Stevens Point Journal from Stevens Point, Wisconsin • Page 11

Friday, April 4, 1986 Stevens Point (Wis.) Journal 11 Little change seen locally in funeral customs By JOHN ANDERSON the next century before one-fourth ple container, removing the standard services and selecting the Pisarski of the Dzikoski Funeral When I am dead of the families in Junction City opt ash and metal remnants and then more inexpensive metal or even Home said people he serves like to And you are not, for cremation. Until 1985, he and crushing the bone fragments to be more economical cloth-covered give tangible things when they exToss my bones his father before him operated a returned in a small box to the fam- caskets, considerable savings can press sympathy. Memorial funds On any old lot. funeral home there for a total of 64 ily or funeral home. In about two- be made.

Though it is not common are not as common among his That old saw repeated now and years. In all of that time, they nev- thirds of the cases, Jim reports, for consumers to significantly cut clientele as they are among people then (usually by those in the pink er had one call for cremation. And the cremains are buried in cemete- financial corners on funeral served at Boston's. Jim Boston of health) rarely is heeded in these they handled the arrangements for ries, while 25 percent are scattered expenses, it is equally rare for says a growing number of families parts. only one person whose urn of cre- on open land or water and the re- them to splurge.

he serves are asking the flowers "People care about each other mains was returned from a distant maining 10 percent are kept by rel- How much can cremation save? not be sent and contributions be around here, and it shows when place for burial. At Almond, Steve atives. The closest crematorium is made in their places to various someone Jim Johnson, grandson of a former vil- in Wausau. If customers opt for a complete says Shuda, funeral but substitute community organizations and founwho operates one of six funeral lage mortician, says he has never In Amherst, Romie Jungers cremation dations in addition to churches, the in handled for ground burial, about $400 can homes our county. All of his col- a request for a cremation a fourth generation mortician, says American Cancer Society and so leagues agree.

in three years on the job. He says that while cremation is a more ec- lopped forth. be off the total bill. he is uncertain how long it will onomical way of disposing of a If no visitation or ceremony is Shuda says he also sees fewer While funeral customs are take before there is even limited body, he doesn't believe those who held or if individuals handle all of flowers, but sometimes handles quarters, interest in this the arrangements for changing in some local expressions of sympathy and acts practice among the request it are concerned primarily have a funerals at which 30 to 40 baskets service of kindness to survivors are still people he serves. about saving money.

For many, do the and of them are sent for display. and only the funeral director being poured out by our neighbors While cremation is definitely not it's simply a personal preference. provide a container and transport There is more family particirequired paperwork across the county as much as ever. linked to folk culture in the United Says he: They may not like the the to pation in funerals, according to "It's a lot different here in that re- States, why is it gaining wider ac- practice of ground burial or be- is in the $800 to $900 Frank and his brother and partner, body a crematorium, the fee gard than in places like Califor- ceptance in even relatively small lieve they are making a gesture of All of the funeral range. Gene Pisarski.

"Most people can't nia," Jim adds. cities such as Stevens Point? saving land space and other re- directors in my dispose of grief by intellectualizJames dean of the sources or have any number of ing- participation is what helps resurvey said they encourage open I recently surveyed area funeral ty's funeral Boston, directors with coun- other reasons. caskets at the wakes because duce it," adds Jim Boston. directors to learn what is and what nearly many psychologists claim that sur50 years of experience, believes Shuda says the call for crema- vivors can more easily accept a More has been done in recent is not in vogue in practices related to death. Perhaps the "people are beginning to realize tion is an example of partial ser- death and then begin to years to personalize funerals and most signifi- vice which is becoming experience cant change is in requests for cre- that cremation doesn't preclude emotional healing if the corpse has more com- especially wakes, where items mation.

Once almost unheard having a formal funeral ceremo- monplace in the funeral industry. been viewed. Rarely does this made or treasured by the deceased of in ny." Also, revision in Catholic People making arrangements for a advice go unheeded, I was told. on display near a are sometimes the the United States, and at best church policy in which the ban deceased relative or friend are giv- casket. Frank Pisarski says that in frowned upon in most circles be- en options which are being exer- The directors said attendance at on this practice was lifted had a ma- addition to religious items, he's cause of old religious teachings, jor effect.

Furthermore, cremation cised more frequently, he says. wakes and funerals has changed often asked to place decks of this form of disposition of bodies is Most of the time, a complete fu- little in recent years. The only difused nowadays in 9 has often had some of its greatest cards, cribbage boards, cigars, nearly percent advocates the best edu- neral is ordered, which involves ference is that in rural areas there baseball cards and even bottles of of all the deaths in our own county among embalming of the body (not re- are more people from the entire cated segments of society, so the Point Special Beer in caskets. -36 of 403 cases in 1984. quired by law), a late afternoon community at the services.

In the growing acceptance here may be relatives at the Also, the wakes and funerals are have Experts been local linked to the presence of a univer- and evening visitation followed the city, predominate shorter than in bygone days. in the funeral business. informing morti- next day by a church funeral and funerals, and friends and neigh- Armin Martens and Jim Boston recians to expect Wisconsin's a rate of sity, Jim suggests. then burial. bors are more likely to attend only member that as young morticians to increase from 11 His business, started about a Naturally, costs hinge on the wakes on the previous eve- they often held cremations two afternoons and cent 1 by the year 2000.

and now owned by his son, Bill, funerals in Stevens com- ningine clergymen have encour- funeral. evenings Jim prior percent currently to about 25 per- century ago by his grandfather much is done. Most of the two of visitation to plete arranged a says he can rememThe situation may unfold differ- has handled arrangements for Point and Amherst run in the aged evening funerals, but the ber a few visitations that spanned ently, however, in Junction City many of the cremations requested $3,200 to $3,500 range. In Junction directors said there is little inter- three days. and Almond.

Armin Martens is locally. City and Almond, people are est in them. The Pisarskis amused are by the likely to take bets that many more The process involves burning a spending several hundred dollars Flowers are still used extensive- change in music in Catholic years will pass beyond the turn of casket or-in a few cases a sim- less. By eliminating some of the ly in most funeral homes. Frank churches.

Some of the most popu- Schools announce lunch menus for week Stevens Point area schools have an- beans, peaches, cookies. bar, carrots, peanut butter, bread, fishburgers, potato puffs, brownies. nounced the lunch menus for next week. STEVENS POINT PUBLIC SCHOOLS Monday: chicken nuggets, dips, cheese, vegetable relishes, french fries, fruit. Tuesday: hamburger or pizzaburger, corn, fruit, pudding.

Wednesday: bratwurst or cheddarwurst in buns, potato puffs, fruit. Thursday: lasagna or bologna sandwich, mixed greens salad, garlic bread, pineapple. Friday: fishwich chili, cheese, carrot coins, fruit, chocolate peanut butter square. ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL Monday: beef patty, potato puffs, peaches.

Tuesday: corn dogs, vegetarian beans, applesauce. Wednesday: spaghetti, meat sauce, green beans, pears. Thursday: chicken, gravy, whipped potatoes, fruited gelatin. Friday: grilled cheese sandwiches, peas, fruit medley. ST.

PAUL LUTHERAN Monday: chop suey, rice, green County native retires from paper mill Gilbert R. Stelzer, Port Edwards, a native of Portage County, retired from the Biron Division of Consolidated Papers March 31 after more than 35 years of service. Stelzer joined the company in 1950 as a laborer in the yard and transferred to the coating department as an operator in 1951. He returned to the yard in 1956 as a power truck operator, his position at retirement. ENJOY LUNCH GARY Nations SUPPER CLUB 344-0160 Border of Happy 35th Wedding Anniversary Mom Dad Kratzke Love Always, Kathy Bob; Steve Kris; Vicki; David Mary Anne; Dan Gail; Paul Trapper lar hymns used there were introduced in Protestant services: "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace." The brothers, who came to Stevens Point from Chicago, have the distinction of being the sons of one of the first women in the United States to become a licensed embalmer.

Their mother joined their father in business in 1915. When I contacted the funeral directors for this story, I was most surprised by reports that an increasing number of people are prearranging their own funerals. Many of them are elderly and fearful of having to spend all of their money in nursing homes. They are establishing funeral trusts. Frank Pisarski says he learned I at a recent conference that by the year 2000, the majority of funerals will have been prearranged.

So, when I am dead and you are not A COUNTY SAMPLER Historians to talk about 'bad guys' Tuesday: pigs in blanket, macaroni and cheese casserole, peas, chocolate pudding or pears. Wednesday: ham and cheese sandwich, chicken noddle or tomato soup, carrots, cherry cobbler. Thursday: baked chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, fruited gelatin. Friday: baked fish, french fries, peas, applesauce. ST.

STEPHEN SCHOOL Monday: hamburgers, french fries, baked beans, applesauce, salad bar. Tuesday: sausage, sauerkraut, whipped potatoes, pears. Wednesday: spaghetti, tossed salad, fruit, garlic bread. Thursday: pizza, tossed salad, corn, peaches, salad bar. Friday: grilled cheese sandwich, tomato soup, french fries, fruit mix, salad bar.

ALMOND-BANCROFT Monday: french bread pizza, salad fruit. Tuesday: hamburgers, potato rounds, green beans, cheese, fruit. Wednesday: chicken noodle soup, meat sandwiches, onion rings, lettuce, fruit. Thursday: baked chicken, french fries, coleslaw, cranberries, peanut butter, bread, cookie. Friday: steak nuggets, potato chips, corn, peanut butter, bread, fruit.

ROSHOLT Monday: meat sauce over spaghetti or chicken and dumplings, corn, fruit. Tuesday: pizza or reuben sandwiches, California blend vegetables, cheesecake with cherry topping. Wednesday: meatballs or chicken chow mein, mashed potatoes or rice, peas, cereal Thursday: submarine sandwiches or spaghetti casserole, chicken alphabet soup, fruit. Friday: chicken patty on bun or Accent on Religion Eau Claire man to discuss peace, issues A public talk titled "Peace is Possi- The talk is part of a year-long series ble and Practical" will be present- of free, public discussions sponsored ed by Eau Claire Baha'i Ted Heiser by the Stevens Point Baha'i CommuniSaturday at 7:30 p.m. at 2417 Prais St.

ty to explore themes and issues reThe establishing of world peace, lated to world peace. according to Heiser, "involves a series of steps and stages which can be Heiser is a member of the Baha'i identified and encouraged at the grass Spiritual Assembly of Eau Claire, and roots level as well as internationally." is employed as a quality control techHis talk includes an outline of those nician for Phillips Plastics of Chippestages. wa Falls. SATURDAY Anthony's FEATURE PRIME RIB 14 $7.95 ANTHONY'S COMPLETE $9.95 WITH LOBSTER BAR SALAD $9.95 One Mile North of Moose Lodge on N. 2nd St.

344-5624 NOTICE STEVENS POINT AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS Unneeded Equipment Sale The following used vehicles will be offered for sale "as is" to the general public. Year Chassis Body Number 1973 IHC Stake 238 1972 IHC Metro 252 1964 IHC Bus 255 Sealed bids will be accepted at the Building and Grounds office, 3400 Water Street, Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Vehicles may be inspected daily, April 7-8-9-10, 1986 from 7:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. Bids will be opened at 11:00 A.M.

on April 11, 1986 at the Building and Grounds office. Bid forms may be picked up at the Building and Grounds office. Salad bar and rolls with all meals. TOMORROW RIVER Monday: tacos or rib tickler sandwiches, wedge fries, mixed vegetables or peas, pears, peanut butter bars. Tuesday: weiner or bratwurst in buns, potato rounds, baked beans or sauerkraut, macaroni salad, fruited gelatin.

Wednesday: barbecued pork or chicken patty on bun, baked potato and broccoli and cheese sauce, corn, relishes with dip, blueberry cobbler. Thursday: chili or chow mein on rice or noodles, green beans, lettuce salad, corn bread with honey, applesauce. Friday: baked fish or ham and cheese sandwich, scalloped potatoes, broccoli or green beans, coleslaw, chocolate cake. Births St. Michael's Hospital Thursday, April 3 WEIMERT, Linda and David, 2900 Frontenac a daughter.

Friday, April 4 PINKART, Kathleen and John, 201 Old Wausau Road, a son. KRIESKI, Germaine and Howard, 416 W. West River Drive, a son. A series of free public lectures on "Historical Bad Guys: Niccolo Machiavelli, Adolf Hitler and Mao Tse-Tung" will be delivered during April and May in Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids by three local professors. Donald Dietrich, Stephen Pistono and Hugh Walker, all members of the history faculty at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, will make their presentations on behalf of the Wisconsin Humanities Committee which provided funding and the organizations hosting the events.

The schedule: Pistono discussing Machiavelli, 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 16, at Portage County Public Library and 8:30 a.m. Friday, April 25, at Lincoln Center; Dietrich discussing Hitler, 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at the library and 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 2, at the senior or center; and Walker discussing Mao, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, April 30, at the library and 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 9, at the senior center. Each lecture will last about 45 minutes and be followed by a 15-minute question and answer session. VACUUM CLEANERS New, Used and Rebuilts Hoover Kirby Panasonic Eureka Filter Queen Whirlpool Rainbow Electrolux We Have 'em We Demonstrate 'em We Sell 'em We Service 'em HAGEN'S MasterCard DUAL EDGE VISA CLEANER SEW VAC CENTER 3005 POST ROAD PHONE 344-2371 1 DAY MARCH 22nd HOUR SALE! Sizes ONLY P.M.-8½ Wear Larger M1-321 SHOP Fashion Specialists for OF LARGE AY Women JEAN 38-52 SWEATERS BLAZ KNIT TI BLOUSES JEAN TERS KNIT SLEEPWEAR ROBE JACKETS BLAZ STIRRUP PANTS HOSIERY VE BLOUSES KNIT JEAL DRESSES SPORTS YEAR ROBES SWEATERS BLAZ ACTIVEWEAR NTS GIRDLES BP BLOUSES JEAl CORDINATES ACKETS WIMWEAR TS SWEATERS KNIT 1 COORDINATE LINGERIE BLA IRTS ACTIN DLES BRAS SES JEA WIMWEAR STIRRUP sEs PAN EAR COATS PA WE ERS KNIT IRTS ACTIVE PANTS HOSIER GIRDL INS BLOUSES JEA COORDINATES SLEEPWEAR BLAI ST COAT COORDINATES JACKETS BLA DRESSES ROBES KNIT IRTS ACTIVEWEAR IOSIE GIRDLES BLOUSES JEA SWIMWEAR RE SA TSV COATS A KNIT COORDINATES ERI SLEEPWEAR ROBES BLA KIRTS ACTIVE SIERY GIRDLES STIRRU COORDINATES ACTIVEWEA SES SLEEPWEAR DENIT BLA COATS KIRTS HOSIERY JE SWIMWEAR STIR SPORTSWE SWEATERS KNIT COORDINATES LINGERED BLA ACTIVEWEAR GIRDLES A SWIMWEAR STIBRUP SSES SPORTSWEAR OFF COORDINATES LINGERIE SLEEPWEAR INCLUDES SALE MERCHANDISE KIRTS TIRRUP PANTS HOSIERY GIRI ALREADY REDUCED SWIMWEI DRESSES SPORTSWEAR CC SUPER SATURDAY ONLY COORDINATES FAR A LINGERIE SLEEPWEAR Manufacturers Manufacturers Direct Mall DIRECT Hwy. 51 Village of Plover, 345-0717 Mall Outlet Center.