Seminars explore end of life issues

First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) has organized two seminars pertaining to end of life issues. The sessions are set for Saturdays, October 30 and November 20 from 10 a.m. to noon at UCC, 221 7th Avenue West in Alexandria.

The seminar on October 30 will focus on the business aspects of the end of life. Morris Grover, attorney, will present information on wills, trusts, probate and estate planning. Stuart Henrickson, president of Viking Savings, will give basic information on how to structure directions and authority for handling your money. Deb Shea, senior advisor at Douglas County Public Health, will address Medicare changes. Ray Kallstrom, Douglas County veterans officer, will discuss records to be establishes and death and burial benefits.

There will be an opportunity to get advice on previous arrangements and if they are up to date. Help will be available for completing health care directive forms, forms for living wills, prepaid funeral insurance and other assistance needed. The forms will be available.

The November 20 meeting will focus on funeral information, alternatives of cremation, hospice, personal property bequests and where to turn for help. Jamie Tikkanen, director of Social Services at Bethany Community, Pastor Scott Keehn, representatives of hospice and Anderson Funeral Home will lead the discussions, along with Sean Petermeier, who will answer questions about prepaid funerals.

No reservations are needed for the seminars. Nursery care will be available.

Tags: end of life, life, seminar