Understanding the first steps after someone dies is something most people hope they never need to learn. Yet when the time comes, families are often faced with a combination of grief, urgent decisions, legal requirements, and practical responsibilities that can feel overwhelming. Knowing who to call, what paperwork is needed, and which decisions require immediate attention can help provide clarity and reduce stress during one of life's most difficult moments.
In this episode of The Iowa Conversation, host Mike Downer speaks with Ryan Fredregill, funeral director and owner of Celebrate Life Iowa, about what families should expect during the hours and days following a death. Throughout the conversation, Ryan explains why selecting a funeral home is often one of the first and most important decisions families make, how the process differs when a death is expected versus unexpected, what documents and information should be gathered, and which organizations need to be notified. He also discusses the process of filing death certificates, handling life insurance claims, and why pre-planning funeral arrangements can make a significant difference for surviving family members.
While every family's situation is unique, Ryan's guidance provides a practical roadmap for navigating the immediate aftermath of a loss with greater confidence, understanding, and peace of mind.
According to Ryan Fredregill, one of the very first steps after a death is selecting a funeral home. This decision sets the foundation for everything that follows.
Once a funeral home is chosen, the staff can guide the family through the process of arranging services, filing paperwork, and coordinating transportation and care for the deceased. Whether a family chooses burial, cremation, a traditional funeral service, or a memorial gathering, the funeral home helps organize those arrangements and explains the options available.
As Ryan explains, families often need to answer several important questions within the first day or two after a death. Having a trusted funeral professional to guide those conversations can make the process far more manageable.
One of the most important distinctions families need to understand is the difference between an expected and an unexpected death.
If a person passes away at home unexpectedly and is not under hospice care, family members should immediately call 911. Emergency personnel or the medical examiner must officially pronounce the death before a funeral home can take custody of the individual.
Ryan explains, "A funeral home cannot pick up a loved one from a scene without approval from the medical examiner's office in an unwitnessed death."
The medical examiner may determine whether an autopsy is necessary before releasing the individual to the funeral home.
By contrast, if a person passes away in a hospital, nursing home, hospice facility, or another attended setting, families can typically contact the funeral home directly to begin arrangements.
Understanding these differences ahead of time can help families respond appropriately when faced with an already stressful situation.
Many people assume a funeral home must be called immediately after a death. While that is often the case, Ryan notes that some families prefer to spend additional time with their loved one before transportation occurs.
In situations involving expected deaths at home, some families choose to gather relatives and close friends to say goodbye in a familiar and comforting environment before the funeral home arrives.
"We are seeing more scheduled pickups at an individual's residence," Ryan explains.
This flexibility can provide families with valuable time for personal reflection and closure before formal arrangements begin.
The first 24 hours after a death often involve gathering information needed for official records.
Ryan recommends locating documents such as:
Fortunately, families do not always need physical copies immediately. If they can accurately provide information such as Social Security numbers, parents' names, and birth details, funeral directors can often begin the documentation process.
Even if information is entered incorrectly, state systems often identify discrepancies that can later be corrected.
This can be reassuring for families who may not have immediate access to important records during a difficult time.
Within the first few days following a death, several important organizations should be notified.
The funeral home often assists with notifying Social Security once the necessary information is provided. Beyond that, families should consider contacting:
Ryan notes that life insurance companies typically require certified copies of the death certificate before processing claims. Funeral homes frequently help families obtain those documents and navigate the claims process.
While not every notification must happen within the first 48 hours, starting the process early can help avoid delays later.
Many families are unfamiliar with the process of filing a death certificate.
Ryan explains that funeral directors gather information from the family and create the death certificate before sending it to the attending physician for review and signature.
In Iowa, doctors generally have up to 11 days to sign a death certificate unless additional investigation or an autopsy is required.
Once the certificate is signed and officially registered, certified copies can be issued for use with insurance claims, financial accounts, and legal matters.
Because so many institutions require certified copies, families often need multiple copies depending on the complexity of the estate.
Toward the end of the conversation, Ryan emphasizes a topic many families avoid: pre-planning funeral arrangements.
While discussing death is uncomfortable, planning ahead can provide tremendous relief for surviving family members. Pre-planning allows individuals to document their wishes, make decisions in advance, and potentially lock in current pricing for future services.
Ryan shares that the difference between meeting with a family that has a plan and one that does not is significant.
"I do believe it is very beneficial for loved ones," he says.
Families who have discussed these matters often experience less uncertainty and fewer disagreements during an already emotional time.
The hours and days following a death are never easy, but understanding what to expect can make the process less overwhelming. From contacting a funeral home and understanding legal requirements to gathering documents and notifying financial institutions, each step plays an important role in helping families move forward.
Most importantly, Ryan Fredregill reminds families that they do not have to navigate this journey alone. Experienced funeral professionals can provide guidance, support, and practical assistance every step of the way.
If you want to learn more about navigating loss, funeral planning, and end-of-life decisions, be sure to watch the full episode of The Iowa Conversation. The discussion offers valuable insight for anyone seeking clarity on the first steps after someone dies.
The first step is determining whether the death was expected or unexpected. If it was unexpected and occurred at home, call 911. If it occurred in a hospital, nursing home, or hospice setting, contact the funeral home directly.
In most cases, a funeral home should be contacted as soon as practical. However, some families may choose to spend additional time with their loved one before transportation arrangements are made.
Helpful documents include Social Security information, birth certificates, identification records, and family information needed for the death certificate.
The funeral director typically prepares the death certificate, which is then reviewed and signed by the attending physician or medical examiner.
Yes. Funeral homes often assist families by notifying Social Security once the necessary information is provided.
The number varies depending on the estate, but multiple certified copies are often needed for insurance claims, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and legal matters.
Families should contact life insurance companies as soon as possible to begin the claims process and learn their documentation requirements.
Many families find pre-planning valuable because it reduces uncertainty, documents personal wishes, and may help lock in current pricing for future services.
Mike Downer: Hello, everybody. I'm your host, Mike Downer, and thanks for joining us on the Iowa Conversation. I am once again joined by Ryan Fredregill. He is the funeral director and owner of Celebrate Life Iowa. How are we doing today, Ryan?
Ryan Fredregill: I am great, Mike. I hope you're doing well, too.
Mike Downer: Doing great. Today is a good starting point for everybody. We’re going to be discussing what to do when that time comes and how to start planning for a funeral when someone dies.
The big question I have for you is: What are the immediate legal and practical steps a family must take in the first 24 to 48 hours after a death in Iowa?
Ryan Fredregill: Absolutely. One of the very first steps is selecting a funeral home. At Celebrate Life Iowa, we appreciate the opportunity when people entrust us with that responsibility.
When we receive those calls, we walk the family through exactly what they need to know to plan a funeral or cremation. It can vary depending on the city they’re in, but that is not a problem at all. We walk everyone through exactly what they need to know.
They’re going to start by selecting a funeral home. From there, it’s really a matter of deciding what type of services they want to have to honor their loved one. Are they going to have a funeral and burial? Are they going to have a cremation? Are they going to have a funeral followed by cremation? Are they simply going to be cremated and then have a service, or no service at all?
There are a lot of questions that need to be answered within the first 24 to 48 hours with the funeral home they choose to work with. Again, we would love the opportunity for people to call us, and we can certainly assist them through that process.
Mike Downer: I appreciate that. That was a great answer. I know there are going to be a few differences here, so could you let everyone listening know what families should do immediately after a loved one passes away, especially if the death is unexpected versus expected?
Ryan Fredregill: Absolutely. Great question, Mike. It really depends on where that person is when they pass away.
If it is unexpected and they are at home and not under hospice care, the family needs to call 911 immediately. The sheriff’s office will send paramedics or the medical examiner, and sometimes both, because the person has to be pronounced at the scene.
A funeral home cannot pick up a loved one from a scene without approval from the medical examiner’s office in an unwitnessed death. From there, the medical examiner can decide whether that person will need an autopsy.
If they determine that an autopsy is not needed and it is okay for us to pick up the individual, we would go to the house immediately to bring their loved one into our care.
If someone passes away in an attended setting, such as a nursing home, hospital, or hospice house, the family is allowed to call a funeral home directly to come and pick up their loved one.
Those are the differences between an unattended and an attended death.
Mike Downer: That makes perfect sense, and that clears up a lot of questions. How soon should families contact Celebrate Life Iowa, and what services are provided during those first few hours?
Ryan Fredregill: Absolutely. Every family is a little bit different. We’ve been finding that more families who choose cremation and have a loved one pass away at home are keeping their loved one at home a little bit longer while family members drive in to have the opportunity to view them and be with them for a while.
So we are seeing more scheduled pickups at an individual’s residence. For example, if Mom passes away at 1:00 and we get the call, the family may want us there at 6:00 or 7:00 that evening. That is not a problem at all. That is allowed, and it gives families the opportunity to see their loved one in the comforting setting of their own home.
That is a trend we are seeing. But again, if they want us there right away, we will send a staff member immediately to bring the individual into our care.
Mike Downer: That is extremely important to know. When this happens, what important documents should families locate within the first 24 hours after a death?
Ryan Fredregill: If a family member has a Social Security card and a birth certificate, that certainly helps. But if the family knows that information confidently, such as Mom’s or Dad’s Social Security number and their parents’ names, they do not have to physically have those documents for us.
We will enter that information into the system to register or file a death certificate and send it to the doctor. If we are given an incorrect Social Security number, the State of Iowa system will flag it and tell us the number is wrong. Then we can go back to the family and verify why it is being flagged.
It could be that the number is wrong, or there could be a middle name or another detail entered incorrectly in the system.
Mike Downer: Perfect. That is good peace of mind to know as well. I know not everyone has those documents readily available, especially during a stressful time. It would not be uncommon for someone to transpose a couple of numbers, I’m sure.
Ryan Fredregill: Absolutely.
Mike Downer: What decisions and notifications should be handled within the first 48 hours?
Ryan Fredregill: We would notify Social Security within the first 48 hours almost 99% of the time, unless we are still missing a number. If the family provides us with that information, then we can handle that.
From a family standpoint, they probably need to contact their banker, lawyer, and life insurance companies. We help families get the death certificate, and we also help them file claims with life insurance companies if they need that assistance.
Most life insurance companies will mail out a packet and expect a certified copy of the death certificate to be completed and sent back to them. We are happy to walk families through that process. We do that almost daily.
From there, it is a matter of notifying the places connected to the individual’s finances, such as brokers, banks, and the lawyer handling the estate. Those are good things to start lining up. They do not necessarily have to be done within 48 hours, but they should be handled relatively soon.
Mike Downer: In the first few weeks, are there any other financial or administrative organizations that families should contact after a passing?
Ryan Fredregill: The big ones would be IPERS, life insurance companies, pensions, retirement accounts, investment brokers, and a lawyer. I would certainly contact all of those as soon as possible and see if there are any steps they can help with or any requirements they have.
With insurance companies specifically, there are many different companies, and they all have their own rules about what you need to do. Some do not require a death certificate, but most do.
You have to wait for the death certificate to be signed by the doctor. Once the doctor signs it, we at Celebrate Life Iowa can get the certified copies of the death certificate for the family to send to life insurance companies.
Mike Downer: Perfect. You did a great job of leading me into my next question. What a lot of people do not think about is that there are legal requirements in the state of Iowa.
What are the legal requirements for filing a death certificate, and how does Celebrate Life Iowa assist in that process?
Ryan Fredregill: Absolutely. As funeral directors, we create the death certificate after we meet with the family and they provide the necessary information to us. Then we send it to the doctor.
The doctor signs it. Once the doctor signs it, we register it and get certified copies for the family.
Doctors have 11 days to sign the death certificate unless there is an autopsy. Medical examiners have however long it takes to determine a cause of death. Once they can sign it, we then get the certified copies of the death certificate for the family.
Mike Downer: Very good. We have everything covered regarding what to expect, the process, and the immediate and short-term steps.
As we wrap up this episode, Ryan, I wanted to ask: What immediate and long-term funeral-related expenses should families prepare for, and how does Celebrate Life Iowa help families understand the costs up front?
Ryan Fredregill: If you have ever looked at funeral home websites, they are not always that exciting to look at, other than following obituaries, which many people do to read about friends and family.
Most funeral homes in Iowa do not list costs on their websites. There are a few of us who do, and we have been doing it ever since we started serving Iowa families in 2013.
I think it is very up front and very clear. From there, it is a matter of whether you want a funeral or cremation. If you want a funeral, there are typically going to be additional cemetery expenses. You will need a vault, opening and closing, and you will need to own the plot where the person will be buried.
Even if you are going to be cremated, some of those same things may apply.
Locking in costs at today’s prices by doing a pre-plan and having a plan in place means that money is guaranteed not to go up for the individual who signs up. Having a plan before needing a funeral director is always the better way to do it.
If you can lock in pricing and guarantee that it will not go up, it can be a huge financial savings for your family years down the road.
It is not a fun topic to think about: planning ahead, having a funeral paid for, or having a cremation paid for. But those who do it often come back and say it was a relief to have it taken care of and that their family will not have to worry about it. I do believe it is very beneficial for loved ones.
Mike Downer: I agree 100%. Since our talks, I’ll be honest with you: my family, including my sons and wife, have all talked about this. You and I will be having a conversation very soon because, after everything you have taught me and our listeners, I 1,000% agree with planning ahead.
It is an uncomfortable subject that I have had with my kids. My wife is pretty good at comprehending it, but I am trying to drive your point home. I would rather have it be uncomfortable now than have them deal with it later.
Ryan Fredregill: I could not agree more. It really is a gift to give your family members your pre-plan. I know that sounds corny, but it is so helpful.
As a funeral director, sitting across from a family that has previously made a plan is completely different than sitting across from a family that has not talked about death because it is a scary topic.
When there is no plan, their eyes often look like deer in headlights. It is a completely different family dynamic when a loved one has a plan versus when a loved one does not have a plan.
Mike Downer: Right. I’ll stop rambling on, but I want to let everyone out there know that the more I talk with my sons about this, the more comfortable they become. It is still nothing they enjoy, but at the same time, they are taking deep breaths, and it really is helping a lot.
My recommendation to everyone out there is to call Ryan at Celebrate Life Iowa. Let’s call a spade a spade here: it is probably going to be a little uncomfortable at first, but it does get easier.
Ryan Fredregill: I agree. I agree.
Mike Downer: Thanks a lot for everything you do. Thanks for your care and compassion for Iowa families. We all really appreciate the hard work and compassion that you and Celebrate Life Iowa put into difficult times in families’ lives.
Thanks a lot, Ryan, and we’ll talk to you on the next one.
Ryan Fredregill: You’re welcome, Mike. Have a blessed day.
Mike Downer: You as well.
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