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The Editorial Team

The US Urns Online Editorial Team researches, writes, and edits collaboratively to use the collective expertise of the staff. Each article is written with care and thoughtfulness to provide you with the best funeral information possible.

The Editorial team includes founder and author Daniel Szczesniak as well as McKenna Hinton and Cassie Reynoso.

For Editorial Team content, we occasionally involve professional writers outside of our organization and/or artificial intelligence (AI). All content goes through a comprehensive editing and fact-checking process involving all three members of the Editorial Team.

For this reason, we've chosen to identify any collaborative work (especially any that includes input from those outside of our team, including generative AI) as Editorial Team content. Bear in mind that even with Editorial Team content, real people have edited and fact-checked all of the information, and in fact have typically written most or even all of the information.

Latest from The Editorial Team

Guide to Cemetery Sexton Feat Image

What Is a Cemetery Sexton? (Plus Other Cemetery Jobs)

Few kids announce in 3rd grade class that they want to be a cemetery sexton when they grow up. Even adults rarely imagine working at a cemetery as a viable career. 

After all, it’s not exactly a social affair, as the main clientele of cemeteries can’t talk. Nor is it popular, because death is something we all tend to want to avoid.

Still, wherever there is work to be done, it must be managed well to ensure the work stays smooth and orderly. A disorganized cemetery would be a nightmare for the already-grieving family members and friends of the deceased. Hence the need for a caretaker; a sexton.

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Loss of Husband Quotes - Feat Image

50 Encouraging Sympathy Messages for Loss of Husband

What to say to a woman who has lost her husband?

Losing a spouse is one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. While everyone mourns the death of a husband in their own way, there are some things that you, their friend, coworker, or family member, may do to help make the process a little bit easier.

Grieving is a process that takes time. It is important to have support from friends and family during this difficult time. 

If you are looking for the right words for a loss of husband message, here are some thoughtful and heartfelt phrases that may help.

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Funeral Crowning - Feat Image

Funeral Crowning: Here’s What You Need to Know

A funeral crowning ceremony – have you ever heard of it? Today we’re going to talk all about it.

A funeral is often thought to be a sad event. Yes, it is a time for mourning and final goodbyes. It’s that final moment, that one last glimpse, before they are committed back to the earth.

Many cultures have held the significance of a cherished death with different kinds of celebrations.

In America, traditionally most families would have a markedly similar funeral process: from the wake to the funeral service and committal, followed by a repast where more casual, informal unity can be expressed. 

In modern times, varied cultural expressions have come to the fore. One among the many cultures in the western world is the culture of African-descendants, African-Americans and Black-Canadians, whose ancestral practices mixed with Christian beliefs to form what is distinctly viewable as their own kind of Christian traditions.

Among those traditions is a fairly new one: the crowning ceremony. 

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Gospel Funeral Songs - Feat Image

21 Best Gospel Funeral Songs

Today we will be sharing our favorite gospel funeral songs. We’ve chosen a range of different singers and time periods so that you have plenty of options. Funerals are tough on everyone involved, but the right song can help lighten the day as you honor and remember your loved one through music.

These timeless tracks will allow funeral attendees to hear their emotions expressed, yet with a gospel note of hope. Each song in its own way demonstrates how death is not the end, thanks to God’s grace.

Even though we grieve deeply, there is great joy in entering the presence of God when our life has finished.

So be inspired! Read on to uncover our top picks for the 21 best gospel funeral songs.

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Memorial Grandfather Quotes - Feature Image

50 Meaningful Loss of Grandfather Quotes & Condolences

The loss of a grandfather is one of the most difficult experiences that we can go through in life. As we mourn the loss of this person who made such an impact, it can be helpful to turn to words of support and comfort.

Whether you are writing a sympathy card or just seeking solace for your grief, there are many comforting sentiments that can help you find peace amidst sorrow. 

So if you are trying to find just the right thing to say, then try these comforting words. As you reach out to express your sympathy and support, you will let the grieving person know they are not alone during this difficult time.

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Meaningful Loss of Grandmother Quotes - Feature Image

50 Meaningful Loss of Grandmother Quotes & Condolences

There is nothing more painful than losing someone you love. The bond shared with a grandmother is pure and unbreakable, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those she left behind.

When someone you know loses their grandparent, the grief can feel unbearable. So as a friend or a family member of the grieving person, one way to show your support is to offer condolences through a sympathy card, text message, or a small gift dropped off at their home.

But what do you say?

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Guide to Viking Funerals

Viking Funerals, Pyres, Ritual Ale, & How to Legally Have One

The Vikings have not been active for a millennium, but Viking funerals still inspire a sense of awe and wonder. The iconic ritual of a fiery sendoff is something that many people are interested in, and perhaps want to emulate for their own farewell.

But the stuff of legends may be just that. Did the Vikings really send their warriors out to sea on a flaming ship, an aquatic funeral pyre bound for Valhalla?

Here’s everything you need to know about Viking funerals and how you can (sort of… maybe…) legally have your own Viking send-off.

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