Independent Perspective News - Company broadcasts funerals on the Web

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota (AP) -- A new Rapid City company has started broadcasting funerals on the Internet, giving friends and relatives who are unable to attend a high-tech way to pay their respects.

"Those who can't get to the funeral also will be able to sign the electronic guest book and e-mail condolences to the family," said Ross Johnson, promotional director for Chapelview Online.

The company is broadcasting funerals live on the Internet for seven South Dakota funeral homes. Views of the service after the funeral also are offered.

Trying it out

Black Hills area funeral director Daryl Isburg learned about the company during a funeral director's conference in Sioux Falls and decided to give it a try.

Isburg, who owns McColley's Chapels of the Hills, in Hot Springs, Custer and Edgemont, said families often ask for a tape of the service to send to loved ones who couldn't be there.

Scott Isburg, Daryl Isburg's son and a managing partner, will give online funerals a try, too, at Isburg-Hofmeister Funeral Chapels in Pierre, Presho and Murdo.

"The equipment will be installed this weekend," Scott Isburg said. "The Chapelview Online people will be out to mount a digital camera in the chapel so people can watch live, or see it again later replayed online." Isburg plans to take the wireless, portable camera along to churches where he conducts services. A password is given to family members who want to watch online.

Proper etiquette?

Tim Wingen, managing partner of Miller Funeral Home in Sioux Falls, is not sold on the idea.

"It has its place, like for a shut-in, an elderly family member or someone overseas who really can't get there," said Wingen. "But the point of a traditional funeral is for the people who gather there for closure." Handshakes, hugs and conversations are needed at funerals, Wingen said, which is impossible online.

"So will it come to: 'Hey, Mom's funeral got 40,000 hits?' If people watch online just for convenience, I don't agree with it," Wingen said. "We should be there to support each other. And families really appreciate seeing someone that perhaps they haven't seen for years."

Justin Curtis, Chapelview founder and president, said he understands the benefits of attending funerals in person but thinks an online funeral is as a way for more friends and relatives to be involved.

"Using our service and Web site, the viewer can experience the funeral from anywhere in the world, share memories, and let the family know they are thinking of them," Curtis said.