Ciha gay funeral home

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This list includes various expenses related to funeral services, such as transportation to the cemetery in or around Johnson County, as well as costs for viewing or visitation services. From the specific time of the cremation to the participation of friends or family in the process, we will help you deal with the death of your dear one.

Because we have a trusted reputation among colleagues many other funeral homes that do not have their own crematory facilities seek our assistance when it comes to taking care of the cremation needs of their families.

Final Disposition of the Cremated Remains

Families have the options of placing the cremated remains of their loved one in:

  • Grave in a family plot or mausoleum niche so that they may have a place to visit and remember the life of their loved one.

  • Location within the home.

  • Scattering the cremated remains in a place of great significance, such as the sea, a meadow, or home pond.
  • Distributing the cremated remains in keepsake urns, jewelry or artwork to members of the family.

Ultimately, the final resting location will determine what type of vessel is needed. Urns are crafted from various metals, woods and ceramics. There are many designs – sculptured urns are among the latest styles. Incorporating cremated remains in jewelry and artwork is also gaining popularity.

Please contact us for further information on the funeral planning process. We will be happy to offer suggestions and provide information about what would be the best way to celebrate your loved one’s life.

Pre-Planning

Many people plan for life events such as weddings and vacations well in advance, but many people do not plan for something that is certain to happen, their funeral. The primary advantages of pre-planning your funeral is to relieve the burden on your loved ones in an already emotional time, and to ensure your funeral is carried out according to your wishes, eliminating the task of second-guessing what you would have wanted. Taking the time now to arrange your funeral is one less thing your loved ones will need to worry about once you’ve passed.

What you can do in advance…

  • Decide on Burial or Cremation and your casket or urn type.
  • Pick what type of service you want (religious, military, non-traditional)
  • Choose which funeral home to use.
  • Designate your pallbearers, pick any music, readings and other unique details you may want included at your service.

Benefits of Pre-Planning

  • Between 70 and 75 decisions are made within the first 24-48 hours of death. It’s difficult to think rationally while making so many decisions within days of losing someone, pre-planning gives yourself, family and friends peace of mind.

    Whatever the reason, if you are thinking about cremation, it’s important to know and understand all of the choices available to you.

    Options For Funeral Service When Choosing Cremation

    Visitation and Ceremony is a viewing of the person in the casket within a designated viewing time. Following the service, the casketed body will be taken to our crematory.

    • Private Viewing and Ceremony is similar to a visitation and service with the exception that it is open only to family members and invited close friends.

    • Private Viewing is when the family briefly wants to see the person for the last time to say good-bye and not have a formal time for viewing.

    • Memorial Ceremony with cremains is when an urn is present at the visitation/service.

      Anyone who visits Gay And Ciha Funeral Home at 2720 Muscatine Ave in Iowa City, IA and asks about funeral arrangements is entitled to receive a free copy of the general price list.

Funeral & Cremation Services

The funeral gives us permission to grieve and help us appreciate the connections our loved one had established with others. Funeral visitations provide a chance to talk and share stories and memories. We gather with family and friends and say, “This life was important, this life touched mine.”

Planning a funeral can be a stressful experience, but it does not have to be dreaded.

To protect consumers, Gay And Ciha Funeral Home is obligated to follow the guidelines outlined in the "Funeral Rule". Remains are taken directly from place of death to crematory.

No matter what your choice regarding cremation, your wishes will be cared out by one of our funeral directors at our onsite crematory.

Since we handle all of the arrangements, we can we accommodate nearly any special request that you have.

Pre-planning gives your loved ones direction of your wants and desires.

  • It’s easy. This can be an all day visitation or just a few hours where all friends and relatives are welcome to gather and provide comfort and support to one another. A service would follow the visitation, either at the funeral home or at the church. We take pride in doing our absolute best to ensure your needs are met.

  • Dan Ciha

    Funeral Director, Owner

    Colette Ciha Soults

    Pastoral Care, Owner

    Megan Ciha

    Funeral Assistant

    Lisa Ciha

    Administrative Assistant

    Linda Kron

    Hair Stylist & Funeral Assistant

    Bijou Maliabo

    Funeral Assistant

    Samantha Lynch

    Funeral Director Intern

    Judy Bennett

    Funeral Assistant

    Kathi Dykstra 

    Funeral Assistant


    Kathy Brack

    Funeral Assistant


    Sharon Kurt

    Funeral Assistant

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    Gertie

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    Gay And Ciha Funeral Home

    Understanding Funeral Prices at Gay And Ciha Funeral Home
    Your Consumer Rights and Available Information


    Arranging a funeral can be both emotionally challenging and financially burdensome.

    As part of the "Funeral Rule," Gay And Ciha Funeral Home is required to offer a General Price List (GPL) to anyone who asks for it. Others prefer cremation because they want something simpler and more natural. The service can be individualized with musical selections, readings, eulogies and displays reflecting the person’s life: their hobbies, interests, and occupation.

  • Direct Cremation includes no viewing or ceremony.

    This applies to all individuals, regardless of whether they intend to purchase funeral services or not. Anyone can do it, and you can change your mind at any time.

  • Don't wait! Failure to comply with this rule could result in complaints being filed against the funeral home by the Federal Trade Commission. This includes providing price details over the phone upon request.

    Now’s your chance to get to know the faces behind the scenes that make it all happen.

    Our dedicated and supportive staff are here to guide you through this difficult journey. Many people have little knowledge about the funeral industry, and in such difficult times, they may be vulnerable to being deceived or taken advantage of.

    At Gay & Ciha, we believe it is important to be aware of all the options that are available in having a meaningful funeral service when cremation is the choice.

    Reasons to choose Cremation Services

    People may choose cremation for a variety of reasons – philosophical, religious and even environmental. Start Your Pre-Plan Today

    The "Funeral Rule" was established in 1984 to ensure that all funeral homes, including Gay And Ciha Funeral Home, provide customers with clear and accurate information about the products and services they offer.

    A memorial service can be contemporary or religious in nature and is usually held at the funeral home or in church.

    ciha gay funeral home

    The Staff at Gay & Ciha Funeral & Cremation

    Ever wonder who is the person greeting you at the door or the person behind the voice answering your call?