Losing someone is heavy. It's a weight that doesn't just sit in your chest; it complicates every single decision you have to make for the next two weeks. If you are looking for Kraft Funeral Home Columbia PA, you're likely in the middle of that fog. You need answers, but you also need a bit of grace.
The reality of funeral planning in a small, historic town like Columbia is that it’s deeply personal. You aren't just a file number. You’re someone’s neighbor, or at least someone who shops at the same local markets. Kraft-Smedley Funeral & Cremation Service—as it is officially known today—sits right on North 2nd Street. It’s been a fixture there for a long time. They’ve seen the town change, but the core need for dignity when someone passes away hasn't shifted an inch.
Understanding the Kraft Funeral Home Columbia PA Connection
You might notice the name has evolved. It’s common in the funeral industry. Small, family-owned parlors often merge or get acquired to keep the doors open and the services high-quality. Specifically, the Kraft name is tied into the Smedley family legacy in Lancaster County. This matters because it tells you about their roots. They aren't some massive, faceless corporation based in a different state. They are local.
When you walk into a place like Kraft-Smedley, you aren't walking into a sterile, cold office building. It’s a home. That’s a literal description. Most funeral homes in our neck of the woods started in large, Victorian-style residences. The architecture in Columbia reflects this. High ceilings. Heavy wood trim. A sense of permanence. It’s designed to make a very hard day feel slightly more grounded.
Honestly, the logistics of a funeral are exhausting. You have to think about the viewing, the service, the burial or cremation, and the paperwork. So much paperwork. The team at Kraft Funeral Home Columbia PA handles the death certificates and the social security notifications, which, frankly, is a godsend when you can barely remember to eat breakfast.
The Services That Actually Matter
People often get caught up in the "package" deals. Don't do that. Or at least, don't feel pressured to.
Modern funeral service has changed. It isn't just about a casket and a church anymore. At Kraft-Smedley, they offer the full spectrum. You’ve got your traditional burials, sure. But cremation is becoming the choice for more than half of families in Pennsylvania now. Why? Cost is one reason. Flexibility is another.
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If you choose cremation, you don't have to rush. You can hold a memorial service three weeks later when the whole family can actually fly into Harrisburg or Philadelphia and drive over.
- Traditional Viewings: This is the "old school" Columbia way. An evening viewing, maybe one an hour before the service. It gives the community a chance to pay respects.
- Direct Cremation: No service, no viewing. Just the essentials. It’s honest and straightforward.
- Life Celebrations: This is where things get interesting. I’ve seen services that look more like a backyard BBQ or a gallery showing than a funeral. If the person you lost hated suits and ties, why force them into one now?
What Costs Are Involved?
Let’s talk money. Nobody likes to, but we have to.
Funerals are expensive. There’s no sugar-coating it. In Lancaster County, a full traditional funeral can easily run between $7,000 and $12,000 once you factor in the casket, the vault, and the cemetery fees. Kraft Funeral Home is transparent about this. They provide a General Price List (GPL). Ask for it. It is your right under federal law to see every single price for every single service they offer before you sign a thing.
Cremation is usually more affordable, often ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 depending on the level of service you want.
Watch out for the "cash advance" items. These are things the funeral home pays for on your behalf. Think obituary costs in the LNP (Lancaster Online), flowers, or the honorarium for the minister. These aren't Kraft’s fees; they are just passing the cost through. It’s helpful to have one bill, but it can make the total look scary.
Why Location in Columbia Matters
Columbia isn't just any town. It’s a river town with a specific grit and a very long history. When you choose Kraft Funeral Home Columbia PA, you’re choosing a place that understands the local cemeteries like Mount Bethel or Silver Spring. They know the local pastors. They know the local florists.
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There is a convenience factor here that shouldn't be overlooked. If you’re hosting a luncheon afterward, they can point you to the best spots along the river or in the borough. They are part of the ecosystem of the town.
Grief Support and Moving Forward
A funeral is just one day. Grief is a marathon.
One thing that separates a good funeral home from a great one is what happens after the flowers wilt. Kraft-Smedley provides resources for grief support. This might be brochures, or it might be a referral to local Lancaster County support groups. Honestly, take the help. There is no prize for suffering through the "first year of firsts" alone.
They also handle pre-planning. I know, nobody wants to talk about their own funeral. It’s morbid. But it is also one of the kindest things you can do for your kids. By sitting down with the folks at Kraft and picking out your preferences—and maybe even paying for it ahead of time—you take a massive emotional and financial burden off your family.
Realities of the Modern Funeral Industry
It’s worth noting that the industry is shifting. There are more "eco-friendly" or "green" options appearing. While traditional parlors like Kraft-Smedley are rooted in tradition, they are generally very open to hearing what a family wants. If you want a biodegradable urn or a shroud burial, ask. The worst they can say is they don't do it, but usually, they’ll find a way to make it happen.
Some people worry that funeral homes are "salesy." In my experience, the smaller homes in towns like Columbia survive on their reputation. If they were pushy or dishonest, word would travel through the borough in about twenty minutes. They want to help because they have to see you at the grocery store next week.
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What to Do Right Now
If you have just experienced a loss, or if you are expecting one soon, here is the sequence of events.
First, call them. They have someone on call 24/7. It doesn't matter if it's 3:00 AM on a Tuesday. They will arrange to bring your loved one into their care.
Second, set an appointment for the "arrangement conference." This is the big meeting. Bring a photo. Bring the clothes they’ll wear. Bring their discharge papers if they were a veteran (this is huge for getting military honors).
Third, don't feel like you have to decide everything in five minutes. Take a breath.
Actionable Steps for Families
- Locate Documents: Find the Social Security card, birth certificate, and any pre-arranged funeral contracts.
- Check Veteran Status: If your loved one served, find the DD-214 form. This qualifies them for a free stone and potentially a burial plot in a national cemetery like Indiantown Gap.
- Set a Budget: Decide on a ceiling for spending before you walk into the funeral home. It helps keep emotions from driving financial decisions.
- Write the Obituary Early: It’s hard to think of dates and names when you’re crying. If you can, start a draft now. Focus on the stories, not just the dates.
- Ask About Live-Streaming: For family members who can't make it to Columbia, many homes now offer a way to watch the service online. It’s a standard request now.
Planning a service at Kraft Funeral Home Columbia PA is about more than just a ceremony. It’s about marking a life that had meaning. Whether it’s a quiet cremation or a large gathering at the 2nd Street location, the goal is the same: to start the process of saying goodbye without losing your mind in the logistics.
Take it one step at a time. The paperwork will get done. The service will happen. You will get through this.
Next Steps for You
- Call the Office: Reach out to the funeral director at their North 2nd Street location to confirm their current availability and ask for a digital copy of their General Price List.
- Verify Records: Ensure you have the full legal name, date of birth, and parents' names (including mother's maiden name) for the death certificate filing.
- Appoint a Spokesperson: Designate one family member to be the primary point of contact for the funeral home to avoid communication wires getting crossed during a stressful time.