Frequently Asked Questions

The job of a funeral director is to assist in the planning of a funeral. They work alongside families to organise a special celebration for their loved one. During this time they also provide support to grieving families in their time of need. Whilst they are not grief counsellors, they do provide experienced advice and can help you find a grief counsellor if need be.

If a funeral is advertised, then anyone is welcome to attend. However, if the funeral is not advertised and the family has not personally invited you, then you should not attend. This usually indicates that the funeral is private and you must respect the wishes of the family.

It is important to give children the option to attend a funeral. It is also a tough decision to make as a parent, however allowing the child to make up their own mind is sometimes a good idea. There are instances where babies and toddlers can be disruptive, however, they can provide welcome relief for members of the family.

Black has always been the traditional colour to wear to funerals, however, these days there is more flexibility in what people can wear. It is now appropriate for people to be dressed in colourful clothing, with some people requesting guests to be dressed in certain colours.

There is no legal requirement to have a funeral service, but it is a legal requirement to be buried or cremated. Some families choose to have a memorial service or remembrance gathering with no coffin present, some families choose to have no gathering at all. You need to communicate with your family of your wishes.

To ensure your wishes are fulfilled, you can get in touch with us prior to death to make arrangements. During a meeting with our funeral director you and your family can arrange most details regarding the type of service you would like to have.

Our funeral consultants are more than happy to discuss a pre-arranged funeral with you at any time. The process takes around two hours and can be held in either the privacy of your own home, or otherwise at our premises.

There are a variety of different methods that are available for a deceased person. They can choose between burial, cremation, entombed or donation to a University for scientific research.

Generally, at some point of time in their life most people specify whether they would like to be buried or cremated. In many cases, most people choose the method that their family members have undertaken. Ultimately, the choice is a personal one that must be decided upon by the individual. These days, cremation seems to be the preferred choice for most people, however, burial is still favoured by some.

Deciding what to do with a loved one’s cremated remains can be easy if they have already outlined their wishes. However, in the case when they have not made a request, much consideration is required. It’s important to know there is no need to rush into a decision, as it can be made at any time after a funeral, even years later. There are a variety of options to contemplate including keeping ashes at a cemetery site in an urn, or scattering them at a cherished location of the loved one.

In order for the University to accept a deceased person for study, the body must meet certain standards. At the time of donation, the University will discuss the criteria with the loved ones.

Choosing a funeral home is a big decision to make. Often when a family has had experience with a funeral home, they will continue to use their service. However, if you don’t have experience with a funeral home, there are some important factors to consider. The funeral home’s location, cost and reputation are all points to research. Conversely, it could be word of mouth from someone who has attended a service that they would recommend. The best tip is to visit the funeral home and talk directly with the staff.

The Death Certificate is applied for at the time of burial or cremation. The process takes around 3 weeks for the Death Certificate to be issued and sent. The Certificate is sent to the person nominated at the funeral arrangement.

Cremated remains are generally returned to Kleemann Funerals 2–5 days after the cremation.

They do not call to advise when the ashes have arrived, so you are encouraged to contact the office beforehand to confirm they have been returned before coming in.

Ashes can be collected Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 4:30pm. It is also recommended to call ahead prior to collection, as there may be a funeral taking place at the time you plan to visit.

The Funeral account will be finalised after the Funeral Service, this takes around 2 weeks to process and will be sent to the nominated person organising the funeral.

Our Service Fee Includes:

1. The transfer of the deceased from the place of death to our funeral home. This includes our staff and the transfer vehicle. If the distance is more than 70km from our funeral home to the place of death extra fees will apply. We are there for you if the transfer call-out occurs after hours, on weekends or public holidays, extra fees may apply.

2. The funeral arrangement appointment with our funeral director in the comfort of your own home or at our funeral home during business hours. We are available if the interview occurs after hours, weekends or on public holidays, and extra fees will apply.

3. The organisation of all items required from the funeral arrangement appointment. This includes crematoriums, cemeteries, churches, chapels, florist, caterers, newspapers, printers, musicians, ministers, celebrants and technology. (We understand that some family members may like to make their own arrangements for certain items).

4. The standard mortuary practice conducted by our fully trained mortuary technicians, including the dressing and coffining of the deceased. Also includes the preparation of non-coffin burial for the deceased, if requested (natural burial).

5. The preparation and processing of all cremation or burial documentation by law and regulation, adhering to a variance of government acts.

6. The funeral director and assistant conducting the funeral service, including the hearse, if required. If the distance is more than 70km from our funeral home to the place of funeral service and/or the place of burial or cremation, extra fees will apply. Extra fees will also apply if the funeral service is scheduled after-hours, on weekends or public holidays.

7. The preparation and processing of the Death Registration by law (and subsequent Death Certificate) with Births, Deaths & Marriages in the state or territory where the death occurred.