Mike Wendland (Detroit Free Press):
Now there is online grieving and virtual visitation for deceased loved ones.
Across metro Detroit and the nation, funeral homes are building tribute Web sites and putting up online guest books to share memories and honor the dead.
It’s a growing trend. And despite some industry concerns over privacy, some homes are using live webcams in the visitation room and streaming video of funeral services…
And an AP article today reports on one firm in this field:
The company captures funerals with a digital camera and broadcasts them live for seven funeral homes in South Dakota.
Its clients include funeral director Daryl Isburg, of Hot Springs, who heard about Chapelview during a conference and decided to give it a try.
Isburg said families often ask for a tape of the service to send to loved ones who couldn’t be there. Relatives and friends who want to watch it online will be given a password.
Not everyone is sold on the idea.
“So will it come to: ‘Hey, Mom’s funeral got 40,000 hits?”‘ asked Tim Wingen, managing partner of Miller Funeral Home in Sioux Falls.