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Welcome to Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home
Losing a loved one can be an overwhelming experience filled with a myriad of emotions and decisions. At Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, we understand the importance of honoring the memory of your loved ones with the utmost respect and care. Located in the heart of Eureka, Illinois, our facilities provide a warm and welcoming environment where families can gather to celebrate and remember.
Our History and Commitment
Argo-Ruestman-Harris has a long-standing tradition in the Eureka community. Our experienced staff is dedicated to guiding you through the process of planning a funeral or memorial service that is as unique as the individual it honors. With years of experience in serving families of all faiths and cultures, we are committed to providing personalized, compassionate service to every family we're privileged to serve.
Services Tailored to Your Needs
We understand that every person's life is unique, and so should be their final tribute. Our funeral home offers a spectrum of services, including traditional funerals, memorial services, and cremation options. From visitations to military honors, we work diligently to accommodate any specific requests to ensure a fitting celebration of life for your loved one. Our main aim is to create a respectful and loving service that meets your personal needs and honors the legacy left behind.
A Comforting Atmosphere
The physical setting for a funeral service can impact the way we say goodbye. Argo-Ruestman-Harris is housed in an accommodating facility at 508 S. Main St., designed to bring ease during a challenging time. From the moment you enter, you're met with a sense of peace and comfort. Our tastefully decorated rooms provide an intimate space for private reflection, as well as accommodating areas for larger gatherings.
Advanced Planning Services
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Thinking about the end of life can be difficult, but pre-planning a funeral offers peace of mind, ensuring that your wishes are respected and relieving your loved ones from the burden of making decisions during a time of grief. At Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, we offer advanced planning services to help you outline your preferences, secure costs, and provide all the necessary information required for your funeral or memorial service.
Support and Resources for Grief
Grieving does not end with the funeral, and neither does our care. Our commitment to your well-being continues with aftercare resources designed to support you through your grief journey. From counseling referrals to support groups, we provide you with the resources necessary to find comfort and healing. It's our hope that through ongoing support, you can find a pathway to peace.
Affordable Options for Every Family
We believe that everyone deserves a dignified farewell, regardless of budget. Argo-Ruestman-Harris offers a range of affordable funeral and cremation options. Our team is here to discuss flexible payment plans and services that will not compromise the quality of your loved one's final tribute. We are transparent about costs and will work with you to ensure the services you choose are both meaningful and accessible.
Community Engagement and Events
The connection between Argo-Ruestman-Harris and the community of Eureka extends beyond the services we provide. We are honored to engage in various community events that foster relationships and support our shared community. From hosting memorial events during the holidays to participating in citywide observances, we take pride in our commitment to the families and individuals of Eureka.
For those losing a loved one, Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home provides solace and support when it matters most. We believe in going above and beyond to help you celebrate the life of your loved one in a way that is meaningful and personal. Our doors are always open to those who need guidance, and our hearts committed to serving Eureka with dignity and grace. You are welcome to contact us or visit our facility to experience the care and attention that define our service.
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 to inform the community of the passing and to celebrate the life of the deceased, offering a brief biography that includes major life milestones, family members, and, sometimes, details about the funeral or memorial services.
Why are obituaries important?
Obituaries are important as they formally acknowledge the loss of a community member, provide a record of the person's life, and notify friends, acquaintances, and the public of the death. They also help friends and family to begin the grieving process and serve as a historical document for future generations.
Who writes the obituary?
Obituaries can be written by a family member, friend, funeral home staff, or a journalist. The person best suited to write it is someone who was close to the deceased and is familiar with their life story and the wishes of the family.
What information is typically included in an obituary?
An obituary typically includes the full name of the deceased, their age, the date of death, and the place where they died. It may also include a brief summary of their life, including significant relationships, career achievements, hobbies, and passions, as well as information about the funeral or memorial services.
How is an obituary different from a death notice?
An obituary is a detailed biography and tribute to the deceased, often including anecdotes and personal touches. A death notice, on the other hand, is a shorter, more formal announcement that may list only the bare essentials like name, date of death, and information about the funeral service.
Where are obituaries published?
Obituaries are commonly published in local newspapers, online obituary websites, and social media platforms. Many funeral homes also offer an obituary section on their websites.
Can an obituary include a photograph?
Yes, many obituaries include a photograph of the deceased. This is often a recent picture that reflects how people will remember them, though some families choose a photo from a significant time in the person's life.
Are there any standard practices or formats to follow when writing an obituary?
While there is no strict format, many obituaries follow a general template: starting with the announcement of death, followed by biographical information, details about the family, a summary of the person's life and achievements, funeral service details, and sometimes a special message or thank you.
How long should an obituary be?
The length of an obituary can vary greatly. It could be just a few sentences for a simple death notice, or it could span several paragraphs, providing a detailed account of the person's life. However, the cost of publication and the desire to convey significant information concisely often dictate its length.
Is it mandatory to publish an obituary?
It is not a legal requirement to publish an obituary. The decision is a personal one and should be based on the family's wishes and the deceased's own preferences, if known.
What should you avoid including in an obituary?
It's generally advisable to avoid including sensitive personal information that could lead to identity theft, like the deceased's home address, birth date, and mother's maiden name. Also, avoid oversharing personal details that the family or deceased would not want to be public.
Can we include charitable donations in the obituary?
Yes, it is quite common to request charitable donations in lieu of flowers. The obituary can specify one or more charities that were important to the deceased or that support a cause related to their death.
What is the best way to handle survivors and predeceased family members in an obituary?
Survivors and predeceased family members are often listed in order from closest relation to the most distant, generally starting with the spouse and children, followed by grandchildren, siblings, and parents. For predeceased family members, it's common to include a phrase such as "preceded in death by" followed by their names.
Should the cause of death be included in an obituary?
Including the cause of death in an obituary is a personal choice. Some families prefer to disclose it, especially if it pertains to a public issue or if the deceased was well-known. However, many choose to keep this information private, and this decision should be respected.
How soon after death should an obituary be published?
An obituary is typically published within a week after the death to ensure that the community is informed in a timely manner, especially if details about the funeral services need to be communicated. However, the timing ultimately depends on family preference and the need to coordinate with various schedules.
What are some common phrases or words used in obituaries?
Common phrases in obituaries include "passed away," "surrounded by loved ones," "after a long battle with," "in lieu of flowers," "survived by," and "preceded in death by." Yet, personalizing the language to reflect the unique life of the deceased can make the obituary more meaningful.
How can an obituary reflect the personality of the deceased?
To reflect the personality of the deceased, include anecdotes, highlight their humor, achievements, and what they were passionate about. Share stories or quotes that capture their essence, and use language that mirrors how they communicated.
How do families share obituaries with people outside of the local community?
Families can share obituaries outside of the local community by posting them on social media, sending them via email, or utilizing online obituary platforms that allow for sharing and commenting.
What if there's a disagreement in the family about the obituary content?
In case of disagreement within the family, it's important to communicate openly and reach a consensus that honors the wishes of the deceased while also respecting the feelings of all family members. Sometimes, mediation from a third party like a funeral director or a family friend can help resolve disputes.
Is it possible to edit an obituary after it has been published?
Once an obituary has been published in print, it typically cannot be edited. However, online obituaries often allow for edits or updates. It's important to proofread and ensure all details are correct before submitting an obituary for publication.
How much does it cost to publish an obituary?
The cost to publish an obituary varies depending on the publication, length, and whether a photograph is included. Prices can range from a small fee for a basic death notice to several hundred dollars for a lengthier obituary in a major newspaper.
Can an obituary be published in multiple places?
Yes, it's quite common to publish an obituary in multiple places, such as in the deceased's hometown newspaper and in the area where they were living at the time of death. Additionally, an obituary can also be shared through online memorial sites and social media platforms.