Monday, September 19, 2016

Instructions for my funeral

I have no plans on leaving this life any time soon, but Man proposes and God disposes. So I wish to make my wishes known concerning my funeral arrangements.

First, I wish to be cremated. When convenient, I would like one of my children or grand children to scatter my ashes over any fresh river, lake, or stream in Minnesota.

I will probably pass away intestate; that means without a legal will. I see no need to have one, since I own absolutely nothing of value at this time. If that ever changes, I will have a legal will drawn up.

I have made my good friend Nathan Draper my literary executor. He will be in charge of all my writings. He has a document signed by me and witnessed by my daughter Sarah Read to that effect.

I wish my funeral services to be conducted by my Bishop at the time of my demise, and held in the ward chapel.

I prefer that it be a very short service.

I would like the opening hymn to be Nearer My God to Thee.

I would like my children, their spouses, and my grand children to sing, sometime during the service, I Believe In Christ.

I request the closing hymn be Onward Christian Soldiers -- which has always been my favorite hymn.

Please assign speakers to my service who have a firm and coherent testimony of Jesus Christ as the Savior. I wish all talks to center on Jesus Christ and the promise of the resurrection, and not on my life and character. The talks should refer to John 11:25 -- "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live"

After the service I would be pleased if those attending could retire to the cultural hall or some other convenient community room for a luncheon/dinner, where photographs and other memorabilia of my life can be displayed, and where those attending can reminisce about my life and character. 

My final request is that there be lefse and pickled herring served as part of the luncheon/dinner. 

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