Krause Funeral Homes Blog

Flower arrangements are a part of so many traditions:  weddings, funerals and even the Olympics.  Winning athletes are given bouquets of flowers before they are given their medals.  In Beijing athletes received roses; Turin Olympians were given groupings of azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias.   In British Columbia the green mum and hypericum berry bouquet beat out 57 other arrangements–and not just because green mums are indiginous to Canada, have little fragrance and a low pollen count (lessening the chance for Olympian allergic reaction).  The winning arrangement has a nifty philanthropic angle.

Winning bouquet designer June Strandburg not only creates beautiful arrangements, but teaches floristry to women who have have been victims of violence or are turning their lives around after substance addiction or a prison stay.  Strandberg’s program even helps with job placement.  All 22 people creating the 1,800 official Olympic bouquets are graduates of her program.

Flowers and philanthropy can be a part of funeral traditions too.  After funerals, families choose where flower arrangements should be delivered.  Most take flowers home or leave them at a house of worship.

As part of their signature services, Krause Funeral Homes funeral directors take photos of all arrangements and cards and give them to familes for keepesake and thank you note purposes.  Then families are offered the option of having some or all flowers delivered free of charge to wherever they choose (afterall, who wants pollen messing up a car?).   Funeral Directors make suggestions like choosing to brighten the community room at the former retirement facility of their loved one.

Some organizations take it a step further.  According to Sandy Wals at Luther Manor Retirement Community in Wauwatosa, WI, residents in their Floral Group take donated arrangements apart and then spend a relaxing hour or two enjoying each other’s company and honing their skills at floral arranging.   Finished pieces are used as centerpieces, special gifts, etc.   Those flowers work hard:  they comfort a grieving family, provide enjoyment to a group of seniors and then brighten someone’s day.  Without deliveries from Krause Funeral Homes and others, there would be no club.  And while International Olympic Committee rules require bouquets to be no larger than 30 cm. by 25 cm., Luther Manor’s Floral Group can can enjoy creating arrangements of any shape or size.

Peter R.* asked about memorial ideas and cremated remains scattering.  “Where can remains be scattered?”

As long as it is permitted by local regulations you can have a scattering memorial service or ceremony in any place that is meaningful to you or your loved one. Krause Funeral Homes has experience in helping facilitate scattering discussions with the proper authorities.

Many choose a traditional scattering where one or many release the cremated remains to the wind; however, there are endless ways to personalize a scattering ceremony. For some families the right choice is to scatter some of the remains and keep some remains in an urn or keepsake urn. A permanent plaque or other memorial noting the location of a scattering is another option.

It is important to discuss your wishes with family members and put specifics into writing.

Personalized Scattering Ideas

• Farewell Toast: Using special cups or glasses, cremated remains may be tossed simultaneously in a “toast” like gesture.

• Personalized Trench: Using a trowel or hoe, some choose to draw initials, a heart or a date into the Earth and fill with their loved one’s remains. It could be done on a beach, timed so that the remains slowly wash into the water as the tide rises.

• Circle of Life: Remains can be poured around a meaningful object like a tree or a group of candles. Loved ones may create a circle around the object and remains, sharing words of remembrance.

• Returning to the Earth: A rake may be used to ceremoniously mix the Earth with cremated remains. This is often how the remains are scattered in a memorial garden.

• Water Scattering: By using a water-soluble urn that gradually disperses the ashes back to the water or tossing cremated remains directly into the water a favorite lake or river could be a loved one’s final resting place.

• Aerial Scattering: Cremated remains may be professionally cast from a private plane over a specific location.

• Reef Construction: Cremated remains can be combined with concrete to create new marine habitats for fish and other forms of sea life.

• Artwork: Artists may combine cremated remains with oil paint and create a painting of choice, including portraits and landscapes.

• Fireworks: Professional pyrotechnicians have combined cremated remains with explosive materials and create a fireworks display in conjunction with a memorial service.

For more information contact us.

Tom F. asked questions about the Krause Funeral Home Motorcycle Hearse, “tell me about the Harley hearse–what type of bike is it and who uses it?”

It is a 19th century-style hearse drawn by a V-twin-powered 3-wheel Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle.

It is chosen by families interested in an original way to personalize a loved one’s final journey and by families of motorcycle enthusiasts.  The first time it was driven was to a 97 year-old woman’s committal service.  Families tell us they like that it creates a timeless memory and captures the nostalgia of a horse drawn carriage.

It has driven to Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and Ohio for funerals and participated in Harley Davidson’s 105th Anniversary celebration.  It also accompanies veterans in various Milwaukee parades to honor those who died while serving our country.

See the Krause Motorcycle Hearse on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams or in Rick Romell’s Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article titled “Hearse Lets Harley Fans Have One Last Ride.”

Keith S.* asks “I’ve heard of a green burial but I’m not sure what’s involved. Can you provide more info?”

Green Burials are natural burial alternatives that often aim to avoid chemical preservatives or traditional metal and wood caskets. Remains may be put directly into the ground, either shrouded in cloth or buried in containers made of easily biodegradable materials, such as cardboard, wicker or pine. Outer burial containers may or may not be required. There are a few Southeastern Wisconsin cemeteries with dedicated sections for green burial. Options vary between cemeteries and Krause Funeral Homes can help families decide which would best serve their needs. As with any final resting place choice, a memorable service, visitation or gathering can be planned.

Call, email or stop by for more information.