Selecting a funeral home
There are approximately 550 funeral homes in Minnesota. Most of the firms are members of the Minnesota Funeral Directors Association (MFDA) and have signed our Code of Professional Practices, which contains pledges of integrity and public service and education. Member firms must have a funeral establishment license issued by the Department of Health, Mortuary Science Section. MFDA was founded 112 years ago and has served the consumer and funeral director since then. As a service to you, the consumer, we have prepared a list of our member firms to assist you in selecting or locating a funeral home.

There are several criteria that people use to select a funeral home. The most frequent one is that they have a history of using a firm and they know the funeral directors there. Another common factor is location. Many people prefer to select a funeral home in the neighborhood where the deceased lived most of his or her life.

Many people choose a funeral home based on religious, cultural, or ethnic needs. You may request assistance from your place of worship if you have special needs.

Some people compare prices to choose a funeral home that fits their budget. It is difficult to compare prices unless you are familiar with the various services provided by the funeral director and the merchandise you may select. You may call a funeral home and request their General Price List. If you visit the funeral home the funeral director will give you a copy of the General Price List and discuss the various items on it. The funeral director will show you a casket price list and an outer burial container price list, also.

It is important when comparing prices to be certain that you are comparing similar services and merchandise. Funeral directors are accustomed to working within a budget, so you should not hesitate to discuss your particular budget. The most important part of the funeral is the ceremony that celebrates the life of the person who died. Dollars and dignity are not tied together. Your funeral director will work with you to provide a dignified ceremony within your budget.

Another important consideration for selecting a funeral home is how you feel about the firm, the decor, the parking, the staff. Are you comfortable there? Does the staff respond to you warmly? Do you feel free to ask questions and participate in the planning process? Do you understand the services and merchandise selection process? Do you know what you are getting for your money?

If you need assistance, please feel free to call the MFDA at 763/398-0115 and the staff will be happy to work with you. We do not recommend particularly firms but we will also help you get started in making your selection.