment to our customers goes beyond our funeral services. We hope to create a lasting impact on our community with our compassionate care before, during and after those services. We think one of the best ways to do that is by putting tough topics down on paper to help you make the best decision for yourself and your loved ones. Join us today as we discuss the difference between a funeral service, a memorial service and a celebration of life.  

Funeral Service 

A funeral service is what you would traditionally think of when planning a funeral. Typically, a funeral will have four main parts, the visitation, the funeral service, the committal and the reception. The service itself can be at the funeral home, within a church or graveside. Although it can consist of different aspects, some traditional elements of a funeral service include: 

  • Opening music 
  • Procession 
  • Opening remarks 
  • Prayers or scripture readings 
  • Eulogy and closing comments 
  • Closing music  

Memorial Service 

A memorial service is typically used when the body has already been buried or has been cremated. Similar to a traditional funeral service, friends and family may participate in the memorial service in various ways including: 

  • Music 
  • Opening remarks 
  • Prayers or scripture readings 
  • Eulogy and closing comments 

Celebration of Life 

Often thought of as an alternative to a traditional funeral ceremony, a celebration of life is another way to honor the deceased. Much like a memorial service, a celebration of life typically occurs after the physical remains have been through cremation or a burial. A celebration of life ceremony is just that, a celebration of life. The focus of these gatherings is to celebrate the unique personality and achievements of the deceased. 

If you’ve decided which gathering is best for your needs or you’re still undecided, let a caring member of our team assist you. Our decades of experience mean we have the knowledge and compassion to help you before, during and after your time with us. Call 319-233-6138 or reach out to our team today. 

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