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Welcome to Apfel Funeral Home - Harvard
Located at 225 Clay Avenue, Harvard, Nebraska, Apfel Funeral Home stands as a beacon of support for the local community during their times of need. The funeral home has become a trusted establishment for families seeking to honor and celebrate the lives of their loved ones. Known for its empathetic service and professional approach, the caring staff at Apfel Funeral Home - Harvard offers a compassionate hand through the difficult process of saying goodbye.
Our Compassionate Services
At Apfel Funeral Home, the services provided go beyond standard funeral arrangements. The experienced team understands that each family has unique needs and offers personalized services to reflect the life of the deceased. From traditional funeral services to more contemporary celebrations of life, the staff is prepared to accommodate a wide range of wishes and customs, ensuring that each service is as unique as the individual it honors.
Apfel Funeral Home - Harvard
Funeral Obiturary Search
Recent Funeral Home Obituaries
Armando Mendoza Vargas - July 05, 1953 - March 26, 2021
Harlan Fay Boyce - October 21, 1943 - March 08, 2021
Shirley Ann Engel - October 29, 1935 - February 26, 2021
Mike Nelson - May 25, 1954 - February 07, 2021
Barbara K. Patrick - November 18, 1939 - July 24, 2019
Barbara Jean Tarr - March 09, 1933 - July 22, 2019
Shirley F. Woodward - August 22, 1929 - April 29, 2019
LaVonne "Bonnie" Beverly Fitzke - October 02, 1936 - December 16, 2018
James (Red) A. Hendrickson - July 05, 1926 - December 07, 2018
Burnell M. Aspegren - August 22, 1927 - March 24, 2018
Spirit of Community Care
The funeral home is deeply rooted in the Harvard community. A commitment to offering comfort to neighbors and friends during their heaviest moments is what sets Apfel Funeral Home apart. The staff goes the extra mile to provide aid, not just through funeral services but also by supporting the community during grief through resources, counseling, and support groups.
Planning and Pre-Planning Assistance
Understanding that planning a funeral can be a daunting task, the thoughtful staff at Apfel Funeral Home are experts at guiding families through the planning process. Additionally, they offer pre-planning services which can provide peace of mind for individuals who wish to make their final arrangements in advance. This thoughtful service allows you to outline your wishes, relieving your loved ones from the burden of making decisions during a period of mourning.
Memorialization Options
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Apfel Funeral Home provides a variety of options for memorializing your loved one. From crafting the perfect obituary to selecting a lasting memorial that can serve as a place for loved ones to gather and reflect for years to come, the staff dedicates themselves to creating the most fitting tribute. Whether you prefer burial or cremation services, the funeral home offers a range of products including caskets, urns, and grave markers that can suit various preferences and budgets.
Celebrating Life with Dignified Facilities
The facilities of Apfel Funeral Home in Harvard are designed to offer a serene and respectable environment for families and friends to gather. The funeral home features visitation rooms, a chapel for services, and reception areas for after-service gatherings. The home ensures that every space provides the dignity and respect that the occasion necessitates, with an atmosphere conducive to reflection and healing.
A Trusted Advisor in Difficult Times
Staff members at Apfel Funeral Home are more than service providers; they are advisors who help navigate the complexities of funeral arrangements and legal requirements. They can assist with paperwork, such as death certificates and insurance claims, and offer recommendations for florists, officiants, and other services. In times of overwhelming emotions, having a knowledgeable advisor can make all the difference.
Reaching Out for Support
The team at Apfel Funeral Home knows the importance of communication, especially during tough times. That's why they encourage anyone in need of advice, to handle immediate arrangements, or to begin pre-planning, to reach out to them. They are available to answer questions, provide information, and offer comfort. It is their honor to assist the Harvard community and uphold their commitment to caring for families with the utmost respect and empathy.
In summary, Apfel Funeral Home - Harvard serves as a pillar of compassion and professionalism in the heart of Harvard, Nebraska. The thoughtful services, community-oriented staff, and warm, dignified facilities make it a place where families can feel supported and at peace during life's most challenging moments. The team's dedication to personalization and care ensures that each farewell is a true celebration of the life it honors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an obituary?
An obituary is a written notice of a person's death, typically published in a newspaper or online. It serves as a way to inform the community of the passing and to celebrate the life of the deceased, often including a brief biography, information about the funeral or memorial services, and the surviving family members.
Why is it important to write an obituary?
Writing an obituary is important because it helps friends, acquaintances, and the community remember and honor the person who has passed. It also provides necessary information about funeral arrangements and allows those who cannot attend a chance to express their condolences.
Who is responsible for writing an obituary?
Typically, a close family member is responsible for writing an obituary. However, in some cases, a funeral home, a friend, or a professional writer hired by the family may undertake the task.
How do you write a good obituary?
A good obituary is respectful and highlights the key points of the deceased's life, including their personal and professional achievements, the family they leave behind, and any funeral or memorial service details. It should also reflect the personality of the deceased and may include anecdotes or quotes from loved ones.
What information is typically included in an obituary?
An obituary usually includes the deceased's full name, age, date of birth and death, a short biography, details about their family, funeral or memorial service information, and sometimes, a request for donations to a charity in lieu of flowers.
Are obituaries public records?
While obituaries themselves are not public records, they are typically published in public spaces such as newspapers and online memorial sites, making them accessible to the public.
How long should an obituary be?
The length of an obituary can vary. In printed newspapers, it may be brief due to space limitations, usually around 200-500 words. Online obituaries can be longer, allowing for more detailed accounts of the deceased's life and accomplishments.
Can an obituary be too long?
An obituary can be too long if it includes unnecessary details or becomes difficult for readers to follow. It's important to balance brevity with enough information to thoughtfully honor the deceased's life.
What makes an obituary memorable?
An obituary is memorable when it captures the essence of the person's life, shares unique characteristics or stories, and connects with readers on an emotional level. It should be heartfelt and genuine.
Is there a difference between an obituary and a death notice?
Yes, a death notice is typically shorter and just states the facts of death and service information. An obituary is more detailed and includes a biography of the deceased's life, family information, and often a photo.
How quickly should an obituary be published after a death?
An obituary should be published as soon as practical, ideally within a few days after death, to allow sufficient time to inform the community and for people to make arrangements to attend services.
Where should an obituary be published?
An obituary can be published in local newspapers, online obituary websites, social media platforms, and at the funeral home's website. This makes sure it reaches as broad an audience as possible.
Should an obituary include the cause of death?
Including the cause of death is a personal choice. It is not required and is dependent on the family's wishes. Some families choose to include this information, especially if they feel it may prevent rumors or misunderstandings.
Can an obituary be updated after it's been published?
Updates to an online obituary can usually be made relatively easily. However, once a printed obituary is published, it cannot be changed. For corrections in print, the family might opt to publish a new, revised notice.
What if I can't afford to publish an obituary in the newspaper?
If cost is a concern, consider publishing the obituary online through social media or a free obituary website. Some funeral homes also provide space for obituaries on their websites at no cost.
How can I personalize an obituary?
To personalize an obituary, include unique details such as the deceased's hobbies, passions, or sayings they were known for. Adding a favorite poem, quotations, or anecdotes can also reflect the individual's character.
Is it necessary to include a photograph in an obituary?
While not necessary, including a photograph can make an obituary more personal and help readers to recognize and remember the deceased. It often serves as a visual tribute.
How do I handle writing an obituary for a sensitive situation, such as a death of a child or a public figure?
In sensitive situations, it's important to be extra considerate with your words. Aim to capture the essence of the person's life no matter how short, and be respectful of their legacy and the feelings of the family and community.
Should condolences or remembrances be included in an obituary?
While an obituary usually does not contain condolences, it often invites readers to share their remembrances and sympathies with the family, sometimes directing them to an online guestbook or memorial page.
Are there legal requirements for writing an obituary?
There are no legal requirements for writing or publishing an obituary. It is a voluntary action taken by the family to honor their loved one. However, some information such as funeral service details should be accurate and agreed upon by those involved.
How do I start writing an obituary for a loved one?
To start writing an obituary, gather all the factual information you'll need like full name, dates of birth and death, family member's names, etc. Then, think about what made the person unique—special memories, achievements, or characteristics—and begin with a draft focusing on celebrating the life lived.