FOSTER F uneral & C remation S ervice
4201 East Towne Blvd, Madison, WI 53704
2737 Coho Street, Madison, WI 53713
Honoring Your Loved One: Navigating Funeral and Cremation Service Options with Compassion
Honoring Veterans: A COMMITMENT TO DIGNITY AND RESPECT
Legacy and History: The Story of Foster Funeral Homes Compassionate GUIDE: GUIDE: Through the Funeral Planning Process with Foster Funeral & Cremation Service
foster funeral homes call: (608) 661-3678 2737 Coho St., Madison, WI 53713
TABLE OF CONTENTS
04-05
12-13
Legacy and History: The Story of Foster Funeral Homes
Honoring Veterans:A Commitment to Dignity and Respect
06-07
14-15
Compassionate GUIDE: Through the Funeral Planning Process with Foster Funeral & Cremation Service
The Importance of Prearranging Funeral and Cremation Services: Planning Ahead with Foster Funeral & Cremation Service
08-09
16-17
Honoring Your Loved One: Navigating Funeral and Cremation Service Options with Compassion
Nurturing Healing and Hope: The Power of Comprehensive Grief Support at Foster Funeral & Cremation Service
10-11
Crafting Unique and Personalized Tributes with Foster Funeral & Cremation Service
Legacy and History: The Story of Foster Funeral Homes
S ince its founding, Foster Funeral & Cremation Service has adhered to a profound guiding principle: treating each family with the same care and respect as their own. This commitment, rooted in sincerity, pride, and unwavering dedication, reflects the rich diversity of time-honored funeral traditions that the firm upholds. Over the years, Foster Funeral & Cremation Service has earned a distinguished reputation for delivering the highest quality of service, a testament to the privilege it holds in serving Dane, Rock, and other surrounding county families each year. Foster Funeral & Cremation Service is also licensed in Illinois and Indiana. A Tradition of Excellence At the heart of our funeral home lies a tradition of excellence and compassion. Our unwavering commitment to honoring diverse funeral traditions and customs underscores our dedication to providing exceptional care and support to the families we serve. A Team of Caring Professionals We have curated a team of highly-qualified and deeply caring individuals who share our mission of providing excellence in funeral services. Their dedication to supporting families in their time of need is a testament to our unwavering commitment to compassionate care and unwavering support. Personalized Support and Pre-Planning Services Whether families face an immediate need for funeral services or wish to begin pre-planning ar- rangements, our funeral home stands ready to provide personalized and compassionate support. Families and individuals navigating these challenging decisions can rely on our proud tradition of care and service to guide them through every step of the funeral process.
4 | fosterfuneralhomes.com
2737 Coho St., Madison, WI 53713
foster funeral services Call: (608) 661-3678
Upholding Standards of Excellence During difficult times, selecting a funeral home that upholds the highest standards of profession- alism and compassion becomes paramount. Each firm associated with us represents the embodi- ment of these standards, demonstrating deep compassion and commitment to attaining the highest standards for their families and communities. Their unwavering dedication to staying informed on legislative updates, consumer protection, advanced learning, and caring practices provides families with confidence as they choose a member firm. Embracing Tradition, Providing Comfort Our funeral home's legacy of compassion, dedication, and unwavering support reflects its endur- ing commitment to honoring traditions while providing exceptional care to families. Through our compassionate team, personalized support, and network of member firms dedicated to excellence, we continue to embrace our tradition of care and service, offering solace and support to families during their most challenging times.
Dawn Adams Licensed Funeral Director/Embalmer/ Vice President /Manager
Bryan Foster President / Licensed Funeral Director
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Compassionate GUIDE: Through the Funeral Planning Process with Foster Funeral & Cremation Service
P lanning a funeral can be an emotionally overwhelming process, but it’s important to know that you are not alone. At Foster Funeral & Cremation Service, we are here to support you every step of the way, providing guidance and compassion as you navigate this journey of love, healing, and life celebration. Here’s some helpful information to guide you through the initial steps, but please remember that you can reach out to us at any time if you need assistance. Within Hours: Navigating the Initial Moments In the event of a loved one passing away at home or in a non-healthcare facility, it’s essential to contact emergency personnel before they can be taken into our care. If your loved one was under medical care, reaching out to their physician is also advisable. If your loved one passed away in a healthcare facility, the appropriate authorities, including the chosen funeral home if known, will be notified of the situation. During this emotional and challenging time, the involved emergency and medical personnel will assist you in obtaining the necessary paperwork, including a medical certificate. We understand the gravity of this moment and are here to offer our compassionate support. If you find yourself uncer- tain about what to do next, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at any time. Within the First Few Days: Navigating the Initial Decisions Following the passing of a loved one, notifying close friends and relatives is crucial, both through
6 | fosterfuneralhomes.com
2737 Coho St., Madison, WI 53713
foster funeral services Call: (608) 661-3678
What to Expect When We Meet: Crafting a Meaningful Tribute When you meet with a member of our compassion- ate staff to discuss the funeral arrangements, we will start by providing you with a general price list to offer insight into the cost of our services. Following this, we’ll engage in a conversation about your loved one, aiming to gain a deep understanding of the person whom the services will honor. This is an opportunity for you to communicate your ideas, share your loved one’s life story, reminisce about cherished memories, and celebrate their achievements. During this process, we may address tasks such as preparing and filing the official death certificate, scheduling services and events, selecting a casket or urn, drafting an obituary, arranging transportation, and choosing pallbearers. We aim to ensure that this process is as smooth and stress-free as possible for you. To facilitate this, it’s important to bring relevant information about your loved one, including their full legal name, social security number, date and place of birth, family details, occupation, and other pertinent details. Additionally, please bring a recent photograph and any clothing you’d like us to use when dressing them for the service.
personal phone calls and the publication of a death notice. If this process feels too overwhelming, it’s absolutely acceptable to seek assistance from a trusted family member or friend. This period also marks the time to re- view any preplanned funeral wishes of your loved one and schedule a meeting with a funeral director to commence the planning of their service. If there are no preplanned arrangements, it’s normal to feel unsure about where to begin. Some initial considerations include decisions surrounding burial or cremation, choice of casket or urn, religious services, and the types of commemorative events you envision. Remember, these questions are simply a starting point, and you don’t need to have all the answers right away. You can always rely on us to gain a bet- ter understanding of your options and alleviate some of the burden during this challenging time.
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Honoring Your Loved One: Navigating Funeral and Cremation Service Options with Compassion
L osing a loved one is one of life's most pro- found challenges, and as we navigate the journey of grief and healing, it's essential to create a sup- portive environment in which we can find clo- sure, say goodbye, and come to terms with the loss. At Foster Funeral & Cremation Service, we understand the significance of this process and are dedicated to providing unwavering support and guidance as you explore the various service options available to honor your loved one. Embracing Ceremony and Connection Gathering with friends and family provides ev- eryone the opportunity to connect, share memo- ries, offer words of sympathy, and create a lasting network of comfort and support as they start the journey toward healing. It's a time to celebrate, honor, and remember the life of the deceased, and at Foster Funeral & Cremation Service, we strive to provide a supportive and compassion- ate environment for families during this chal- lenging time. Burial Services When it comes to burial services, there are dif- ferent options available to suit individual needs and preferences.
Immediate Burial: This option involves bury- ing or entombing your loved one without a pub- lic service or gathering, providing a simpler and more private approach to laying them to rest. Visitation: Also known as a viewing, wake, or calling hours, this allows family and friends to gather in remembrance with the departed loved one in an open or closed casket, offering an op- portunity to say goodbye and provide support and sympathy to the bereaved. Funeral or Memorial Services: Whether held at a funeral home, in a church, or even at home, these ceremonies serve to celebrate, honor, and remember the life of the deceased. Both the vis- itation and the funeral service can be person- alized to reflect the individuality of your loved one, offering a meaningful and personalized tribute. Graveside, Chapel, or Committal Services: These services, held at the cemetery, allow fam- ily and friends to be present as their loved one is transferred to their final disposition through ground burial, providing a meaningful and inti- mate farewell.
8 | fosterfuneralhomes.com
2737 Coho St., Madison, WI 53713
foster funeral services Call: (608) 661-3678
Cremation Services One common misconception about crema- tion is that it precludes the possibility of a funeral service or visitation. This is not the case, as there are many options available to honor your loved one's life even after crema- tion. Interment: Following cremation, interment allows you to bury or entomb your loved one's cremated remains, providing a range of possibilities, from a family plot to a variety of indoor and outdoor locations. Graveside Services: Similar to those cele- brated alongside a traditional ground burial, these services allow loved ones to be present at the burial of the cremated remains, honor- ing the deceased through memorial prayers or other meaningful tributes. Scattering: This option allows you to spread your loved one's cremated remains in a me- morial garden, a cemetery, over water, or across any other meaningful site, offering a unique way to honor their memory and leg- acy. Placing Cremated Remains in Multiple Urns: For families separated by distance, this op- tion allows each member to have their loved one's final resting place in a location conve- nient to them, providing comfort and con- nection. Green Burial Services For those who seek to be more environmen- tally conscious in their end-of-life decisions, green burial options are available. Embrac- ing a green burial service offers a way to hon- or your loved one's life while reducing their environmental impact. This option may be particularly fitting for those who were nature
lovers, worked in environmental science, or were passionate about living an eco-friendly lifestyle. At Foster Funeral & Cremation Service, we under- stand that the process of planning a funeral service can be an emotional and challenging experience. Our dedicated staff is here to provide compassionate sup- port and guidance as you explore the service options that best honor the life and legacy of your loved one.
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Crafting Unique and Personalized Tributes WITH FOSTER FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICE
T he loss of a loved one is an emotionally challenging time, and as you navigate this journey of remembrance and healing, Foster Funeral & Cremation Service is here to offer unwavering support and guidance. We understand that every life is unique and deserves to be celebrated in a way that reflects its individuality. Through our personalized services, we aim to create meaningful and unique tributes that beautifully honor the life and legacy of your loved one, while providing comfort and solace to you and your family. Embracing Personalization: A Tribute to Individuality Personalization isn't just about honoring your loved one's individuality; it's also about allowing fam- ily and friends to feel connected to the services and the life being honored. We believe in the power of personalization to create a deep and meaningful connection, not only with the memories of your loved one but also with those who are present to commemorate their life. That's why we work closely with you and your family to get to know your loved one's life story, their passions, their achieve- ments, and their special journey, so we can make their services as personal and heartfelt as possible. Life Tribute Videos: Capturing Precious Memories One of the most powerful ways to commemorate your loved one's life is through a one-of-a-kind Life Tribute Video. We create these videos by combining family photographs, music, and professional effects to share your loved one's special journey during the service. These videos serve as a touching and heartfelt tribute, allowing family and friends to reminisce and celebrate the life of your loved one together. The video will also be available as a DVD keepsake, ensuring that you have a lasting memento of your loved one's beautiful journey.
10 | fosterfuneralhomes.com
2737 Coho St., Madison, WI 53713
foster funeral services Call: (608) 661-3678
Personalized Stationery: Honoring Tradition with Elegance Our high-quality stationery sets offer more than 500 themes for you to choose from to honor your loved one. Whether you're looking for a design that reflects their favorite hobby, a cherished place, or a special memory, our collection can accommodate various interests and preferences. You can view our collection online or, during our arrangement conference, we can assist you in finding the perfect theme that encapsulates the essence of your loved one's unique spirit. The personalized stationery will serve as a dignified and meaningful touch to the funeral service, allowing family and friends to engage in the remembrance of your loved one in a beautiful and personalized manner. Keepsake Candles: A Symbol of Remembrance Honor your loved one with our personalized glass candles, a beautiful keepsake that will bring warmth and light into your home during your time of grief. Each candle is customized to reflect the uniqueness of your loved one, offering a touch of comfort and solace as you navigate through the grieving process. These candles are a symbol of love, hope, and remembrance, and they can be displayed for years to come, serving as a constant reminder of the enduring love and cherished mem- ories shared with your loved one.
A t Foster Funeral & Cremation Service, we are deeply honored to play a part in recognizing the service of our country's veterans. It is our solemn duty to provide you and your family with unwavering support, professional guidance, and dignified assistance during your time of need. We stand ready to assist you in honoring your loved one for their unwavering dedication and selfless service to our nation. Eligibility: Recognizing Service and Sacrifice For eligible veterans, military funeral honors are not just a gesture of respect; they are a mandated, free-of-charge service provided by law. Verification of eligibility is typically done through the vet- eran's DD-214 or discharge papers. Eligible members include: • Military members on active duty or in the Selected Reserve. • Former military members who served on active duty and departed under honorable condi- tions. • Former military members who completed at least one term of enlistment or period of initial obligated service in the Selected Reserve and departed under honorable conditions. • Former military members discharged from the Selected Reserve due to a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty. Traditional Honors: A Tribute of Reverence Eligible veterans are entitled to receive traditional military honors, ensuring that their service and sacrifice are appropriately recognized. At a minimum, these honors include the folding and pre- senting of the American flag to the next of kin, accompanied by the soul-stirring melody of Taps, performed by a bugler or recording. This is carried out by an honor guard detail comprising at least two members of the Armed Forces, one of whom represents the branch in which the veteran served. This individual will be responsible for solemnly presenting the flag to honor the veteran's service. Honoring Veterans: A COMMITMENT TO DIGNITY AND RESPECT
12 | fosterfuneralhomes.com
2737 Coho St., Madison, WI 53713
foster funeral services Call: (608) 661-3678
In addition to the minimum honors, eligible veterans may receive: • A three-volley rifle salute symbolizing duty, honor, and country. • The draping of the U.S. flag over the casket as a poignant symbol of the nation's gratitude. • A final salute at the gravesite, serving as a tangible expression of honor and respect.
Veteran Benefits: Ensuring Lasting Recognition Beyond coordinating traditional military honors, we are dedicated to assisting you in communi- cating with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to arrange for additional recognition and support, including: • Presidential Memorial Certificate: A certificate expressing the nation's recognition of the veter- an's service, bearing the President's signature and the veteran's name. • Headstones or Markers: The VA provides headstones and markers for the graves of veterans anywhere in the world, as well as for eligible dependents of veterans interred in national, state, or military cemeteries. • Memorial Plots: If the remains of an eligible veteran are not available for burial, the VA will provide a plot and headstone or marker in a national cemetery for memorialization. In cases where the memorial is placed in a non-national cemetery, the VA will provide the headstone or marker, excluding the plot itself. • Burial in a VA National Cemetery: This includes the gravesite, opening and closing of the grave, a grave box, and perpetual care, ensuring a dignified and respectful final resting place. • Reimbursement of Burial Expenses: The VA offers different levels of potential reimbursement for burial expenses. Detailed information, including eligibility criteria and reimbursement tiers, can be found in the comprehensive Guide to VA Burial Allowances. At Foster Funeral & Cremation Service, it is our honor and privilege to ensure that every veteran receives the recognition and respect they so rightfully deserve for their dedicated service to our country. We are committed to providing dignified and professional assistance, guiding you through this process with compassion and reverence.
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The Importance of Prearranging Funeral and Cremation Services: Planning Ahead with Foster Funeral & Cremation Service
P lanning a funeral involves numerous decisions and considerations, and making these arrange- ments beforehand provides the opportunity to carefully deliberate all options and ensure that every necessary detail is addressed. If you're still uncertain about preplanning, consider some of the most compelling reasons why taking this proactive approach may be the best option for you and your loved ones. Reasons to Consider Advanced Planning Ease and Accessibility Preplanning your funeral is a straightforward process. Whether you choose to fill out a form or meet with a member of our knowledgeable staff, you can put your plan in place at any stage of your life. Moreover, the flexibility of this process allows you to make changes as needed, ensuring that your arrangements reflect your evolving desires and preferences. Personalization and Reflection By engaging in preplanning, you have the opportunity to create a unique life celebration that authen- tically mirrors your individuality. Involving your family in this process fosters a deeper connection, providing them with the assurance that your arrangements align with your wishes and values. This not only honors your life but also offers a sense of comfort and understanding to your loved ones. Relieving Your Family's Burden Preplanning your funeral relieves your family of the emotional and logistical burden that often ac- companies making these decisions during a time of grief. By taking care of these arrangements in advance, you provide your family with the invaluable gift of time and energy to focus on healing and remembrance, easing their emotional burden during an already challenging time. Financial Protection and Peace of Mind Prepayment offers a range of benefits, including protection from inflation and price changes, po- tentially resulting in significant cost savings over time. At Foster Funeral & Cremation Service, all prepayments are deposited into a trust fund, where they remain until needed. This financial security
14 | fosterfuneralhomes.com
2737 Coho St., Madison, WI 53713
foster funeral services Call: (608) 661-3678
not only benefits you but also provides peace of mind for your family, ensuring that they won't have to grapple with funeral expenses when the time comes.
Transferability and Accessibility In the event of a move, rest assured that your preplanned arrangements and any prepayments are securely recorded and easily transferable to any funeral home in the United States. This flexibility provides you with peace of mind and convenience, regardless of any future changes in location. Where to Begin If you're considering preplanning your funeral, Foster Funeral & Cremation Service is here to support you every step of the way. To start the process, we recommend reviewing our preplanning checklist, which will help you consider all your possibilities. Following this, you can choose to preplan online using our form to create personalized arrangements tailored to your preferences. Alternatively, you can schedule a time to meet with our compassionate and experienced staff to discuss your options in detail and create a plan that aligns with your wishes. At Foster Funeral & Cremation Service, our dedicated team is committed to providing you with the guidance, support, and compassion you need as you navigate the process of prearranging your funer- al and cremation services. We understand the significance of this decision and are here to ensure that your arrangements are thoughtful, meaningful, and reflective of your unique life journey.
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Nurturing Healing
and Hope: The Power of Comprehensive Grief Support at Foster Funeral & Cremation Service Foster Funeral & Cremation Service T he journey of grief is a deeply personal experience, and finding the right support and resources can make a meaningful difference in navigating this process. At Foster Funeral & Cremation Service, we are dedicated to providing tools and assistance that support individuals and families on their road to recovery. Here are some valuable resources available to assist you as you navigate the path of healing and find solace in the midst of loss. Adult Grief Support GriefShare GriefShare is a warm and compassionate community of individuals who have experienced the pro- found impact of grief and loss. This supportive group is dedicated to walking alongside you through one of life's most difficult experiences, offering empathy, understanding, and shared experiences. At Foster Funeral & Cremation Service, we encourage individuals to connect with GriefShare for a supportive and caring environment where healing and hope intersect. Web Healing Web Healing offers a nurturing environment for those seeking solace and connection during the grieving process. Through grief discussion boards, individuals have the opportunity to engage with others who are also experiencing the challenges of grief, fostering meaningful conversations and providing a sense of community and understanding. Additionally, Web Healing offers a curated selection of recommended books on grief, providing valuable insights and perspectives to support individuals on their healing journey. The Compassionate Friends For those who have experienced the profound loss of a child, at any age and from any cause, The Compassionate Friends offers an invaluable network of friendship, understanding, and hope. This compassionate organization is dedicated to providing support for grieving parents, offering empathy and hope to those navigating the complexities of the grieving process after the loss of a child.
16 | fosterfuneralhomes.com
2737 Coho St., Madison, WI 53713
foster funeral services Call: (608) 661-3678
AARP AARP offers a wealth of articles, discussions, and helpful information aimed at supporting individ- uals dealing with end-of-life care, the unique chal- lenges faced by caregivers, and the complexities of grief following a loss. With a focus on empower- ing individuals with knowledge and understand- ing, AARP provides valuable resources to help navigate the intricacies of grief, caregiving, and end-of-life considerations. Supporting Children Through Grief Children & Grief When a loved one dies, it can be difficult to know how to help kids cope with the loss, particularly as you work through your own grief. By being open and honest, encouraging communication, and sharing your own feelings, you and your children can cope with painful times and begin your heal- ing journey together. Helping Kids Grieve Sesame Street in Communities explores children's
understanding of death and offers informa- tion about communicating, ideas for coping together, and ways to move forward with your children after a loss. This resource pro- vides valuable insights into supporting chil- dren through their grief journey. Helpful Children's Books Allina Health recommends children’s books that deal with different types of death and grief. These books can serve as a meaningful way to start a conversation with your child and help them understand and navigate their feelings during times of loss. More Advice Judith Acosta wrote an article for The Huff- ington Post containing advice and guidance from her book Verbal First Aid. It counsels parents on ways to help kids heal from fear and pain in various situations, including a loved one's death.
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Call: (608) 661-3678 LOCATED AT: 2737 Coho St., Madison, WI 53713
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