I had almost forgot that Hillenbrand Inc., the former parent company of Batesville, had itself agreed to be sold to Lone Star Funds last August (2025).  I was reminded of that transaction from this recent update in Financier Worldwide.

The $3.8 billion transaction “will take Hillenbrand private and marks a significant strategic shift for the Batesville, Indiana-based company” according to the aticle.

Again, according to the article, “Upon closing, Hillenbrand will become a privately held entity and its shares will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.”

The article does make these comments about the future closing of this transaction:

“Recent developments suggest the transaction faces challenges. Several institutional investors have filed lawsuits questioning whether the $32 per share offer reflects optimal value, citing Hillenbrand’s recent revenue decline of 24 percent and adjusted earnings per share down 40 percent. Regulatory scrutiny also looms, with approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) required due to potential national security considerations. The merger agreement includes reciprocal termination fees and an outside date of July 2026, allowing time to navigate these hurdles.

Despite these uncertainties, analysts maintain that the acquisition represents a logical conclusion to Hillenbrand’s strategic overhaul. For shareholders, the offer provides a clear exit at a premium, though the timeline may extend if litigation or regulatory delays persist.”

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  Hillenbrand, with different ownership, will apparently continue to be a going-concern operating company, but for me it somewhat brings an end to the historical parent company that made its way in funeral service with a history that can be traced back to John Hillenbrand’s original casket company founded in 1884.

Over the years, since I was growing up as a funeral director’s child, Hillenbrand was synonymous with quality and at one time or another had the brands of Hill-Rom, American Tourister, Medeco, and Batesville under their umbrella organization.  I’ve been a stockholder off and on over my adult life, but did not own stock at the time of the Batesville sale or at the current time of the pending sale of the rest of the company to Lone Star.

Having a history of owning stock with the company has me wondering about the value that stockholders are getting at $32 per share.  The linked article notes that the price per share at $32 is a 37% premium over what the stock was selling for at the time of the this current sale.  However, if you go back to December 15, 2022, when the sale of the Batesville division was announced (the closing was in 2023) the stock price was at $44. . . . . and from my searching and the following answer from Gemini AI, stockholders apparently received no special dividend from that sale:

“Hillenbrand did not issue a special cash dividend to stockholders from the proceeds of the 2023 sale of Batesville. The company used the net proceeds from the sale primarily for debt reduction.”

So, if that is the case, then Hillenbrand stockholders are receiving a $32 per share price a little over three years after the stock was selling at $44 —  that’s a 27% decrease in value after the announced sale of Batesville.  I’m guessing that might be one of the reasons for the potential lawsuits, according to the linked article, about shareholders receiving “optimal value”.

It makes one think. . . maybe Hillenbrand should have sold off the rest of the company and held on to Death Care company Batesville instead of selling Batesville and holding on to the rest of the company. . . . .i.e. maybe Hillenbrand management sold the wrong company back in 2022.

Related —  Hillenbrand’s press release when selling Batesville in 2022.

More news from the world of Death Care:

Enter your e-mail below to join the 3,201 others who receive Funeral Director Daily articles daily

“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

While we receive many questions related to funeral planning, there are several that we encounter on a regular basis. With that in mind, we’ve compiled the top 5 questions we hear. We’ve listed them below, along with a summary of our answers. To help you explore these questions about funeral planning further, we’ve included links to sections of our website with more detail.

Planning a funeral can be difficult. Whether you’re making arrangements after the loss of a loved one or preparing in advance for yourself, the process can be overwhelming. That’s because it involves emotional decisions, financial considerations, and logistical details that most people don’t think about until the need arises.

How much does a funeral cost?

Questions about the cost of a funeral are by far the most common that we receive. The answer may be a bit complicated. The actual cost of a funeral depends on several factors. Among these are location, the type of service you choose, and your personal preferences.

According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a traditional funeral with a burial in the U.S. ranges from $7,000 to $12,000, including the casket, service fees, and burial plot. Cremation tends to be less expensive, averaging $4,000 to $7,000. Additional costs may include flowers, catering, or memorial keepsakes.

For more specific information on funeral costs, visit our Funeral Costs page.

Why is funeral planning important?

We often say that the best time to plan a funeral is before you need it. We really believe that. Funeral planning can ensure that your wishes or the wishes of your loved one are honored. Best of all, spelling out how you want to be memorialized can ease the emotional and financial burdens on your family members during a difficult time.

Planning allows you to make thoughtful decisions about the type of service, burial or cremation options, and other essential details. When you prepare, you ensure that everything aligns with personal values and preferences. You’ll also have time to make financial arrangements so that the expenses associated with your funeral are taken care of.

We recommend considering our After Me Planner and Organizer to get you started. We also provide detailed information on our website to give you a comprehensive understanding of what is required to make funeral arrangements. Here are links to a few pages that may be helpful.

Learn More About the After Me Planner and Organizer

More About Making Funeral Arrangements

What are the steps in planning a funeral?

Planning a funeral is similar to planning any other significant event designed to celebrate a life milestone. The key steps in planning a funeral include:

Set a Budget: Knowing how much you can comfortably spend will give you a framework for the many decisions you’ll need to make.

Decide on Disposition: Choose between burial, cremation, or other options.

Choose Service Options: Select the type of service you want. Do you want a traditional funeral, or would you prefer a memorial service and a celebration of life?

Estimate Costs: Assess the expected expenses and adjust your choices to align with your budget. Based on this, adapt your plans to align with your budget.

Communicate Your Plan: Share your decisions with family or a trusted individual.

Flesh out the ceremony details: You can specify elements like readings, music, and who will participate in the ceremony. The options you choose won’t be set in stone. In fact, we recommend that you review your plan periodically and make adjustments as your tastes change.

Arrange Financing: Explore options such as funeral insurance, trusts, or pre-purchase services.

Organize Your Personal Information: This is a crucial yet often-overlooked step. The goal is to gather and organize key documents such as wills, insurance policies, and other key information. Your family will also appreciate including information that can help with eulogies, obituaries, and genealogical records.

Our After Me Planner and Organizer is the perfect tool to help you manage all steps of the funeral planning process. Learn more about organizing for your next of kin with After Me.

If you are planning a funeral for someone else, your first step will be to determine if the person left behind their own set of instructions. That will give you a starting point.

What financial help is available for funeral expenses?

Thinking about your own mortality or having someone close to you can be overwhelming. When you add the stress of figuring out how to pay for it, the burden feels even heavier.

Unfortunately, funerals are expensive. There are several ways to get help, but it’s always best to ensure you have set aside funds to cover it. It’s always a good idea to ask the funeral home if they are familiar with any available resources. Some other options include:

• Life insurance policies that cover funeral costs. Insurance works best when you plan ahead, as there is paperwork to complete and premiums to pay. There are various types of policies, so be sure to research which one is best suited for you. See our page on funeral and burial insurance.
• Veterans’ benefits for eligible service members. While these may not cover the complete cost, some programs can help with a significant portion. For the most up-to-date information, check with the Veterans Administration.
• Social Security (a one-time death benefit of $255 for qualifying survivors). Social security payment on death is a minimal amount. If you are entitled to this benefit, be sure to take advantage of it.
• State or county assistance programs for low-income families. Every state has different programs, so it may take some research to determine what is available in your specific area.
• Charitable organizations such as churches and social groups. If you are a member of a group, you may be eligible to apply for financial help. Availability varies widely, so you will need to do some homework.
• Crowdfunding and Social Networks.
• It’s always a good idea to ask the funeral home about available resources.

Read more about getting help paying for a funeral.

What should I do right away when someone dies?

When someone dies, the initial steps depend on the circumstances of the death, including the location and manner in which it occurred. If the death happens at home and the person was under medical care, contact their doctor or hospice nurse so they can officially pronounce the death. If it was unexpected or there was no medical professional involved, call 911 so emergency personnel can assess the situation.

Once the death is legally confirmed, you’ll need to choose a funeral home or mortuary to take the person into their care. If your loved one had made arrangements in advance or has documented their wishes, locate those papers. They can save you from having to guess what your loved one would have wanted.

The next step is to notify close family and friends. You will also need to handle practical matters such as securing the home, caring for pets, and gathering important documents.

It’s okay to ask for help. There’s a lot to manage, and you don’t have to do it all alone. Take things one step at a time, lean on others for support. Remember, while there are legal and logistical tasks to handle, taking time to process your emotions is just as important.

For more details, visit our page on Making Funeral Arrangements.

Final Thoughts on Questions About Funeral Planning

It’s challenging to comprehend the complexity of planning a funeral. The best way to avoid issues that may arise is by planning ahead. We think the best way to do that is with our After Me Planner and Organizer but there are other ways to go about it. The important thing is to get started. You can find more information about the topics discussed in this article on our website. We plan to address more of your questions in upcoming articles in our Forums and newsletter. You can also email us directly at support@funeralwise.com.

For further reading:

Why use an online funeral planner?

Yes, planning a funeral is like planning a wedding.

As you can read in this recent article from the Insurance NewsNet a plaintiff in Arkansas is alleging that Globe Life “routinely canceled small life insurance policies when confronted with claims”.  The article goes on to say that “The small policies, generally $5,000 to $20,000, are sometimes known as “burial” policies and commonly cover funeral costs, medical and other debts. They are popular in the South and Midwest, where funerals are a strong cultural tradition.”

In more information supplied from an Arkansas law firm the case was described in this manner:

“A class action lawsuit was filed against Globe Life in federal court in the Eastern District of Arkansas alleging that Globe Life routinely cancels or rescinds small life insurance policies—typically ranging from $5,000 to $20,000—when beneficiaries file claims. These “burial policies” are often purchased to cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and other final costs.

According to the complaint, Globe Life:

• Asks vague or overly broad health questions when selling policies.
• Later conducts exhaustive reviews of the insured’s medical history after death.
• Uses minor or unrelated health issues as a pretext to deny claims.

 

The compliant alleges these practices violate Arkansas law, which since 2011 has prohibited insurers from rescinding policies unless they can prove fraud or a material misrepresentation directly related to the cause of death.”

Funeral Director Daily take: From my perspective I’m under the assumption that policies that are known as “Burial” policies or “Final Expense” policies are not sold under the purview of what most funeral homes and funeral directors would label “PreNeed” policies.  That, however, does not mean that those types of policies are not sold by their companies for the purpose of paying for future Death Care expenses by general agents outside of the business of Death Care.

It also doesn’t meant that consumers don’t buy those policies with the idea that they will have their family use at least some of the insurance proceeds for Death Care expenses.

There are some big differences though between what I would suggest as proper PreNeed policies and some types of policies offered by companies as “Burial” or “Final Expense” policies.

In a nutshell I would look for a PreNeed policy to be of the “whole life” variety where it is not canceled because premiums got too expensive as a policyholder’s age increases.  Preferably for PreNeed policies it is my opinion that “Single Premium” whole life policies are best  —  there is no possibility of one of these ypes of policies lapsing for lack of premium payments.

Secondly, I would look to align with a company where once the policy was accepted under the terms of the contract the reason or cause of death would make no difference as to the claim payment.

Funeral Director Daily will watch this lawsuit play out and inform our readers what happens.  In the meantime I think it is imperative that consumers get life-time protection and assurances from the PreNeed policies sold through funeral homes.  It might be a good time to check on the policies and provider that your funeral home teams up with.

Related Article —  Arkansas lawsuit filed over canceled “Burial” life insurance policies sold by Globe Life.   Cision PR Newswire

More news from the world of Death Care: 

Enter your e-mail below to join the 3,201 others who receive Funeral Director Daily articles daily

“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

Hackman’s Death Raises New and Very Different Deathcare Questions

The recent discovery of actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home, has sparked widespread curiosity, concern, and, of course, conspiracy theories — especially after the press revealed that the couple’s bodies exhibited signs of mummification.

An unexpected buzzword

On February 26, 2025, maintenance workers discovered the bodies of the legendary star, 95, and his wife, 64, after not having seen the couple for approximately two weeks. Hackman was found fully clothed in a mudroom, while Arakawa was located in a bathroom near a space heater, with an open prescription bottle nearby. One of their three German Shepherds was also found deceased, while the other two were alive. 

Preliminary investigations revealed no signs of forced entry, external trauma, or carbon monoxide poisoning. The exact causes of death remain undetermined, pending further autopsy and toxicology reports. But the fact that reporters used the word “mummification” has brought a different level of morbid fascination to the case.

Putting it into context

As Connecting Directors readers well know, mummification refers to the preservation of a body after death, typically through dehydration, which inhibits the normal decomposition process. While ancient cultures practiced intentional mummification, natural mummification can occur under specific environmental conditions. 

In the case of Hackman and Arakawa, the term “mummification” describes the state of their bodies upon discovery. According to forensic experts, mummification can occur naturally in dry, hot environments where the body’s moisture evaporates rapidly, leading to the preservation of tissues. 

The extent of mummification can vary based on factors such as temperature, humidity, and airflow. In this instance, Arakawa’s body exhibited mummification in her hands and feet, along with facial bloating, suggesting a combination of decomposition processes influenced by the environment within their home, according to Page Six.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding their deaths. While no foul play is currently suspected, the unusual state of their bodies has prompted a thorough examination to determine the exact causes of death. Investigators have collected medications, cellphones, and medical records as part of this process. 

By the time you read this, the mysterious circumstances that led to this loss may very well have been explained. However, don’t be surprised if you, as your community’s subject matter expert on all things death-related, field some questions about this curious case.

Service Corporation International (SCI) reported its 4th Quarter of 2024 as well as its 2024 Year End results last week.  Being as large a Death Care company as they are it is probably as close as one gets to an annual report on the status of Death Care in the North America when one digests their annual results.

Here is the press release from Service Corporation International on their 2024 4Q and 2024 Annual results which was released last week.

Here is what CEO Thomas Ryan said in prepared remarks in the press release, “We are pleased to report a strong finish for the year with adjusted earnings per share growth of 14% in the fourth quarter of 2024. This was driven by revenue growth in both our segments, which translated into solid gross profit performance and margin expansion. Growth in cemetery preneed sales production and higher funeral general agency revenue more than offset a decline in services performed during the quarter . . . . cash flow for the year allowed us to invest $181 million into the acquisition of 26 funeral homes and 6 cemeteries in major metropolitan markets and $62 million into real estate transactions to expand our footprint of funeral homes and cemeteries in our existing markets.”

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  There is a lot in this report and it takes some time to digest.  And, following the release of the company’s Earnings Call transcript I’ll probably provide more details and have more to say.  For the time being, here are some thoughts that I have. . .

Revenue: Total Revenue for SCI jumped from FY2023’s $4.099 billion to FY2024’s $4.186 billion — an increase of about $87 million or 2.11%.  The company probably also gained margin as the year went on because their 4Q24 revenue jumped 3.6% over the same number for 4Q23.  In my book, especially because they reported less services conducted on the year, that revenue increase is probably indicative of price increases.

SCI does report in their “Consolidated Funeral Segment” that revenue per services jumped to $5,651 in FY2024 over the FY2023 number of $5,536 — an increase of 2.1%.

Service Case Volume:  In the company’s “Consolidated Funeral Segment” results, SCI reports 355,074 services perfermed in FY2024 as compared to 358,873 services performed in FY2023 — a drop of about 1.1%.  From those numbers alone we don’t know if that drop is because of a loss of market share or simply because of less deaths occuring in their market areas.

Matthews International, in their quarterly report last week, explained away a lower unit sales of casket by what they termed as “less deaths”.  That may be correct and the case with SCI’s lower volume, but one might keep an eye on market share — especially when SCI tells us of the acquisition of 26 facilities during the year whose services numbers should also be included.  When contemplating that fact, however, we do not know when during the year, or even if, those acquisitions started contributing to the financial numbers.  In my opinion, however, the reported number of “Services Performed” will be a number worth watching in the future.

In what SCI calls their “Comparable Funeral Results” which is defined by “those businesses owned for the entire period beginning January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2024″,  the company shows an even steeper drop in “Services Performed” for the 4th Quarter of 2024.  SCI indicates a drop of 3,366 services performed during the 4th Quarter, compared to the year prior, which translates into a 3.8% decline for the period.

Again, that number being “Same Store” results. . . . is that indicative of a loss of market share or simply a number reflective of less deaths in their market regions?  I believe it is a number worth watching in the future.

Preneed:  In July 2024, SCI announced a new Preneed agreement with Global Atlantic as you can read from this Funeral Director Daily article on the subject.  We believe, that as is common with new partners, implementation to fine-tuned operations will take some time to get to.  In fact, the SCI report offers footnotes on that subject.

However, in reporting their “Comparable Preneed Sales Production” a Total Preneed sales dollar drop of 9.2% for the 4th Quarter of 2024 as compared to the 4th Quarter of 2023 is reported.  That, too, will need to be watched over time to see if the drop is simply in the implementation of a new policy, a change in accounting in moving from trusts to insurance-based preneed, or reflects a market share trend.

It could possibly reflect a market share trend based on the seemingly growing popularity of low-cost and/or online cremation puchases.  My thought is that the drop in preneed revenue could represent lower cremation sales prices to meet growing competition or simply losing clientele to lower priced online cremation providers.  In any case, this number bears watching in future quarterly reports.

Final Thoughts:  When I read these reports with my background in funeral home ownership I realize that the numbers simply give us a “point in time” reflection of a public company.  However, I think that bringing up questions and possibilities about the numbers is how one can “see into the future” to put their funeral home in the best possible situation to win customers in the future.

Disclaimer — The author of this article for Funeral Director Daily is a shareholder of Service Corporation International.

More news from the world of Death Care:

Enter your e-mail below to join the 3,120 others who receive Funeral Director Daily articles daily:

“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”

The process of choosing among Henrietta, NY funeral homes
can be daunting, especially during a time of grief. It’s essential to make the right decision, and this guide aims to help by shedding light on the crucial questions to ask.

Understanding Your Needs

Before you begin your search, first clarify your needs and preferences. Some factors to consider include whether you prefer a traditional burial or cremation
, a large memorial service or an intimate gathering, religious elements or non-religious ones, and whether you’d like additional services such as grief counseling. Understanding your needs will help you narrow down your choices and select a funeral home capable of fulfilling your requests.

Evaluating Services Offered

Once you’re clear on your needs, examine the services offered by different funeral homes. These typically range from embalming and body preparation, to organizing a visitation or viewing, to managing the actual funeral ceremony. Some funeral homes also offer packages that include transportation, legal paperwork, and post-funeral services such as grief counseling. Understanding what is included in each package can help you avoid unexpected costs and ensure all necessary details are handled.

Assessing Staff and Facilities

Observing the staff’s behavior and inspecting the facilities are also crucial. The staff should display compassion, empathy, and professionalism. The facilities should be clean, comfortable, and capable of accommodating your guests. Also, consider the location – is it easily accessible for attendees? All these elements play a role in the overall experience and the memories you and your loved ones create.

Considering Pricing

Discussing pricing is an uncomfortable but necessary part of choosing a funeral home. Be sure to ask about costs upfront, as prices can vary significantly between funeral homes. Some establishments may offer payment plans or financial aid, which could be a deciding factor if finances are a concern.

Checking Reviews and Recommendations

Feedback from others who have used the funeral home’s services can provide invaluable insights. Look for reviews online and ask for recommendations from friends and family. This will give you a sense of how the funeral home operates and the experiences of others in your position.

Verifying Licensing and Credentials

Finally, ensure the funeral home you choose is licensed and meets industry standards. Funeral homes
should willingly provide this information. Licensing guarantees they adhere to the necessary guidelines and regulations, providing peace of mind that they can handle your loved one’s final arrangements with the utmost professionalism and care.

Conclusion

Navigating through the myriad of Henrietta, NY funeral homes during a challenging time can indeed feel overwhelming. However, with the right queries and a clear understanding of your needs, you can ensure your loved ones receive the respect and care they deserve during this time of mourning.

At Rochester Cremation, we understand the emotional toll of this journey. We strive to provide not just a service, but a supportive experience tailored to your unique needs and preferences. Our professional team is prepared to answer all your questions and guide you in making these important decisions, ensuring you never feel alone during this process.

From traditional burials to cremations, from large memorial services
to intimate gatherings, we offer a range of services customized to honour your loved one’s life the way you deem best. Beyond the ceremonies, we also offer support services like grief counseling, all aimed at easing your journey.

Americans have moved into a realization that when it comes to grief, memorialization, and remembrance that not one size fits all.  That’s apparent by the growing number of options chosen for human disposition and remembrance.

This article and news video story from the Central Oregon Daily News brings up the relatively new memorialization process of “Cremation Tattoos”.  “Cremation Tattoos” are a memorialization option that many have chosen which is carried out by applying tattoos to survivors in which the ink applied has had cremation ash of the deceased mixed into the solution.

However, according to the linked article and according to the Oregon Health Authority “tattoo inks, dyes, or pigments must be purchased from a commercial supplier or manufacturer and must include an expiration date. The use of expired products or those banned or restricted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is prohibited”.  In addition, the article states, “Any alteration of the inks, including adding substances not intended by the manufacturer (such as cremated remains), would likely be prohibited”.

While many tattoo professionals will mix ashes with ink in order to satisfy clients not all tattoo artists are comfortable with the process.  One artist named in the article, Edward Kehoe, made these comments, “Nowadays, tattooing is more professional, so we tend to have higher standards as far as what we’re applying. . . . I understand people’s idea of wanting to get the memorial with the ashes and it’s a very sweet idea. But I just don’t think that it’s sanitary per se”.

Another side of the issue is apparent when reading what Joshua Lohnes, a father of an deceased unborn child who has had a cremation tattoo in remembrance of that daughter applied to his arm.  Lohnes states his reasoning this way, “. . .we lost the child, and it was a really heavy grieving process for me, and I didn’t really know how to get out of it.. . . . I just wanted something.  I wanted her to be with me. I wanted to have something physical that was beautiful, that I could look at and carry with me.” 

Tom Anderson
Funeral Director Daily

Funeral Director Daily take:  While the basis for this article is taken from an article based in Oregon and deals exclusively with the State of Oregon’s regulations, it is imperative to know that the school of regulations for the art of cremation tattoos is still in the processing stages.  There are 50 different states and it is likely that those differing states have differing regulations.

Funeral directors who may be asked by clientele thinking about this option just need to let those who are asking know that their state may or may not be regulated and they need to proceed at that level.  If you know the regulations in your state it might be smart to have those regulations copied off and given to the client for their perusal.  And, until we know more about the process and health of the process, it is probably unwise for funeral directors to endorse this process.

More news from the world of Death Care:

Enter your e-mail below to join the 3,111 others who receive Funeral Director Daily articles daily:

“A servant’s attitude guided by Christ leads to a significant life”