The cost of death care has long been a topic of uncertainty and concern for many families. For over a century, Bartholomew Funeral Home in Valparaiso has provided guidance and support to grieving families, ensuring their loved ones are honored with dignity and care. Kyle Newhard, the current office manager at Bartholomew Funeral Home, shed light on the factors influencing funeral costs and the ways their family-owned business helps make the process manageable.
The expenses associated with funerals depend largely on the type of service chosen. Traditional burials, for instance, are often more expensive due to the purchase of a casket, a grave plot, and related merchandise. Newhard explains that burial costs are higher because they involve purchasing more merchandise such as a casket and a grave plot, which naturally increases expenses.
Newhard pointed out a significant change in funeral practices, noting that cremation has risen dramatically in popularity over the last 15 years. This shift has reshaped the pricing structures within the funeral industry, as cremation once considered a low-cost option is now priced more comparably to traditional services due to its demand.
“Fifteen years ago, about 90% of people were being buried in what we call a traditional funeral,” he said. “Today, about 62% of people are choosing cremation, which has reshaped the pricing structures for funeral homes.”
Economic factors also play a role in rising funeral costs. Casket manufacturers, producing fewer units, have increased prices to remain profitable, further contributing to the overall rise in funeral costs.
“Casket manufacturers are producing fewer caskets, so their prices are going up because they need to make more from each unit to stay in business," Newhard said. "The economy as a whole has an impact, too, with everything from groceries and gas to houses becoming more expensive. Funerals are no exception.”
Bartholomew Funeral Home takes a thoughtful approach to helping families navigate funeral expenses. While the business must remain sustainable, its team is committed to ensuring families don’t feel pressured to overspend. Newhard reassures that families are never pressured and are encouraged to select the options that feel both appropriate and financially manageable.
“We want families to pick something they’re comfortable with, something they think is nice or appropriate, but we don’t want them to overspend. If someone wants an $8,000 mahogany casket, that’s fine, but we’re not going to push them into that if it’s not what they need,” Newhard said.
The funeral home offers a range of options to accommodate various budgets. By working with multiple vendors, they ensure affordable choices without compromising quality.
“We collaborate with different vendors to find the best prices on caskets, urns, and other products, and we pass those savings on to the consumer,” Newhard said. “There are more options than people realize, and we strive to help families make choices that align with their financial situation.”
For families facing financial hardship, Bartholomew Funeral Home provides additional support.
“We can work out payment plans based on the family’s needs – whether that’s six months, 12 months, or something else entirely. We also proactively apply for government assistance and veteran benefits to help ease the financial burden.”
Newhard and his team often take these steps without families even needing to ask, doing everything they can to get outside help. Funeral costs are often misunderstood, with many people overestimating expenses based on sensationalized stories. Families working with Bartholomew Funeral Home frequently express surprise at the affordability of services.
“People often come in expecting funerals to cost $15,000 or more, but they’re surprised when it’s significantly less,” Newhard said. "A funeral doesn’t have to break the bank. You can have a very nice service – whether burial or cremation – at a reasonable price.”
One common source of confusion is the structure of funeral contracts.
“The contract is split into two parts,” Newhard said. “One side covers the funeral home charges, while the other includes cash advance items like obituaries or grave purchases. These are other people’s charges that we handle for you, but they’re not part of the funeral home’s fees. I think it’s important to understand this distinction.”
Bartholomew Funeral Home offers several cost-effective solutions. Direct burial, for example, is often overlooked but can be a more affordable option.
“People assume cremation is always the cheaper option, but that’s not necessarily true,” Newhard said. “A direct burial can sometimes be just a few hundred dollars more, depending on the choices made.”
Additionally, the funeral home often partners with low-cost cemeteries and offers modestly priced merchandise, ensuring families can find solutions that align with their financial situation.
“If you’re curious about something or looking for specific options, let us know,” Newhard said. “We’ll always do our best to make it work for you.”
Despite the challenges of balancing affordability with quality, the team at Bartholomew Funeral Home finds their work deeply rewarding.
“The most rewarding part of this work is when families come back to us and say, ‘You were so helpful. You made this process easier,” Newhard said. “That means more to us than anything else we do.”
Looking ahead, Bartholomew Funeral Home remains committed to evolving with the community's needs. The Newhard brothers stress the importance of staying ahead of industry changes and offering innovative products and services. They and their team see the funeral home’s ability to adapt as key to meeting families' evolving needs while maintaining the highest standards of care and affordability.
“As new products and services become available, we want to be at the forefront, offering options that help families make reasonable, sound decisions,” Newhard said. “Every family is different, and we strive to adapt to their unique needs while maintaining the highest service standards.”
For families navigating the complexities of funeral planning, Bartholomew Funeral Home offers more than just services – it provides guidance, compassion, and a commitment to making a difficult time as seamless as possible.
To learn more about the cost of death care, visit bartholomewnewhard.com.