Next of Kin generally means the one who has the authority to make the decisions after death, typically one who is the most closely related.

In Minnesota, it runs: Spouse, Adult Child, Parent, Sibling, Adult Grandchild, etc.

Power of Attorney has no bearing on this, though an individual explicitly named to handle funeral arrangements in a Healthcare Directive trumps all degrees of kinship.

- A Traditional Funeral is one that will allow the family to view their loved one and have the body present at the service, in a casket, followed by interment in a cemetery. Embalming is generally required.

- A Traditional Funeral Followed by Cremation will allow the family to view their loved one and have the body present at the service, in a cremation casket or rental casket, followed by cremation.

- A Family Viewing with a Memorial Service will allow the close family to view their loved one. Generally, we will wash, disinfect, and dress the unembalmed body for viewing in an Alternative Container. Following the family service, cremation will occur, and a memorial service will be held with the cremated remains present in an urn.

- A Cremation Followed by a Memorial Service will not allow for viewing of the body, and will have the cremated remains at the service, in an urn, typically followed by interment in a cemetery. (a family may keep the cremated remains as per their wishes)