Welcome To Pre-Planning

Our funeral ministry has always aspired to provide the finest service to those who call upon us at the most difficult time of their lives.  Our family has been privileged to serve the families of Will County for five generations, beginning in 1854, and continuing today as the Fred C. Dames Funeral Homes.  We are pleased, as well, to have the opportunity to extend our care to the families in Grundy County, with the opening in 2004 of our Morris Chapel. Fred C. Dames Funeral Homes are family-owned and operated, full-service funeral homes.  We are able to arrange services for all faiths and traditions, and offer traditional funeral services, cremation oriented services as well as many other personalized services.  No detail is ever too large or too small for us to accommodate.

A website can not, however, provide the personal contact that is so much a part of an arrangements conference held with a funeral director, either at the funeral home or in the comfort of your own home. There is no substitute for good service, and we feel we serve you best when we are able to answer your questions, clarify specific details, or address unique circumstances about your particular needs. If you would like to meet with a director in person to discuss funeral prearrangements, please call the funeral home to schedule a no obligation appointment convenient for you. That said, good service also should include the opportunity to easily know what funerals cost, and provide for recording information about yourself. You may begin your funeral prearrangement online now, and receive an estimate of the cost of the type of funeral services you are considering. This pre-arrangement online or downloadable advanced funeral planning guide is but just a couple of the many services we offer our families, and is a resource to help in planning and making funeral arrangements in advance of need.

A pre-arrangement is a gesture of love and concern for your family.  This assures them that they will not be burdened with all the important decisions which must be made at a time of great emotional distress, and will not be left with any unplanned financial responsibility.  Your wishes as to funeral, burial, cremation, memorial or simple disposition services, degree of formality, persons involved, funeral costs and other related details are fulfilled.  Knowing that all the arrangements are complete, and that nothing is left undone, provides great peace of mind for you and the survivors you leave behind. As funeral directors, we have no desire to see you go beyond your means in selecting an appropriate funeral tribute.  As both compassionate and realistic individuals we also understand preferences you express now may be cost prohibitive in later years.  Because of this we would also like to introduce you to ways to financially provide or pre-fund for your funeral arrangements in advance.

There are many options one has when making a pre-arranged funeral.  One option includes completing all the necessary documents, selecting the type of funeral service and merchandise which would be appropriate to your wishes.  These wishes would then be filed with us to be followed through and paid for at the time they are needed.  This encrypted online pre-arrangement feature or downloading our advanced funeral planning guide will help you organize all this important information. When the funeral pre-arrangements are funded in advance, the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home will ensure that the funeral costs selected today will be guaranteed regardless of rising inflation, service or merchandise costs.  This website and our booklet also provides detailed information regarding the advantages and benefits of funding your funeral arrangements in advance. The staff and facilities of Fred C. Dames Funeral Homes are available to you and your family 24 hours a day, every day of the year, to assist you whenever the need arises.  Our phones are personally answered by a member of our staff 24 hours a day, so it is unlikely that you will speak with an answering service so give us a call.  This is just one example of our commitment to provide the utmost care, respect and dignity and to lessen the burden of grief at your time of need.  You can rely on the Fred C. Dames Funeral Homes for the best of service at the most decisive hour.