General Checklist
^{of Things To Do at Time of Death}

1. Contact funeral director
2. Notify:
1. Relatives and friends.
2. Organizations
3. Employer/former employer
3. Locate and refer to will/trust for any special instructions
4. Meet with funeral director:
1. Obtain /order copies of Certified Death Certificate from director
2. Arrange service including type and location
3. Select casket/vault/urn
4. Select clergy to officiate at service
5. Select music and musicians
6. Provide written obituary or information for obituary
7. Arrange contact with cemetery/crematory
8. Arrange visitation time
5. Purchase burial property if not done prior to death
6. Select/purchase flowers
7. Arrange for someone to stay in home during funeral to avoid break-in
8. Locate important papers (see Form F)
9. Contact local life insurance agent or home office of insurance company
10. Obtain legal advice from an attorney
11. Contact the nearest Veterans Administration office or write to regional office if decedent is a veteran
12. Notify the Office of Personnel Management if decedent was a government employee
13. Notify Public Employees Retirement System if decedent was receiving PERS benefits
14. Contact the nearest Social Security office if decedent was receiving Social Security payments
15. Make photocopies of all forms, documents or letters sent out (in case of loss or delay)
16. Send all correspondence by “Certified Mail-Return Receipt Requested”
17. Select and purchase grave marker
18. Send acknowledgement notes for flowers, memorial gifts, and other gifts or services
19. Gather and pay all current bills

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