Gay and ciha obituaries

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It’s more than a job. Let us help. Pre-planning gives your loved ones direction of your wants and desires.

  • It’s easy. Others prefer cremation because they want something simpler and more natural. That person who died is a life. When a death occurs, emotions often override clear thought. From the specific time of the cremation to the participation of friends or family in the process, we will help you deal with the death of your dear one.

    Because we have a trusted reputation among colleagues many other funeral homes that do not have their own crematory facilities seek our assistance when it comes to taking care of the cremation needs of their families.

    Final Disposition of the Cremated Remains

    Families have the options of placing the cremated remains of their loved one in:

    • Grave in a family plot or mausoleum niche so that they may have a place to visit and remember the life of their loved one.

    • Location within the home.

    • Scattering the cremated remains in a place of great significance, such as the sea, a meadow, or home pond.
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    • Distributing the cremated remains in keepsake urns, jewelry or artwork to members of the family.

    Ultimately, the final resting location will determine what type of vessel is needed. Urns are crafted from various metals, woods and ceramics. There are many designs – sculptured urns are among the latest styles. Incorporating cremated remains in jewelry and artwork is also gaining popularity.

    Please contact us for further information on the funeral planning process. We will be happy to offer suggestions and provide information about what would be the best way to celebrate your loved one’s life.

    • When Death Occurs

    Don’t know what to do first?

    At Gay & Ciha, we believe it is important to be aware of all the options that are available in having a meaningful funeral service when cremation is the choice.

    Reasons to choose Cremation Services

    People may choose cremation for a variety of reasons – philosophical, religious and even environmental. Start your arrangements today.

    Send your condolences with a thoughtful floral arrangement.

    Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service

    2720 Muscatine Ave.
    Iowa City, Iowa 52240

    Phone: 319-338-1132
    Toll Free Phone: 1-866-338-1132

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    Pre-Planning

    Many people plan for life events such as weddings and vacations well in advance, but many people do not plan for something that is certain to happen, their funeral. The primary advantages of pre-planning your funeral is to relieve the burden on your loved ones in an already emotional time, and to ensure your funeral is carried out according to your wishes, eliminating the task of second-guessing what you would have wanted. Taking the time now to arrange your funeral is one less thing your loved ones will need to worry about once you’ve passed.

    What you can do in advance…

    • Decide on Burial or Cremation and your casket or urn type.
    • Pick what type of service you want (religious, military, non-traditional)
    • Choose which funeral home to use.
    • Designate your pallbearers, pick any music, readings and other unique details you may want included at your service.

    Benefits of Pre-Planning

    • Between 70 and 75 decisions are made within the first 24-48 hours of death. It’s difficult to think rationally while making so many decisions within days of losing someone, pre-planning gives yourself, family and friends peace of mind.

      Following the service, the casketed body will be taken to our crematory.

      • Private Viewing and Ceremony is similar to a visitation and service with the exception that it is open only to family members and invited close friends.

      • Private Viewing is when the family briefly wants to see the person for the last time to say good-bye and not have a formal time for viewing.

      • Memorial Ceremony with cremains is when an urn is present at the visitation/service.

        Contact us 24/7 and for immediate need call 319-338-1132.

    The greatest gift you can leave your loved ones is peace of mind during a difficult time. Remains are taken directly from place of death to crematory.

    No matter what your choice regarding cremation, your wishes will be cared out by one of our funeral directors at our onsite crematory.

    Since we handle all of the arrangements, we can we accommodate nearly any special request that you have.

    To me we should remember...
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    Funeral & Cremation Services

    The funeral gives us permission to grieve and help us appreciate the connections our loved one had established with others. Funeral visitations provide a chance to talk and share stories and memories. We gather with family and friends and say, “This life was important, this life touched mine.”

    Planning a funeral can be a stressful experience, but it does not have to be dreaded.

    In an effort to assist you, we have provided a list of some of the...

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    Funeral & Cremation

    The funeral gives us permission to grieve and help us appreciate the connections our loved one had established with others. Funeral visitations provide a chance to talk and share...
    Learn More

    Why Choose Us?

    What does it mean to be uniquely caring?

    Start Your Pre-Plan Today

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    Current & Recent Funeral Services

    Current ServicesPast Services

    Loading... This can be an all day visitation or just a few hours where all friends and relatives are welcome to gather and provide comfort and support to one another. A service would follow the visitation, either at the funeral home or at the church.

    A memorial service can be contemporary or religious in nature and is usually held at the funeral home or in church.

    Map & Directions to Gay & Ciha Funeral Home

    Click above to see recent services or sign a loved ones guestbook.

    We're here for you no matter the time.

    It really is every family. The service can be individualized with musical selections, readings, eulogies and displays reflecting the person’s life: their hobbies, interests, and occupation.

  • Direct Cremation includes no viewing or ceremony. It’s more than another funeral. We’ll help you through the process of planning a meaningful, personal funeral ceremony, memorial service or cremation during a challenging time in your life.

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    Funeral & Cremation Ceremonies

    A ceremony, whether simple or elaborate, traditional or contemporary, provides family and friends the occasion to say a final “good-bye”. This time is important because it gives the grieving family an opportunity to share their memories and give support to one another.

    A personalized service involves tailoring the funeral to express the personality, interests and passion of your loved one.  We can help you create a moving tribute by displaying treasured belongings, photographs or playing their favorite music. The options for services are only limited by one’s imagination.

    Whether you decide on a traditional funeral service or something more innovative, we will provide you with options that offer flexibility and individuality. There is a wide range of choices when it comes to merchandise and the service itself.  We believe every family must be afforded the opportunity to celebrate their loved one’s life message as they feel comfortable.

    If a family chooses to have a visitation there are a number of choices available in caskets.

    • Caskets traditionally used for burial may be used.
    • Cremation Caskets are simpler in design and are constructed specifically for cremation.
    • Alternative Caskets are typically constructed of cardboard with a felt covering.

    Is Cremation an Option at Gay & Ciha?

    Cremation is becoming more popular as a funeral option.

    gay and ciha obituaries

    Anyone can do it, and you can change your mind at any time.

    • Don't wait! Whatever the reason, if you are thinking about cremation, it’s important to know and understand all of the choices available to you.

    Options For Funeral Service When Choosing Cremation

    Visitation and Ceremony is a viewing of the person in the casket within a designated viewing time.