What do I do next when a loved one dies?

You will need to select a funeral home to assist you with making funeral arrangements and coordinating the final disposition of your loved one’s remains. Once you have chosen a funeral home, the funeral director will contact the State Medical Examiner's Office to arrange for transportation of your loved one’s remains to the funeral home following the autopsy.

Begin a file to collect all paperwork and information that will be given to you by various agencies regarding your loved one’s passing.

In this time of stress, realize that there are community resources to assist you with this difficult time. Grief and bereavement resources may be found on the Iowa Funeral Directors Association website.