What to Do First When a Death Occurs
When a death occurs, the first step is to call Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory at (641) 394-4334, available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. A licensed funeral director will guide you through what to do next based on where the death happened, coordinate bringing your loved one into our care, and help you begin arrangements. If the death is unexpected and at home, call 911 first; if it happens under hospice care, call the hospice. We serve families across Northeast Iowa and will walk with you through every step.
First Steps, One at a Time
In the first hours after a death, you do not need to have everything figured out. Call Hugeback-Johnson at (641) 394-4334 and a licensed funeral director will tell you exactly what to do next, coordinate the transfer of your loved one, and take the weight of the details off your shoulders.
A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- Call us, any hour: Call Hugeback-Johnson at (641) 394-4334 at any time, day or night. A licensed funeral director will answer and guide you through everything that follows, so you are never alone in the first moments.
- If the death is at home or unexpected: If the death occurs at home and was expected under hospice care, call the hospice. If it is unexpected, call 911 first. Once authorities or hospice release your loved one, we coordinate the transfer into our care.
- If the death is at a hospital or care facility: Tell the hospital, nursing home, or hospice staff that you have chosen Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory, and we will arrange the transfer of your loved one into our care.
- Gather key information: Begin gathering details we will need. When you call, we will ask for:
- The full legal name of your loved one
- Your name, address, and telephone number
- The name, address, and phone number of the next-of-kin
- The location of your loved one (hospital, nursing facility, or residence)
- Whether there is a pre-arranged funeral plan
- Meet with our staff: We will set a time to meet, explain your burial and cremation options, and handle the arrangements with you. Please bring clothing for your loved one, any pre-arrangement paperwork, cemetery lot information if applicable, and a recent photograph. We will assist you with everything involved.
We Handle the Rest
Once your loved one is in our care, Hugeback-Johnson handles the transfer, the paperwork, and the coordination of services. You make the decisions that matter to your family, and we manage the details, at any of our five Northeast Iowa locations.
Who do I call first when someone dies?
Call Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory at (641) 394-4334 at any hour. If the death is unexpected and at home, call 911 first; under hospice care, call the hospice. Then call us and we will guide you through every step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first when a death occurs?
Call Hugeback-Johnson at (641) 394-4334 at any hour. A licensed funeral director will guide you through the immediate steps and coordinate bringing your loved one into our care.
What do I do if a death happens at home?
If the death was expected under hospice care, call the hospice. If it is unexpected, call 911 first. Then call us at (641) 394-4334 and we will coordinate the transfer.
What information do I need to make funeral arrangements?
It helps to have the person’s full legal name, date and place of birth, and any veteran service, plus thoughts for the obituary. We will walk you through the rest.
What if the death occurs while away from home?
Call us at (641) 394-4334 wherever you are. We can coordinate transfer from another city or state and handle the arrangements so your loved one comes home.
We Are Here, Any Hour
You do not have to face the first steps alone. Call (641) 394-4334 any time. For official details, see the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.