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Don’t Allow Regrets Over Cremation Later

Posted on September 27, 2021 by ilesfuneralhomes

It can feel impossible to make plans for a loved one who has passed on and that’s completely normal. You may not know what they wanted and you have to guess as to what is best. Keep in mind that both traditional funerals and cremation services in Urbandale, IA are completely honorable and respectful. You just have to do what you feel is best for your loved one in your particular situation. There aren’t even any right or wrong reasons to choose one over the other. But you are going to want to avoid having regrets over those decisions later. Here are a few ways you can do that.

Choose The Right Funeral Home

Your loved one has immediate needs that have to be met and you will need help from a funeral home to do that. Some people rush forward and just call the first professionals they find, but that can cause regrets later. You’ll want to look into the options and ensure that the experts you choose have the services you want, have a good location, will treat you well, and will give your loved one everything they need. Choosing the right funeral home means looking at websites, reading reviews, making phone calls, and even visiting a few before you decide. It doesn’t have to take long, but you definitely want to check things out so you know you won’t regret your choice later.

Check With Family About Cremation

While you might be sure about the cremation option, you don’t want to regret that you moved forward with cremation only to discover that other people in your family weren’t okay with that option later. You might feel bad that you did something they didn’t like. Check with your family and see what they feel about cremation. If you are sure that’s what you want to do with your loved one for their final services, you can give your family a chance to ask questions and get details so they can come around to the idea. Cremation is permanent so you want to be confident about the option as you go into that service.

Not Having a Memorial Service

One nice thing about the cremation option is that once you have a loved one cremated, you erase the timeline. Their needs are met and you are able to do whatever else you want for them on any timeline you want to have in place. Some people aren’t sure what to do so they don’t do anything at all and that’s okay. You might regret not having a service later, but another good thing about cremation is that it’s never too late. You can have a cremation service at any time and honor your loved one however far into the future it might be.

Cremation services in Urbandale, IA are honorable and respectful, but they are also permanent ad you want to be sure about them before moving forward so you don’t have regrets. The professionals at Iles Funeral Home are here to help you with the details.

Saying That Final Goodbye

Posted on September 20, 2021 by ilesfuneralhomes

One thing you might feel the need to do once a loved one passes on is say goodbye to them, someway somehow. If you weren’t present at their death and you weren’t able to say goodbye prior to their passing, there are things you can do around the services you are going to hold at funeral homes in Urbandale, IA that can help you say what you need to say in order to move forward. Here are a few options to consider.

Attend The Visitation Service

The visitation is more of an open house and unless you are close family, you can come and go as you please during that service. When you attend, you’ll want to talk to the family that is there for the duration to extend your sympathies. While it’s not required to approach the casket, that might be something you want to do so you can view your loved one and get a few personal moments with them to say the goodbye you feel the need to say before you move forward with your life.

Write To Them

You won’t mail it, but writing a letter to your loved one to say goodbye can also let you get what you need out. You might feel like you are able to express yourself better in writing and take your time with what you want to say. You can even place this letter in the casket with your loved one, if you choose. You can also keep it, rip it up, burn it, or do whatever else you want to do with it. It can be a nice way to say whatever you want and get that out.

Attend The Funeral

Funerals are filled with rituals that are meant to help you get closure over a loved one’s passing. You can also get that final goodbye in, even if you say it silently in your heart as you watch the proceedings. Going to the funeral can help give you a sense of peace over the fact that you honored your loved one in a nice way as well.

Visit The Cemetery That Day Or Later

Funeral services often conclude at the cemetery where there is a shorter burial service. This service is another place where you can say goodbye. Perhaps family will take turns laying a flower on the casket and you can say goodbye then. Or, you might all throw a little dirt onto the casket. This service has a way of giving people closure and that chance at a final goodbye as well. You could also return to the cemetery later when you are alone and have a chance to speak to your loved one’s headstone to say what you want to say.

There’s nothing easy about saying goodbye, but the services at funeral homes in Urbandale, IA give you lots of chances to do just that. If you are struggling with your words, or need help processing the death, the experts at Iles Funeral Home are here with grief resources and options.

You Can’t Attend, You Can Support

Posted on September 13, 2021 by ilesfuneralhomes

Send A Donation

You want the family to know you care about them and one thing you can do, other than sending the standard flower arrangement, is send money to them. Perhaps they need funds for the final services or maybe they have a charity in mind that they want to donate to in their loved one’s honor. Either way, they will appreciate your support. You can also send a donation right to a charity if the family has listed one that their loved one appreciates. You can also choose a charity you feel is fitting and let the family know what you have done in honor of the person who dies.

Send A Note

If you want to send money, you can send it inside a sympathy card, or you can just send the card and note if you don’t have money to spare or don’t feel led to do that. In your card, tell the family you are thinking of them and are sorry for their loss. You can also say you are sorry you couldn’t make it to the service, though you don’t have to expand on that with any reasons as to why you were absent.

Provide A Meal Later

Another common way to show your support is to provide the family with a meal later on, once the services are complete and they might be in mourning and unwilling to cook on their own. You can make a casserole that they can freeze and pull out whenever they need it. You could send groceries from an area store, or even contact a restaurant and order something for them to enjoy. Sending gift cards is another option as they can then get the food whenever they need it and use it that way. This is a nice way to be supportive, whether you live in the area or not.

You’ll want to attend the cremation services in Des Moines, IA if you can to show your support, but that’s just not always possible. The professionals at Iles Funeral Home can help you with ideas and options of things you might do instead of attending to ensure that the family knows you are thinking about them and are supporting them through this hard time. Sometimes, even a simple phone call later can be nice.

Finding Guidance and Care Online

Posted on September 10, 2021 by ilesfuneralhomes

At Iles Funeral Homes, we understand that navigating the loss of a loved one can be one of life’s most difficult journeys. Having quick, straightforward, and comforting access to the right resources is essential in those tender moments. That’s why we’ve created this page—to serve as your guide to finding and connecting with us across the web, whenever and however you need us.

Whether planning a funeral, searching for a loved one’s service details, or simply seeking support, we want to make it easy for you to reach us and stay informed. Our online presence extends the compassionate care we’ve offered in person for generations throughout Des Moines and the surrounding communities.

From our official website to helpful planning platforms and social media, we are here to provide peace of mind, useful information, and heartfelt service—right at your fingertips. No matter where you are or what you’re going through, know that we are just a click away, ready to support you with understanding and care.

This page will show you all the ways you can stay connected with us online—because support shouldn’t have limits.

Decades of Trusted Service Rooted in Community and Compassion

Iles Funeral Homes has been a trusted name in compassionate care throughout the Des Moines community for generations. As a family-owned and operated funeral provider, we have built our legacy on respect, service, and heartfelt support for the families we serve. Each dedicated team member brings a deep sense of purpose and compassion to their work—walking beside you during life’s most tender moments.

We offer many services, including traditional funerals, cremation options, personalized memorials, and preplanning assistance—each designed to honor every life with dignity, grace, and care. Whether you visit one of our beautiful locations or connect with us online, our commitment to serving you remains the same.

Through in-person services and accessible online tools, We support your family with warmth, clarity, and unwavering dedication—every step of the way.

Modern Guidance for Families—Available Anytime, Anywhere

In today’s modern world, families often turn to the internet for quick, reliable information—especially during times of need. Whether planning, searching for a loved one’s obituary, or needing guidance, online access provides comfort and convenience. That’s why we are committed to maintaining a strong and supportive online presence. From helpful resources to direct contact options, we make it easy for families to find what they need when needed. Combining decades of trusted service with modern accessibility, We continue to meet families with compassion—both in person and wherever they are online.

Explore Services, Obituaries, and Support—All in One Place

Our official website is designed to be a central, comforting resource for families seeking information, guidance, and support at any hour. Visitors can easily search and browse recent obituaries, find detailed service information, and even share condolences or memories online. For those planning ahead, the site offers pre-planning tools that allow families to explore options, make decisions, and document their wishes thoughtfully and privately. Grief support resources are also available, offering articles and tools to help individuals navigate the healing process. Whether you need immediate assistance or simply gather information, the website provides a seamless and supportive experience. It reflects our dedication to care—not just within the walls of their funeral homes, but in every moment a family might need guidance.

In addition to our website, you can also find us across a variety of trusted online platforms, including:

Iles Funeral Home

3211 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317

Iles Grandview Park Funeral Home Links

Wherever you find us, our mission remains the same: to provide compassionate, accessible care every step of the way.

Discover Trusted Reviews and Shared Experiences

At our funeral home, transparency and trust are essential when choosing a funeral care provider. That’s why we proudly maintain a presence on respected review platforms such as Yelp, Ever Loved, and Legacy.com. These platforms allow families to share their experiences, offer valuable insights into the quality of care we provide, and help future families make confident, informed decisions during their time of need. By reading real stories from the families we’ve had the honor of serving, visitors can better understand our commitment to compassion, professionalism, and personalized support. We invite you to explore these reviews and see how we continue to uphold a tradition of exceptional service within the Des Moines community and beyond.

Stay Connected with Us Anytime

At our funeral home, we are committed to being a constant source of support and information for the families we serve. We invite you to stay connected with us through our newsletters, social media platforms, and easy-to-use online contact forms. Whether you are seeking immediate assistance, planning for the future, or simply looking for helpful resources, our team is always just a message or a click away. By staying connected, you’ll receive valuable updates, service information, and insights designed to guide and support you through every stage of life. No matter where you are in your journey, we are here to listen, assist, and walk beside you with compassion and care.

Here for You—Wherever You Are

At Iles Funeral Homes, compassion, connection, and unwavering commitment are at our heart. Whether you walk through our doors or connect with us online, you will find the same level of care, respect, and personalized attention that generations of families have trusted. We are honored to be a part of the Des Moines community and dedicated to being here for you—whenever and however you need us.

We invite you to explore our website, follow us on social media, and reach out directly if you have any questions or needs. No matter where you are in your journey, Iles Funeral Homes is ready to support you with warmth, understanding, and sincere compassion.

The Reception After The Funeral Home Service

Posted on September 6, 2021 by ilesfuneralhomes

If you have decided that you want to have a traditional service with funeral homes in Des Moines, IA, for your loved one, you may then want to have a reception after the funeral is complete. The reception is a more casual time that allows your family to eat, catch up, mourn together, and just spend extra time as a unit. You are all people who lost someone special and banding together during that time can be really helpful. Here are some details to help you pull everything together in time for the funeral.

Let Someone Else Do It

As you move through the plans for the final service, a friend, community member, church group, or someone else might step up and offer to host the reception for you. That’s a very nice offer and can take something big off your plate. You can tell them what you want included or just let them take care of things and appreciate whatever they end up doing.

Book A Restaurant

If you are having just a small group for the reception, you might want to book a private room in a restaurant your loved one liked. You don’t have to worry about food or everyone getting what they want. Everyone can order what they want in a private setting where you can be together, share memories, and spend time with one another.

Bring Pictures Along

It can be nice to pass around a photo album of your family that include your loved one. People can look through the books and remember some of the good times all of you had together. It might also bring up stories and memories that can be fun to share when you are in a setting that is less formal than the funeral service itself might have been.

Consider Their Music

If you are able to play music in the background, choose a playlist your loved one would have enjoyed. If they listened to nothing but country, playing that type of music will bring them to mind and help everyone remember them as you commiserate after the services and enjoy each other’s company for longer.

Gather Food Options

You could also approach the reception as more of a potluck and have certain people bring favorites your loved one adored. Someone might cook a casserole they loved and someone else could bring their favorite dessert. Having some of their items at the table along with the people who loved them can feel very special.

You are going to want to customize and personalize the services you have at funeral homes in Des Moines, IA for your loved one and that is also true for what you do for the reception after the services. If you have questions about the types of things that people usually do, or you want ideas for more unique things, the professionals at Iles Funeral Home can help. We know the area well and can give you options for restaurant and other venues that are good for receptions after funerals.