COVID-19 alters funeral plans for families

With much of the country shut down because of COVID-19, families have had to handle loss and grief in many different ways.
Restrictions have mandated no services in the church and have limited numbers of people able to attend graveside services if the family chose that avenue. Groups of 10 or less were recommended.
Many families have either chosen burial services and followed social distancing, or they have decided to have memorial services at a later time.
The coronavirus actually brought the family of Daryl Peterson, rural Blooming Prairie, closer together. Peterson passed away at age 62 on March 29. He suffered kidney failure.
Peterson's wife Rae Ann said their three children handled all of the arrangements for Peterson's burial service. "That allowed me to grieve the loss," she said.
The Peterson family made arrangements with the help of Worlein Funeral Home. Mark McGuire was their planning contact. "We had lots of guiding hands in planning Daryl's service at the Red Oak Grove Cemetery," remarked Rae Ann.
The Peterson family had no reviewal for Daryl and had a service at the cemetery, following social distancing guidelines. "Our kids were savvy with their phones, and they live streamed the burial service at the cemetery," Rae Ann related.
"The sun was shining bright the day of the service at the cemetery," Rae Ann said. Because of technology, the Peterson family could share the service with others.
Nephew Phil Murry sang the Lord's Prayer, a request of Daryl. Pastor Heidi Heimgartner of First Lutheran Church of Blooming Prairie officiated at the graveside service.
Peterson was born to Marion and Gladys (Seavey) Peterson on Feb. 5, 1958. He was baptized and confirmed at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church. He farmed on the family farm six miles south of Blooming Prairie.
Daryl graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1976. He was involved in a car accident, leaving him a quadriplegic. He still graduated with his class from BPHS. He began farming and never let being confined to the wheelchair stop him.
Peterson and Rae Ann Miner were married on June 29, 1991.
The Petersons had three children: Sally (Brian Hughes) of Austin, Amy Peterson (Noah Aakre) of Austin and Clint Peterson of Austin.
Rae Ann said Daryl had been on dialysis for two years in Rochester. He was hospitalized just prior to his death. "His paralysis and dialysis took a toll on his body," Rae Ann shared.
Daryl had a "wonderful doctor," said Rae Ann and he advised the family to care for Daryl in his final days.
Daughter Sally is a University of Minnesota student and was on break. Twins Amy and Clint are going to an online college.
 
Daryl was placed on hospice and with all three children at home, Rae Ann said they, together, became a support group for Daryl.
The Petersons' children stayed at home during his final days and did their studies at home. They were thus able to spend quality time with their father and care for him.
Peterson's daughters and son moved furniture around to enable Daryl to look outside. Amy's boyfriend, Noah, brought Peterson's tractors to the front of the house every morning and would start them up every day for Daryl.
The kids also brought Daryl's toy tractor collection to his bedside so he could enjoy it.
"The kids told Daryl they loved him and this strengthened him," said Rae Ann. The family also did face time with Daryl.
The family began planning for a funeral service and decided to do a service outdoors. "Daryl loved the outdoors and things fell into place," Rae Ann said. The family selected a white pine casket through a project where white pine trees were replenished.
The Peterson children were able to be adaptive and creative with technology in planning Daryl's outdoor burial service, said their mother.
Much of the planning for the burial reflected Daryl, Rae Ann said.
Rae Ann recommends families be adaptive in planning a loved one's funeral services. "Be aware of the loved one's wishes," she said.
Six pall bearers were chosen for the service and the family stayed within the 10 and under social distancing guidelines. The family may have another memorial service at a later time. "This is very comforting," said Rae Ann.
Rae Ann said Daryl's loss made a big impact on many people. She also said she was grateful to have such a supportive family. "We were able to have Daryl at home, and we could be a family," Rae Ann said.
In this time of worry and concern because of the coronavirus, families are learning to be strong with the guidance of funeral home professionals.