We encourage members of Compassion & Choices who live in Wisconsin to become members of the Lighthouse Memorial Society, as well. The former "Memorial Society of Wisconsin" is under new leadership and has been renamed "The Lighthouse Memorial Society."
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What is the Lighthouse Memorial Society, Ltd.?
A memorial society is a people's cooperative dedicated to simplicity and economy in funerals and memorial services with advance planning. The Lighthouse Memorial Society selects qualified Wisconsin funeral homes to offer professional, low cost funeral and cremation services to Society members throughout the state.
How do I contact the Lighthouse Memorial Society?
You may contact the Lighthouse Memorial Society
by sending a letter to:
The Lighthouse Memorial Society, Ltd.
5018 Milward Drive
Madison, WI 53711
Who organizes memorial societies?
Memorial societies are usually formed by a church or ministerial association, by labor, civic or educational groups, or by concerned individuals. The Lighthouse Memorial Society is operated by volunteers and is a non-profit organization. It was started in the mid-1980's by John Blake of Egg Harbor, Wisconsin. Recently, Dorie Geniesse of Madison, Wisconsin has taken over the leadership of the society and has made a number of improvements to benefit the society's members.
Is membership to the Lighthouse Memorial Society limited?
No. The Lighthouse Memorial Society is open to all regardless of creed, color, occupation or nationality.
How are memorial societies supported?
Memorial societies are supported by a modest enrollment fee and annual dues, a records fee at the time of death included in each low-cost funeral plan, and by bequests and contributions.
What happens when I join as a dues-paying member?
If you join the Lighthouse Memorial Society, you will receive a membership kit with forms for comprehensive preplanning, including a durable power of attorney for health care form, and information on body, organ and tissue donation. Your membership card will carry the name and telephone number of the cooperating funeral home that serves your area, and a toll-free 800 number for information and support 24 hours a day. As a member, you will be eligible for the low priced burial and cremation plans that the Lighthouse Memorial Society offers. The Lighthouse Memorial Society will also facilitate the processing of requests for death certificates.
Does membership really save money?
You can save up to $1,000, possibly more, on cremation and several thousand dollars on a burial. Further, it can be as spiritually and emotionally fulfilling as an expensive funeral.
How does preplanning help?
If you preplan funeral arrangements, you are able to decide exactly what you want and determine what it will cost. In addition, your family will clearly understand your wishes and won't have the burden of making funeral decisions for you. Simplicity will not be mistaken for miserliness or lack of respect. Finally, if you and your family accept the reality of death and discuss it frankly, you and your family will be better able to meet it.
What if I move to another state?
There are memorial societies in over 125 cities in the United States. They will welcome a transfer of membership from another memorial society, some without a charge, and others with just a modest transfer fee.
Are funeral services necessary?
At the time of death survivors have important emotional and social needs. A funeral service can meet some of those needs.
Are there other ways to conduct a burial?
Yes. The body may be buried or cremated before a service is held. Then, a memorial service can be held instead of a funeral service. A memorial service can be held at any time to accommodate family and friends who will need to travel long distances to attend.
What is the difference between a funeral and a memorial service?
With a funeral service, the body is present and the emphasis of the service is usually on death. In a memorial service, the emphasis is on the personality and life of the deceased. In addition, a memorial service involves less expense and can be held in a variety of locations.
What are memorial services like?
Memorial services vary depending on the family's religious customs and the deceased's personal relationships. The distinctive approach of a memorial service stresses a person's life rather than their death. A memorial service can be designed to meet the needs and circumstances of the family.
Is embalming necessary?
Embalming is only necessary if the body is to be kept several days for a funeral service, or is to be transported elsewhere by common carrier. Otherwise, it serves no useful purpose and is not necessary or legally required.
What disposition can be made of a deceased's body?
There are four options: (1) Burial. Burial was once the simplest and most economical method. However, rising land values, high-priced caskets, vaults and other items have made it increasingly costly. (2) Cremation. Cremation is an economical method of returning the body to the elements, and is rapidly increasing in use. (3) Donation to a medical school. Donating your body to a medical school provides a crucial resource that supports medical education and saves you and your family considerable expense. However, you need to contact a medical school well in advance of your death to make arrangements to donate your body. If a medical school accepts the donation of your body, the cremated remains will be returned to your family if requested. (4) Families may bury their own dead on their own land in Wisconsin. Families are not required to hire a funeral director. Funerals may be conducted in private homes.
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