What to Know Before You Go

As a second-generation funeral director for Mueller Memorial, Scott Mueller has been around the funeral profession his entire life. In that time he has been asked many questions about what goes into a funeral, why we need funerals, and how to make a funeral a meaningful and personalized tribute to a beloved family member or friend. By the end of this book, you will be better informed about what you want from the ceremonies and celebrations that can surround a death. From the functional to the frivolous you’ll get the answers you need for a memorable funeral.

Very often, when the subject of funerals comes up, the direction of the conversation tends to lead people to discuss what they would want for their own funeral. “I just want a big party,” “I’d really like Father Patrick to perform the Mass,” “I want to be buried in my Vikings jersey.” People frequently have very specific wishes that never become more concrete than being briefly mentioned in these conversations. It is amazing how a little bit of thought and planning now can save you or your survivors so much worry and anxiety when the time of need comes. You can use the information in this book to help you make educated decisions about exactly what you want when that time comes. As a second-generation funeral director for Mueller Memorial, Scott Mueller has been around the funeral profession his entire life. In that time he has been asked many questions about what goes into a funeral, why we need funerals, and how to make a funeral a meaningful and personalized tribute to a beloved family member or friend. By the end of this book, you will be better informed about what you want from the ceremonies and celebrations that can surround a death. From the functional to the frivolous you’ll get the answers you need for a memorable funeral.

One of nine kids, Scott Mueller was the only of his siblings to find a career in his family’s business. At age sixteen Scott went to work with his dad, Al, at the Mueller Funeral Homes and has been a licensed Funeral Director since 1980. During his career he has worked nationally to train other funeral directors in service and operational best practices. He has as served as President of the National Association of Approved Morticians, as a board member of the HealthEast Foundation, and as the Chair of the White Bear Area Chamber of Commerce, among other community involvement. Scott lives with his wife, Heidi, in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, and enjoys spending time with his family—especially his three adorable grandchildren.