The Gift of Peace: Why Funeral Preplanning Matters

By Brainard Funeral Home and Cremation Center and Helke Funeral Home and Cremation Service

Planning for the end of life isn’t always an easy subject to think about, but it is one of the most thoughtful and caring decisions a person can make. Whether it’s choosing cremation, picking out a favorite poem, or making sure your service includes a beloved song, preplanning your funeral gives you the chance to make your own unique choices and gain peace of mind knowing your final wishes are in place.

But preplanning isn’t just about your preferences—it’s also a deeply meaningful gift to your loved ones. When you make these important decisions ahead of time, your family is spared from having to guess what you would have wanted. During an already emotional time, this relief allows them to focus on their journey through grief instead of shouldering the stress of last-minute arrangements.

A personalized service can be a powerful step in the healing process for those left behind. By prearranging, you ensure your ceremony reflects your life, values, and personality—providing comfort and meaning to everyone who attends. It also helps avoid potential family disagreements, which can sometimes arise when plans are unclear.

At Brainard Funeral Home and Cremation Center and Helke Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Ingrid Benson is our dedicated Advance Funeral Planner. She is available to guide you every step of the way. A prearrangement conference is simply a friendly, no-pressure conversation where she’ll walk you through your options and help you record your wishes clearly and accurately. And if your preferences change over time, no problem—your plan can be updated at any point.

We also understand that the financial aspect of planning can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer a range of affordable payment options designed to fit all needs and budgets. You can choose to pay in full or take advantage of payment plans. We can also help you set up a portable funeral policy—a smart and secure way to set aside funds in advance. It’s not considered an asset, which can be a benefit when it comes to financial planning.

When you prearrange, you’re not just planning a funeral. You’re making an investment in peace of mind for yourself and those you care about most. You’re taking control of your story, your celebration, and your legacy.

If you’ve ever thought about preplanning but weren’t sure where to begin, we invite you to call our Brainard locations at 715-845-5525 or our Helke location at 715-842-3993 to ask for Ingrid. Her goal is to make the process simple, informative, and even comforting. She’ll help ensure your final goodbye is exactly how you envision it. You can also visit our websites to learn more and see what upcoming preplanning events Ingrid is hosting: brainardfuneral.com and helke.com. 

Let Ingrid help you take that first step—because your life deserves to be honored your way.