When families in Rice County face the loss of a loved one, finding a trusted institution matters deeply. Parker Kohl Funeral Home Faribault has served southern Minnesota communities for over a century and a half, blending generations of local family ownership with modern commemoration options. Located at 607 2nd Avenue Northwest and operating with a deep-rooted history, this establishment offers traditional burials, cremation choices, and personalized celebrations of life that honor individual stories.
Navigating end-of-life arrangements requires clarity on services, costs, and logistics. This guide breaks down the historical foundation, available offerings, planning steps, and practical considerations for families working with Parker Kohl in Faribault, Minnesota.
A Century-Long Legacy in Southern Minnesota
The longevity of a local business speaks volumes about its standing within the community. For roughly 150 years, the Parker and Kohl families have maintained a continuous presence in Faribault, providing steady guidance during moments of profound grief.
What started as a localized service has evolved through multiple generations of family leadership. Edward and Gertrude Kohl operated the funeral home before passing responsibilities to their son, James. Today, brothers Steve and John Kohl own and manage the operations, while the fourth generation—represented by Jacob Kohl—actively serves client families. This continuity ensures that every family interacts with professionals who understand local cemeteries, regional clergy, and community customs.
Core Services Offered by Parker Kohl
Modern funeral homes must balance time-honored traditions with contemporary preferences. Parker Kohl provides a wide spectrum of arrangements tailored to individual wishes and budget considerations.
Traditional Burial Services
Traditional services remain a cornerstone for many families seeking a structured timeline for grief and community support. These options typically include:
- Professional services of the funeral director and administrative staff.
- Embalming and body preparation, including dressing and casketing.
- Use of facilities for a visitation or viewing period.
- A formal funeral ceremony held either at the chapel or a local church.
- Transportation via funeral coach (hearse) to regional cemeteries.
Cremation Options and Memorials
As cremation rates rise across Minnesota, families often choose flexible memorial designs. Parker Kohl operates an onsite crematory, ensuring that a loved one remains under the direct care of trusted staff throughout the process. Choices range from direct cremation without a formal service to a complete visitation followed by cremation and a subsequent columbarium placement or scattering ceremony.
Celebrations of Life
Not every family wants a somber, traditional gathering. Personalized celebrations focus on hobbies, achievements, and distinct personality traits. Staff members assist with custom memorial displays, photo slideshows, customized music, and reception catering coordination to ease logistical burdens.
Understanding Funeral Costs in Faribault
Transparency in pricing helps families make informed decisions without added financial panic. Federal Trade Commission rules require funeral providers to supply a General Price List (GPL) upon request.
While exact prices fluctuate based on specific merchandise selections like caskets or urns, baseline expenses typically encompass specific categories:
- Basic Services Fee: This non-declinable fee covers overhead, licensing, and general coordination, averaging around $3,250.
- Staff and Facility Usage: Using rooms for viewings or ceremonies generally adds independent daily or hourly service fees.
- Transport and Automotive Equipment: Moving remains from the place of death and utilizing a hearse involve separate transportation charges.
- Third-Party Disbursements: Cash advances for obituary notices in the Faribault Daily News, death certificates, and clergy or musician honorariums are billed separately.
Steps to Take When a Death Occurs
When a death happens unexpectedly or after a long illness, knowing the immediate steps prevents confusion.
- Notify Authorities: If the death occurs at home without hospice care, call 911 immediately. If the person is under hospice care, contact the hospice nurse first.
- Contact the Funeral Home: Reach out to Parker Kohl directly at their Faribault office. Funeral directors are available day and night to coordinate the transfer of the deceased into their care.
- Gather Vital Statistics: During the arrangement conference, you'll need information for death certificates and obituaries, including Social Security numbers, parents' names (including mother's maiden name), employment history, and military discharge papers (DD214) if applicable.
- Determine Disposition Preferences: Review whether the deceased left a pre-need plan or expressed verbal wishes regarding burial versus cremation.
Pre-Planning Your Arrangements
Pre-arranging a funeral relieves surviving family members from making high-pressure financial and emotional decisions while grieving.
- Financial Protection: Pre-payment plans through insurance or trust options can lock in today's service costs, protecting against future inflation.
- Clear Documentation: Documenting specific preferences—such as favorite hymns, scripture readings, or burial clothing—ensures your exact vision is honored.
- Easy Updates: Life changes, and pre-arrangements can be modified at any point by contacting the funeral director.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Parker Kohl Funeral Home located in Faribault?
The primary facility is located at 607 2nd Avenue Northwest, Faribault, MN 55021, with additional spaces and arrangements managed locally to serve the surrounding Rice County region.
Does Parker Kohl handle out-of-state transportation?
Yes. If a loved one passes away away from home, or if burial needs to take place in another state or country, the staff coordinates shipping and receiving logistics with out-of-state funeral providers.
How can I find recent obituaries for Faribault residents?
Current and past service notices, guestbooks, and memorial video tributes are updated regularly on the Parker Kohl website as well as regional newspaper obituary portals.
What options exist for veterans?
The staff assists families in securing military honors, coordinating with local veteran organizations, arranging presidential memorial certificates, and securing eligible markers or flags through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
