What Do Funeral Directors Do?

What Do Funeral Directors Do?

It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


Today, there was a funeral. People cried. Tissues were crumpled and left on the tables. Flower petals fell to the floor. Now, the cleaning staff is making things tidy for the family who will be here tomorrow.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


Someone in our town died away from home, the funeral director is traveling many miles to bring him home and into the funeral home’s care. The light is on in anticipation of his safe return.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


Hospice called. The teacher who taught the funeral director — and you — in the third grade isn’t expected to make it through the night. He’s catching up on paperwork while he keeps vigil. Soon he’ll be called to the home and it will be his turn to take care of the teacher.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


There are computer problems. The video tribute file a family sent won’t work. We’re staying late to make it right for their service.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


It was a busy day today and we still need to notify Social Security and the Veteran’s Administration of Mr. Smith’s death.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


There’s been a terrible accident. We’re doing our best to make a loved one presentable so that they can say goodbye with dignity.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


The obituary the Jones’s gave us for their father is full of misspellings. We need to correct them and get it to the paper.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


We’re reviewing all of the details for tomorrow’s service. When will the celebrant arrive? Do we have drivers for the cars? Who will be the pallbearers?


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


We’re checking tomorrow’s weather in case we need the umbrellas.


It’s late, why is the light on at the funeral home?


The light is on because your neighbor, the funeral director, is pacing the floor. He can’t sleep. Tomorrow, he will oversee the service for his daughter’s classmate.


Sometimes death is just too close, even for him.

Since 1847, Murdoch Funeral Homes & Cremation Service has been committed to providing compassionate care and meaningful services that honor the lives of loved ones throughout their community. Their professional and empathetic staff offer funeral, burial, memorial and cremation services, with each service as unique as the life of the person they’re honoring. Through five generations of family ownership, this Iowa funeral home focuses on providing care to families before, during, and after services, offering resources that help them navigate their new journey through grief. Murdoch Funeral Homes & Cremation Service is honored to provide guidance and care to families in need throughout Cedar Rapids, Marion, Manchester, Center Point, Central City, Earlville, Iowa and surrounding communities. Visit murdochfuneralhome.com to learn more.

November 6, 2025
Because you are there we all sleep better at night. You serve in the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. Some of you serve for two years, some for twenty or more. Some enter into service at a tender age looking for opportunity. Some are following a longstanding family tradition. You are mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. We, thank you for your service.     You spend days, weeks, and even years away from your family. You are not always there to teach your daughter to ride her bike; perhaps you missed your son’s first steps. Because you serve, you can’t always be counted on to attend the baseball game or the teacher conference. With your service comes sacrifice. Sacrifices made by both you and your family.  We thank you and your family for your service.       Thank you for being ready and on alert so that we can go about our business without even thinking about the “what ifs”. Thank you for putting yourself in harms way.  Thank you for giving us your time, your energy and your youth. Thank you for representing us with honor where ever you are stationed.     Regardless of whether you serve us at home or in foreign lands, in time of war or peace, we thank you for your service.       On Memorial Day we remember those who gave their lives in our service, on Armed Forces Day we honor those currently serving. On Veterans Day we honor all who have served our country from the Revolution in 1776 to today. Thank you.       www.murdochfuneralhome.com
March 6, 2025
February 4, 2025
What’s the story behind flowers at a funeral? Well, back in the day before funeral directors perfected the art and science of embalming, flowers were used to mask the odor of the body.