Four generations ago, Chad Riemann's family entered funeral service on the MS Gulf Coast. It was in downtown Gulfport where his family purchased their first business, Wilder Funeral Home. The next 70 years led his family to expand their service area throughout Harrison and Hancock County by offering Superior Service and convenience. In 1990, Chad's family formed a partnership with the Loewen Grp Intl. This partnership offered more services, capital for facilities, and benefits for staff members, while still allowing the Riemann family to retain ownership in the business and continue to manage the business. In 1995, Chad Riemann, followed his family heritage by joining his father, David, and his Uncle, Mike, in the Riemann Funeral Homes in partnership with Loewen.
In 1999, the Loewen Grp Intl filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection. At this point, the partnership formed in 1990 with the Riemann family was dissolved. Two years later, Loewen emerged from bankruptcy as the Alderwoods Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation with corporate offices in Cincinnati and Canada. From 2001 until 2005, The Alderwoods Group Inc., operated the Riemann Funeral Homes and/or Riemann Memorial Funeral Homes as a part of its corporate structure. David, Mike and Chad Riemann continued to work as part of the Riemann Funeral Homes until September 30, 2005. At that time they left Alderwoods Group, Inc. including Riemann Funeral Homes and Riemann Memorial Funeral Homes. Alderwoods Group Inc. continues to operate Riemann Memorial Funeral Homes as part of its group.
In October of 2005, Chad decided to begin a new local funeral home, just as his great grandparents did in 1920, and established Gulf Coast Funeral Homes, Inc., a Mississippi corporation.
Gulf Coast Funeral Homes' first location was opened in the DeLisle community. Although located in DeLisle, the funeral home served families from Moss Point to Poplarville in its first month. This support has allowed Gulf Coast to begin construction on its second facility located at Three Rivers Road and Dedeaux Road in Gulfport. In the near future, the service that families on the Coast have grown to trust in Chad Riemann and his family will be more convenient than ever as we strive to serve each community on the Coast.
Submitted by tdavis from McHenry
Q: Working for a contractor, I spent two weeks working next door to the building on Commision that you all are refurbishing. Every car that passes the site slows to have a look. It is apparent that the entire community has taken an intrest in the new funeral home. Have you made plans for some sort of 'open house' event at the opening? I think it would be well attended. Would you consider such a thing appropriate?
Answered 04/01/07 20:31:05 by Chad Riemann
A: tdavis, Thank you for your question. Our future facility in Long Beach on Commission Road is an exciting new direction for us and the people of Long Beach. This facility will be state of the art, and in addition to the chapel, parlor, and other amenities, will offer a community room outfitted with banquet tables and a kitchenette for civic and church groups to use as needed at no cost. We are planning an Open House as soon as we get a little closer to opening. Hopefully, that date will occur in June, as we are making fast progress on the construction. We will definitely publicize the date as it approaches, and the whole community is invited to attend to see their new facility. Thanks for the question. Chad RiemannSubmitted by Cheryl from Guyton, Ga
Q: Can a mother cremate her 17 yr old daughter without the approval of her father? The mother and father were never married, but the father is listed as her father on birth certicate. And he supported her...legally throughout the past 17 years. And at one time lived with him for several years.
Answered 04/01/07 20:23:59 by Chad Riemann
A: In Mississippi, both parents are required to authorize a cremation, regardless of custody rights. I cannot comment on Georgia law regarding this situation. Please call your local funeral home in Georgia for more information. Thank you for the question. Chad RiemannSubmitted by Norma Sue Whittle from Senatobia MS
Q: Could you tell me if there is a law against the burial of an animal in a gravesite purchased from a Cementary Association. My 15 yr old son is buried in the cementary. I just found out that the association sold a plot and gave permission for a dog to be buried. How or when in Nov. 2006 I'm not sure. It was performed at night time. We always have a yearly meeting where questions are raised but, this was not done in this case.
Answered 04/01/07 20:22:15 by Chad Riemann
A: Thank you for your question, This situation would be at the discretion of the Cemetery Board. To my knowledge, there is not a statute that would prevent the animal from being buried in the cemetery. Chad RiemannSubmitted by Interested from McHenry, MS
Q: A friend and I were interested in pre-planning a funeral. Mostly, we just wanted to "get a feel" for the local funeral home so that we might be more comfortable if we suddenly needed to be there. The director there had one question: Do you have money today? We were not prepared to spend our money, we hadn't shopped. Are funeral directors opposed to allowing people to shop their services ahead of time? (even if they aren't buying immediately)
Answered 01/31/07 02:27:40 by Chad Riemann
A: There are many families who have not had the experience of planning services for a family member. I feel that it is very important to make some type of plans, whether detailed or not, in order to help the family should a family tragedy occur. Knowing your funeral director, what they stand for, and how they work with the community is very important. You certainly should feel comfortable with "your funeral home," as your funeral director will assume a tremendous responsiblity once called to assist the family. That responsibility is caring for the most important person in your life. In answering your question, we very much want to know the family and record those wishes so that when the time of need does arrive, we are ready to help in the exact manner chosen by the family. Whether those wishes are prepaid or not, the important thing is the written documentation. The benefit of prepaying is that the price for contracted services and merchandise is frozen, and it can be paid over time with no interest. Include other community leaders (pastors, hospice nurses, etc.) that may know funeral directors (because of the frequent acquaintance)when shopping. These people can give first hand recommendations based on experience on a professional level. As far as expenses are concerned, most funeral homes are going to be priced comparably because of the nature of operating the business. Prices may vary a small amount based on total funeral prices. In conclusion, yes, shop. Ask others in the community. Visit the funeral home. Know the owners. Know the local staff. Ask about their history. Are they family owned and operated? For more information, you can log on to our website at www.gulfcoastfh.com. Again, thank you for such an important question. Chad Riemann, PresidentSubmitted by Joe from Bangor, ME
Q: Can a veteran request that his remains be transported to the gravesite of a national cemetary aboard an antique WWII Army truck that will driven by a family friend?
Answered 01/22/07 00:01:59 by Chad Riemann
A: Joe, Thank you for the question. In Mississippi, you could do exactly what you've inquired about. However, you may want to check with a funeral director in your state to see if there are any requirements specific to Maine. Chad Riemann, President, Gulf Coast Funeral Homes.Submitted by Anonymous from No location specified
Q: how can I find out why my husband was dishonerably discharged with out him knowing?
Answered 12/26/06 17:45:39 by Chad Riemann
A: Ma'am, I can only recommend that you and your husband call the veteran's representative at the VA. The information may be considered privilaged. If your husband was indeed dishonorably discharged, you may ask him to look on his discharge paperwork, as that is where it would be located. Thank you, Chad Riemann, President, Gulf Coast Funeral Homes.Submitted by Anonymous from Memphis, TN
Q: My mother-in-law passed away in 2003. We had her cremated according to her wishes, and the urn was placed in a mausoleum in Dallas. All of the family has since moved out of Dallas, and most are in Miami. We, the family, would like to have the urn moved to Miami. When I called the funeral home, they did not seem to know how to answer my questions. I understand that there are permits involved and some fees for disinterment. However, because she was cremated, it seems this process should be easier. I don't want to get the run around from the funeral home. Could you explain the process and what kind of fees we could expect? Also could we take possession of the urn ourselves and transport it to Miami? Thank you.
Answered 11/30/06 14:54:15 by Chad Riemann
A: Thank you for your question, Transportation laws for each state are different. Some states require different permits than others. In Mississippi, there is not a required permit for disinterment, but that may not be the case in Dallas. As far as the process being a simple one, yes, it should be in this case. The cemetery will probably charge their regular opening and closing fee for the mausoleum space, and you should be able to transport the urn to Miami yourself. If doing so by air, the urn must go through the airport screening devices. It must not be made of metal or marble, rather it must be wood or cardboard. If it is metal or marble, it will have to be opened to be screened. If transporting by land, the "burial transit permit" should be sufficient, and the receiving cemetery in FLorida may require it for burial depending on their laws. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to call us (228) 539-9800. Chad Riemann, President, Gulf Coast Funeral Homes.Submitted by Alice from Dallas, TX
Q: I hope you can help me, my father is on his death bed with cancer. He is at home under hospice care thru the VA Hospital. There is no live insurance and are on limited funds. He was in the Vet War. I believe he served 4 years total. Can you tell me what is available to help and is he eligiby to be buried at the National cementary. Your help is so much needed.
Answered 11/15/06 18:39:52 by Chad Riemann
A: Alice, Thank you for your question. If your father has an honorable discharge from the military (form DD214), he will be entitled to burial at a National Cemetery. If he is indeed under the care of the VA, He should be entitled to some burial benefits including transportation associated with the selected services. The VA has a decedent affairs clerk who can better lead you to a specified dollar amount. The funeral director of your choosing will help the family with making the burial arrangements at the cemetery and filing the VA paperwork. I hope this answers some of your questions, and feel free to call us for more information at 228 539-9800. Chad Riemann, President, Gulf Coast Funeral Homes.Submitted by keisha from houston, tx
Q: my husband father passed 11/4/06 is was a va i spoke with the hospital and they offer $300 towards burial, plot headstone, and flag can you have everything at the va cementary we don;t have a clue what to do we dont know f he had an ins pol how do we find that out what do we do next?
Answered 11/06/06 13:27:28 by Chad Riemann
A: Keisha, Thank you for your question. If your father passed away at the VA, he would be entitled to a monetary benefit. Most of the time that also includes transportation costs associated with the services. All honorably discharged veterans and retirees are entitled to burial at a National Cemetery. Your local funeral director can help you make all of the arrangements regarding funeral services. Please call us at (228) 538-9800 if you have further questions. Thank you, Chad Riemann.Submitted by MJ from Tupelo, MS
Q: This probably seems a trivial question, but one our family needs answering for planning purposes. We have a fairly large unused family plot, and assuming either our mother or father dies first, what should be the placement of the gravaes on the plot and what direction should the graves be facing? Thanks for your help.
Answered 10/28/06 16:14:00 by Chad Riemann
A: MJ, Thank you for your question. The traditional way is for graves to face the East. When you are standing at the foot of the grave looking at the headstone, the man is traditionally buried on the left. The other thing to look at is to determine how other family graves are positioned to be consistent. Thanks for the question, Chad Riemann.Submitted by Anonymous from Gulfport, MS
Q: I am a Vietman War Veteran - serving only for 4 years, I understand that I could be buried at the VA cementary, but can my spouse be buried at the VA cementary before or after my death? I thought the VA cementary was just for retired veterans and spouses.
Answered 09/18/06 09:55:26 by Chad Riemann
A: Thank you for your question. To be eligible for burial at a national cemetery, you must have served in an active duty capacity and you cannot have a dishonorable discharge. Even though you only may have served for four years, you and your spouse are eligible for burial in the national cemetery if you are honorably discharged. In addition, your spouse may be buried there before or after your death. The cemetery would require a copy of your DD214 discharge and would reserve a space next to whomever was buried there first. Depending on the branch of service, you may be entitled to military honors also. This depends on length of service, available honor guard teams, and other high-level ribbons. When available, veterans are entitled to an honor guard to fold the burial flag, present it to the next of kin, and TAPS. Retirees are also entitled to these honors, but also include the firing party or 21 gun salute. Thank you for your question. Chad RiemannSubmitted by Anonymous from Natchez, Ms
Q: What legal rights do I have if I want my father removed from a church grave to where my mother is buried. This is where my stepmother decided to bury him. By her 2 other dead husbands. Can I legally do anything since I am his biological son. He did however, have full military honors when he passed away! What do you recommend I do if the stepmother is still alive and was married to him at his death. Do I have any legal rights where he should be buried. If so, what do I do now.
Answered 09/14/06 16:06:51 by Chad Riemann
A: Thank you for your question. In Mississippi, the next of kin would have the right to make the decision regarding the disinterment. In this case, that would be your stepmother. However, if she has remarried, you may ask an attorney his opinion of the Mississippi statute that governs the rights of next of kin. Thank you-Chad RiemannSubmitted by Anonymous from San Antonio ,Texas
Q: Mr. Riemann Do you have photos of (Riemann Memorial Funeral Home? The way it would have looked in 1949or 1950. The reason I ask is I would like to get a copy for my geneology record. I just found a death notice showing my great grandmother had her funeral done with you. And I would like to put photo next to her write up. I would like to get a death certificate on her also. But write up just showes her Birth June 15,1871 for ( Christine Nickoloff. Judgeing by a family photo of her and my older bother I think it is around 1950 . Can you help me with this. Kind Regards Vivian Moelter
Answered 09/08/06 22:02:25 by Chad Riemann
A: Mrs. Moelter, I do have some photos I might be able to locate. Please send your email address to me at criemann@gulfcoastfh.com, and I will try to forward the request to you. Thank you, Chad Riemann.Submitted by Anonymous from No location specified
Q: My uncle passed away several years ago in Biloxi....I would like to receive an obit of it if possible....His name was Larry K. Hunter.....Also I have several other questions to ask one day.......Thanks in advance for any information
Answered 08/28/06 18:46:52 by Chad Riemann
A: Thank you for your request. Please email me directly at criemann@gulfcoastfh.com, and I will try to forward the information to you. Thank you, Chad RiemannSubmitted by Cheryl Dombrowski from Orange Park, Florida
Q: Mr. Reimann, I live in Florida and my Mother passed away 1/5/06. My stepfather stated yesterday that he is going to be cremated and have his urn placed in her arms which means disinterment and disturbing her remains. I know he's legally her next of kin but my brother and I are against this. We feel that it's disrespectful and morbid especially since we purchased a plot for him next to her. Is this legal and what can be done to prevent? Thank you for any assistance you can provide. Cheryl Dombrowski
Answered 08/16/06 16:47:29 by Chad Riemann
A: Ms. Dombrowski, Thank you for your question. You raise an issue that should be addressed with a Florida attorney. A couple of things to consider include: 1) cemetery regulations and if they will allow a 2nd right of interment for the same space. Some cemeteries will not allow such. 2) in the situation you are referring to, you and your brother could ARGUABLY be considered the next-of-kin of your mother due to your stepfather's passing. In other words, for the scenario to actually happen, she would likely have to be disinterred with his permission before he passed away. These two positions are not the opinion of an attorney, and along with others, should be further discussed with a legal mind that is proficient in Florida law. Thank you, Chad Riemann.
