General FAQs
What do funeral directors do?
Funeral directors are both caregivers and coordinators. They handle the details that can feel overwhelming during a difficult time—transporting your loved one into our care, completing required paperwork, and carrying out the funeral and disposition choices you make for your family.
Just as importantly, funeral directors are listeners, guides, and sources of support. With experience helping families through grief, they can answer questions, recognize when someone may need extra help, and connect families with professional resources or support groups, either through our funeral home or in the community. You’re never expected to navigate this journey alone.
Should there be a viewing?
A viewing is an important part of many cultural, ethnic, and religious traditions. Many grief specialists believe it helps the healing process by gently reinforcing the reality of death and allowing loved ones to say goodbye.
Children may also benefit from a viewing when it’s explained in an age-appropriate way and never forced upon them.
Even when death occurs after a long illness or hospital stay, seeing your loved one at rest can be deeply comforting. Rather than remembering a sterile hospital room filled with machines, your final memory can be one of peace and quiet reassurance. Our experienced embalming and preparation staff take great care to ensure your loved one’s appearance brings comfort and a sense of calm.
What is the purpose of embalming?
Embalming helps preserve and sanitize the body, slows the natural process of decomposition, and can restore a more natural appearance when illness or injury has altered it.
Embalming also allows families more time—time to gather, to make arrangements, and to hold services that feel meaningful and supportive. This flexibility can be especially important when loved ones are traveling or when thoughtful planning is needed.
Is embalming required by law?
In most cases, embalming is not required by law. Our General Price List states:
“Except in certain special cases, embalming is not required by law. Embalming may be necessary, however, if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing. If you do not want embalming, you usually have the right to choose an arrangement that does not require it, such as direct cremation or immediate burial.”
“Certain special cases” may include contagious diseases that must be reported or transportation of remains across state lines by common carrier. Our licensed funeral directors are happy to explain these situations and answer any questions you may have.
Where is embalming done?
Schrader Funeral Home & Crematory in Ballwin has a fully equipped embalming and preparation facility. All embalming for both the Ballwin and Eureka locations is performed at our Ballwin location.
While this area is not open to the public, you can be assured it is maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness, order, and professionalism. All remains are treated with dignity and respect at all times. Our Ballwin location also houses the largest mortuary refrigeration cooler in St. Louis for families who choose not to have embalming.
The Missouri State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors conducts unannounced inspections regularly to ensure all laws and professional standards are being met.
Is cremation a substitute for a funeral?
Cremation is a form of final disposition, not a replacement for a funeral or memorial service. About half of the families we serve choose cremation, and many still hold a visitation, funeral, or memorial ceremony with the remains present.
Choosing cremation does not limit your options. Services can be as traditional or as unique as you wish.
What does the average funeral cost?
In 2025, the projected nationwide average cost of a funeral (including services, casket, and outer burial container) was $9500 to $11,000. This does not include items such as flowers, cemetery charges, clergy honoraria, obituary notices, musicians, or taxes, which can add several hundred dollars or more. Costs also vary by region.
More economical options—such as direct cremation or graveside services—are available, as are higher-end choices for caskets and burial containers.
We encourage families to consider what feels right both emotionally and financially. Preplanning allows you to lock in today’s prices, while families with immediate needs can explore payment options such as checks, credit cards, or insurance assignments.
Most importantly, there is never pressure to overspend. Our role is to explain your choices clearly and compassionately—the final decisions are always yours.
How much is a casket?
Our burial caskets start under $2000 for a 20-gauge steel model. We also offer a wide range of options, with premium caskets priced up to $32,000.
How much should I give the minister or musicians?
In the St. Louis area, clergy honorariums typically range from $200–$350, and musician fees usually fall between $150–$300. Some churches have set fees for funerals held on their premises. We’re happy to help you understand any specific requirements.
How much does a newspaper obituary cost?
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch charges by the line. A full funeral obituary published for one day typically ranges from $600–$750. Many families choose a brief newspaper notice paired with a longer obituary on our website.
A simple four-line service notice can often be placed for under $150. We’ll help you explore the options that best fit your needs and preferences.
What are my payment options?
We accept cash, personal and company checks, major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), and verified insurance assignments. Please refer to our Service Options guide for complete payment terms.
Do room prices vary at Schrader Funeral Home & Crematory?
Yes, they do—and for good reason. Our facilities are designed to feel like a welcoming home, not a traditional mortuary. Each visitation room differs in size, layout, décor, and location.
Larger rooms, such as the Williamsburg Room in Ballwin, are priced slightly higher, while more intimate rooms like the Canterbury Room are priced accordingly. The difference between room sizes is modest—typically $100 between categories.
Unlike cookie-cutter, dimly lit rooms with folding chairs, our spaces are bright, beautifully decorated, and furnished with comfortable, home-like seating. Families are welcome to tour our facilities and choose the room that best suits their needs.
Is parking a problem?
Not at all.
Our Ballwin location offers expansive parking on the east, south, and west sides of the building, with overflow parking just steps from the entrance.
Schrader Funeral Home – Eureka has a convenient on-site parking lot, along with on-street and nearby supplemental parking.
