Resources | Ken Ordenstein Funerals

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Resources

When A Death Occurs

When a death occurs anywhere on Oahu, the order in which things need to be done often depends on where the death occurred. But, one thing should always be remembered in your heightened emotional state upon the death of a loved one: don't try to do things alone. Growing up and living in Hawai'i we always have family around us but if for some reason you find yourself alone ask a friend for help - someone who is more able to think clearly, and give you the support you need.                                                                                                                                  During this pandemic we'll meet and make funeral arrangements on line.  That way everyone you would like to attend can join us.  I'll set up a time and I will send you the links and instructions.  We'll keep it simple.  

At Home or at Work

When a death occurs suddenly and unexpectedly at home or in the workplace, a family member or co-worker should contact emergency personnel; ambulance and policeAlso contact the person's physician if he or she was under a doctor's care.  Follow the instructions of the EMTs and police.  Call me at 254 6222.

If the death occurs at home and was expected, and the person is under a physician's care, and family or friends were present when the person died call emergency personnel, ambulance and police.  They will call the physician or ask you to call the physician in their presence.  Then call me at 254-6222.

However, if the death occurs at home and no one is there at the time of death, contact emergency personnel; ambulance and police and follow their instructions.  Call me at 254 6222.

.If in any case you are not sure of who to notify or what to do, call me at (808) 254 6222.  I'm available to you 24 hours a day, every day of the year.


While Under Supervised Care; Hospital, Nursing Home or Hospice

When a death occurs in a care facility, such as a hospital, nursing home or hospice care facility, follow the directions of their professional staff.  They’ll tell you what to do.  Tell them the name of the funeral home you have chosen so the institution knows who is authorized to take care and custody of your loved one.  They may notify the funeral home at the time of the death but be sure you do.  Call me at 254 6222.

If a loved one dies at home in the care of an at home hospice program, report the death to hospice.  They will give you instructions and procedures to follow.  Then call me at 254 6222.


Widening the Circle

Widen the circle by notifying close family, select friends, clergy and me.   I can provide much of the information,  guidance and reassurance you need.  While you may ask me any questions at this time, you will be able to discuss the arrangements in detail later when we meet in person. During this initial call, I will gather information to be able to transport your loved one to the funeral home.

I will ask you a few other simple questions, including whether your loved one made any pre-arrangements. If you feel up to it I will also schedule a date and time for you to meet me.  I'll come to you, no matter where you live on Oahu.  We can also meet at my office in Kaneohe if you prefer.  I will let you know what you should have with you when we meet. I'll confirm everything with you via email so you don't have to worry about forgetting something.  You continue to widen the circle of support by calling:

- Family members and friends

- Clergy or other spiritual advisors


Those Important Questions

You'll have so many questions; there will be questions that you don't even know you need to ask.  This is what I'm here for.- What type of service should we have?

- Do I have to have embalming?

- Do I need to purchase a casket?

- What about cemetery arrangements?

We'll be able to help answer your questions and assist in making the appropriate plans. You can reach us at (808) 235-5552.

However, as we’ve said before, one of the best ways to make sure that all of your questions and desires are taken care of is to make pre-arrangements. This is as simple as outlining your wishes to having all of the details written down and the financial arrangements prepaid. Please contact me at (808) 235-5552 to learn more about pre-arrangement.


What to Expect When You Arrive at the Funeral Home

One of the first things I will do is to provide you with our general price list. We'll talk story about the circumstances surrounding the death as I guide you through the entire arrangement process.  We'll look at how you can create a memorable personal celebration of your loved one's life. This is not a one-way conversation; we'll talk story about what made your loved one special and unique, I want to hear your ideas and desires, and use them as the foundation for the arrangement process.

This process may include:

- Preparing and filing the official death certificate

- Scheduling the location, date and time of services or events

- Selecting a casket, urn or other items

- Preparing an obituary notice

- Scheduling vehicles

- Selecting pallbearers

You may also sign necessary authorizations or make arrangements to have them signed by the appropriate family members.

I’d like you to bring any photos, a favorite song, or keepsake that was special to them.  This allows you and I to talk story about your loved one's life and we can better discuss how you would like your loved one to be remembered. Having these things, and knowing their favorite song or favorite gathering place – even their favorite activity – will help us create a truly fitting memorial service.

I will assist you in planning a loving tribute that captures the spirit of the person whose life you wish to honor. To learn more about personalizing the service, please read the Honoring Life section of this Web site. I will discuss personalization with you during your arrangement conference.

The following checklist will help you remember what information about the decedent and items will be needed when meeting with me.

- Full legal name- Home address

- Social Security number

- Date of birth

- Place of birth

- Father's name

- Mother's maiden name

- Veteran's discharge papers (DD-214)

- Photographs including a recent photo.

- Highest education they achieved.

- Occupation, what they did during most of their working life.- Place of burial (if applicable)- Clergy name and phone number

- Survivors (name and relationship)

- Insurance policies (if applicable)- Pre arranged funeral contract (if applicable)


I will be honored to explain all of the options available to you.