Although their businesses are not shut down, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is impacting the operations of local and area funeral services. Rich Darby, Director of Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, says funeral directors are trying to follow the latest rules….
{”You know it changes by the day. It first started out with gatherings of 50 people or less. And then that same day it was then decreased down to 10 people or less,” said Darby. ”And so we are trying to manipulate that with the families. And also a lot of the folks will be able to honor and still be part of it,” he added.}
Mike Rhortvedt, owner of Rhortvedt Funeral Services and Crematory in Tilton, described how the coronavirus pandemic is impact his business….
{”We’re having several people that are delaying visitations and services. Burials as well,” said Rhortvedt. ”The VA cemeteries and Catlin Township cemeteries are all not allowing any services at all. So it’s just the funeral home staff and the cemetery staff for burials. No family are allowed until after the burial takes place.”}
Darby says a lot of funeral services have gotten creative because of the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, he says some are having the grieving family stay home, then having the mourners drive by their home and waive during what would have been the visitation period. And some – including Sunset – are videotaping the service to allow family members or friends to watch the video at their own desire afterwards.
