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No. The only requirement is that the body be in a simple container. However, if burial is requested, most cemeteries require an outer vault be used in conjunction with the container. Vaults are required because they help maintain the integrity of the grave by preventing sinking of the ground.

Embalming is not always required. In the case of direct burial or cremation, when no services are held, embalming is not necessary.

Absolutely, you have all the same choices as with a traditional funeral. You can choose to hold a viewing, religious ceremony, visitation and a gathering after the ceremony. You may also choose to hold a memorial service after the cremation.

Our funeral home is more than willing to provide casket bearers, however, most families like to use relatives & friends to participate in the service.

No, it is not necessary to purchase a casket, when you select cremation. However, for sanitary reasons and ease of handling, a cremation container is necessary. Simple cremation containers are available at a minimal cost. If a viewing and/or religious ceremony is planned prior to cremation, a variety of cremation caskets, designed specifically for this purpose, are also available.

The funeral director's job is to assist the bereaved in various ways to help them through the loss of a loved one. A funeral director provides bereavement and consolation services for the living, in addition to making arrangements for the cremation, burial, and memorial services for the deceased. He fulfills the role of funeral arranger, funeral director, funeral attendant, and embalmer.

The following list is not all-inclusive, but describes some of the major tasks of a funeral director: 

•     Removal and transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home
•     Professional care of the deceased, including embalming, casketing, and cosmetology
•     Consulting with family to make arrangements for the funeral service
•     Filing certificates, permits, and other required forms
•     Obtaining copies of the death certificate
•     Arrangements with the cemetery, crematory, or other places of final disposition
•     Creates and publishes the obituary
•     Arrangements for clergy, music, flowers, transportation, pallbearers, and special fraternal or military services
•     Directs and manages the funeral service and the funeral procession
•     Assists the family with death-related claims, including Social Security, VA insurance, grief counseling

If the remains are not going to be buried, it is not necessary to purchase and urn or urn vault. Family members may provide the funeral home with a suitable container of their own selection.

The Buch Family of Funeral Homes is a part of a professional network of licensed funeral directors. Should someone die, while away from home, contact us immediately. No matter where the person died, we will be able to make arrangements for the return of the body and all other necessary details.

Depending on their age and their relationship with the deceased, it can be helpful for children to attend the services. By attending, children are given the opportunity to say goodbye to someone they love. Funerals and viewings also allow children to start the grieving process. If in doubt, simply explain to the child what will happen at the services and ask them if they would like to go.

Families may be eligible for Social Security benefits. Widows and widowers are eligible for benefits at age 65 (or reduced benefits at age 60). Unmarried children up to 18 years of age may also receive benefits. In addition, a divorced spouse, after 10 years of marriage may qualify. We recommend you contact your local Social Security office for full details. Families of veterans are also eligible for benefits from the government. Benefits can include burial allowances, grave markers and monthly survivor benefits. We recommend that you contact the local Veteran's Administration office for complete information.

Yes. If the deceased is a veteran we can make arrangements for burial in a veteran's cemetery, grave markers, attendance of a military honor guard and other veteran's benefits that the deceased may qualify for.

Yes, we can transfer the body to the funeral home while donation arrangements are finalized. In addition, we will transport the body to a Humanity Gifts facility within 50 miles of the funeral home.

At the Buch Family of Funeral Homes we have a complete Aftercare Program to assist families in dealing with the myriad of matters that must be taken care of following a death. Our specially trained Aftercare Specialist will guide you through the legal and financial details after a death. We will also provide you with an Aftercare Booklet, which is filled with important information to help you after the funeral.

If you are ready to make arrangements in advance you can:

Meet With Our Staff - contact Adam Kraut to set-up an appointment by phone at (717) 665-4341. If you prefer not to meet in person, we can meet remotely by phone or via Zoom videoconferencing.

Pre-Plan Online – use our simple, step-by-step online pre-planning guide to make arrangements in advance from the comfort of your home. GET STARTED