Funeral Planning Checklist for Families in Eastern Idaho

It is natural to feel overwhelmed, unsure of the next steps, or worried about making the right choices. At Buck-Murphy Funeral Home & Cremation Services, we understand the weight of these moments. As a trusted part of Idaho Falls and the surrounding communities since 1922, our role has always been to offer steady guidance, practical support, and compassionate care when families need it most.

Whether you are facing an immediate loss or beginning funeral preplanning in Idaho for the future, having a clear and simple checklist can ease the uncertainty. This guide is designed to help families understand the essential steps involved in funeral planning and to show how our experienced staff can support you every step of the way.

Beginning the Funeral Planning Process

For many families, the first question is simply where to start. When a death occurs, emotions run high, and the sudden need to make arrangements can feel overwhelming. The most important thing to remember is that you do not need to face these decisions alone. Our staff is available day or night to help guide you through the process of funeral planning in Idaho Falls or anywhere in Eastern Idaho.

Before making detailed decisions, it often helps to gather a few basic pieces of information about your loved one. This can include their full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and any documents that may indicate their final wishes. If your loved one has already completed funeral preplanning in Idaho, many of these decisions will already be outlined for you.

Step One: Notify Immediate Family Members

After contacting the funeral home, the next step is often to reach out to immediate family members. Sharing the news allows loved ones to come together, offer support, and begin discussing any preferences or instructions that may have been left behind. This early communication provides stability and helps everyone understand how they can contribute to the planning process.

During these initial conversations, family members may recall important details about the loved one’s wishes, such as preferred religious customs, music, or personal items to include in the service. Even small details can make a meaningful difference in creating a tribute that truly reflects the life that was lived.

Step Two: Meet With the Funeral Home

Meeting with our staff in person or by phone is one of the most important steps in planning funeral arrangements. During this meeting, we walk through all available options, answer questions with clarity, and help you make decisions that align with your family’s needs and traditions.

We take time to understand your loved one’s personality, interests, and values. This allows us to help you build a service that feels personal and comforting. Whether you prefer a traditional religious funeral, a contemporary celebration of life, a private gathering, or cremation with memorialization, we provide a range of options to honor your loved one in a meaningful way.

During this meeting, we also discussed:

• Service location and timing
• Burial or cremation preferences
• Casket, urn, or memorial options
• Clergy or officiant choices
• Music, readings, and personal touches
• Transportation and coordination
• Visitation and gathering arrangements

Our staff handles all service planning with care, allowing families to focus on supporting one another.

Step Three: Decide on Burial or Cremation

One of the most significant decisions families face is choosing between burial and cremation. Both options offer meaningful ways to honor and remember a loved one. The choice often depends on personal beliefs, cultural traditions, and family preferences.

Burial typically includes selecting a cemetery, choosing a gravesite, and deciding on the type of service. Cremation offers flexibility and can be followed by a traditional service, a celebration of life, interment, or a private moment of remembrance.

If your loved one completed funeral preplanning in Idaho, this decision may already be made. If not, our staff provides guidance to help your family understand each option and decide what feels most appropriate.

Step Four: Personalizing the Service

A meaningful funeral reflects the individuality of the person being honored. Personal touches can bring comfort, spark memories, and help families begin the healing process. During funeral planning in Idaho Falls, many families choose to personalize their service in several ways, such as:

• Favorite hymns, songs, or instrumental music
• Readings, poems, or religious passages
• Photographs or memory displays
• Tribute videos
• Special items representing hobbies, military service, or personal achievements
• Flowers selected by loved ones

At Buck-Murphy Funeral Home, we offer tribute video production, online memorial pages, floral ordering through trusted local florists, and service detail sharing tools that help family and friends stay informed. These resources help families create a warm, memorable tribute that truly represents the life lived.

Step Five: Writing the Obituary

An obituary is a powerful way to share your loved one’s story with others. It often includes important details such as full name, birthdate, significant life milestones, family relationships, and accomplishments. It may also describe the qualities that made your loved one special, whether it was a sense of humor, a lifelong passion, or a dedication to community.

Our staff assists families with writing and posting obituaries both on our website and with local newspapers. We ensure all service details are included so that friends, relatives, and community members have the opportunity to attend or offer condolences.

Step Six: Make Decisions About the Gathering or Reception

Many families choose to hold a gathering or reception after the service. This can be a simple and peaceful moment for sharing memories, offering support, and spending time together. Reception planning may include selecting a location, preparing food, or coordinating with a local venue.

Our facility offers flexible space to accommodate groups of many sizes, providing a comfortable environment for families to gather.

Step Seven: Handling Legal and Practical Matters

In the days following a loss, families encounter several practical matters that need attention. These may include:

• Obtaining certified copies of the death certificate
• Notifying employers, insurance companies, and financial institutions
• Closing or managing online accounts
• Addressing estate and legal arrangements

Our staff assists families with many of these steps and can help provide direction for matters that require legal or financial expertise.

The Importance of Funeral Preplanning

While this checklist is helpful during an immediate loss, many families choose to ease future burdens through funeral preplanning. Funeral preplanning in Idaho allows individuals to record their wishes, lock in costs at current prices, and provide clarity for their loved ones. This thoughtful step removes uncertainty and helps families find comfort during an already difficult time.

Preplanning gives families:

• Peace of mind
• Cost protection
• Clear guidance on final wishes
• The ability to personalize their arrangements

Our staff guides individuals through each part of the preplanning process, offering clarity, support, and resources to ensure every detail is thoughtfully prepared.

How Buck-Murphy Funeral Home Supports Families

For more than a century, families in Eastern Idaho have trusted Buck-Murphy Funeral Home & Cremation Services for compassionate care, knowledgeable guidance, and a commitment to honoring every life with dignity. From the earliest phone call to the final moments of remembrance, we walk beside you with patience and understanding.

Families rely on us because we offer:

• Immediate assistance any time of day
• Personalized funeral and cremation services
• Online memorial and tribute resources
• Professional obituary support
• Ample gathering space and convenient parking
• Weekly grief support emails
• A caring team dedicated to honoring every life story

Our goal is to ease your burden so you can focus on what matters most, whether you are planning today or preparing for tomorrow.

We Are Here to Help

If you are navigating funeral planning in Idaho Falls or anywhere in Eastern Idaho, we invite you to reach out to Buck-Murphy Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Our staff is here to listen, answer questions, and provide the steady guidance your family needs. Whether you require immediate assistance or wish to learn more about funeral preplanning, you are always welcome to call or visit us.



Planning a funeral is never simple, but you do not need to walk this path alone. Our family is here to support yours with care, compassion, and a commitment to honoring your loved one with the dignity they deserve.