Funeral and Visitations Return To Closer To Normal

Funeral homes can now accommodate visitations, because the  maximum number allowed in a place was increased from 10 to 50 in Phase 4 of Restore Illinois.

That is manageable, said Paul Todd, co-owner of Campagna Funeral Home of Nashville, Okawville and Ashley. Occasionally, some people may need to wait outside until others leave the building he said.

Hugs and shaking hands are discouraged, and masks are encouraged to minimize the spread of germs, Todd said. “It’s really up to the families,” he said. “They will set the tone of what happens.”

While the seating of funerals is capped at 50 if held in a funeral home, it increases in churches, depending on the size of a church. A church with seating for 400 can now allow 100, following the 25 percent capacity rule.

Styninger Funeral Home owner Mark Styninger said that while he is glad the number has increased from 10 to 50, he is still bothered that there is any limit. “This affects families celebrating their loved ones lives,”  he said.

During the 10-person maximum Phase 3, the Styningers offered modified visitation. The funeral home kept the viewing open for eight hours, without the families present. The general public could pay their respects, sign the guest book, and give a memorial.

Styninger said that since 75 percent of its funerals are held in churches, most can have more than 50 people, depending on the size of the church.

Styninger Funeral Homes are located in Nashville and Hoyleton.