Lotz Funeral Home in Salem, Virginia provides funeral home, burial, veteran, memorialization, cremation and life celebration services. Call us 24/7.
Our experienced staff is committed to this vision and passionate about making your time with us as memorable and uplifting as possible. We bring together decades of experience caring for families of all cultural backgrounds and diverse walks of life. We pledge to treat you and your loved ones just like family, and we guarantee to offer services that meet all of your specifications while exceeding all of your expectations. Licensed staff members are available around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to discuss your needs. Whether you are doing pre-planning or need to hold a service soon, we are ready to answer our phone and offer you warm, friendly, and empathetic service. Learn more about our funeral services.
My husband died unexpectedly at 41 years old. Chip was helpful with taking care of him after his passing. He helped me pick out the perfect urn, gave me a list of things that I might need to check into, and was so very compassionate. Lotz funeral home has even texted to check in on me afterwards. This is absolutely first-rate service. I would highly recommend them.
RT
Rachel Taylor
Dec 17, 2025
5.0
Such wonderful people to work with, helped with everything, explained it all to us (nothing hidden). Kyle and his team are the best!!
SW
Sharon Wimmer
Dec 16, 2025
5.0
Such a beautiful experience using Lotz funeral home to say goodbye to my husband. Kyle Emerich may be the kindest and most patient director in the business. He encouraged us to make choices we wanted....no pressure at all. The funeral was perfect thanks to Kyle and his staff. Stunning flowers and a beautiful casket. Payment isn't rushed....we were given time to grieve. Thanks Kyle and Lotz for all you did for us!
RD
Robert Dixon
Dec 9, 2025
5.0
Chip was helpful in all he did for my wife and i,we are so grateful for all did for us .he was respectful to us thanks chip again
PL
Patricia Larmet
Dec 5, 2025
5.0
Chip and the staff at Lotz were so helpful and accommodating to my needs for my dad. I couldn’t have been more satisfied.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lotz Funeral Home - Salem
What does a Funeral Director do?
Pick up the deceased and transport the body to the funeral home (anytime day or night)
Notify proper authorities, family and/or relatives
Arrange and prepare death certificates
Provide certified copies of death certificates for insurance and benefit processing
Work with the insurance agent, Social Security or Veterans Administration to ensure that necessary paperwork is filed for receipt of benefits
Prepare and submit obituary to the newspapers of your choice
Bathe and embalm the deceased body, if necessary
Prepare the body for viewing including dressing and cosmetizing
Assist the family with funeral arrangements and purchase of casket, urn, burial vault and cemetery plot
Schedule the opening and closing of the grave with cemetery personnel, if a burial is to be performed
Coordinate with clergy if a funeral or memorial service is to be held
Arrange a police escort and transportation to the funeral and/or cemetery for the family
Order funeral sprays and other flower arrangements as the family wishes
Provide Aftercare, or grief assistance, to the bereaved
What do I do when a death occurs?
The funeral home will help coordinate arrangements with the cemetery.
Bring the following information to complete the State vital statistic requirements:
✓ Birthplace
✓ Father's Name
✓ Mother's Name
✓ Social Security Number
✓ Veteran's Discharge or Claim Number
✓ Education
✓ Marital Status
Contact your clergy. Decide on time and place of funeral or memorial service. This can be done at the funeral home.
The funeral home will assist you in determining the number of copies of the death certificates you will be needing and can order them for you.
Make a list of immediate family, close friends and employer or business colleagues. Notify each by phone.
Decide on appropriate memorial to which gifts may be made (church, hospice, library, charity or school).
Gather obituary information you want to include such as age, place of birth, cause of death, occupation, college degrees, memberships held, military service , outstanding work, list of survivors in immediate family. Include time and place of services. The funeral home will normally write article and submit to newspapers (newspaper will accept picture and they will be returned intact).
Arrange for members of family or close friends to take turns answering door or phone, keeping careful record of calls. If Social Security checks are automatic deposit, notify the bank of the death.
When I call, will someone come right away?
If you request immediate assistance, yes. If the family wishes to spend a short time with the deceased to say good-bye, that’s perfectly acceptable. Your funeral director will come when your time is right.
Should I choose Burial or Cremation?
Burial in a casket is the most common method of disposing of remains in the United States, although entombment also occurs. Cremation is increasingly selected because it can be less expensive and allows for the memorial service to be held at a more convenient time in the future when relatives and friends can come together.
A funeral service followed by cremation need not be any different from a funeral service followed by a burial. Usually, cremated remains are placed in urn before being committed to a final resting place. The urn may be buried, placed in an indoor or outdoor mausoleum or columbarium, or interred in a special urn garden that many cemeteries provide for cremated remains. The remains may also be scattered, according to state law.
What is the purpose of embalming?
Embalming sanitizes and preserves the body. Embalming makes it possible to lengthen the time between death and the final disposition, allowing family members time to arrange and participate in the type of service most comforting to them.
Does a dead body have to be embalmed, according to law?
The Federal Trade Commission says, "Except in certain special cases, embalming is not required by law. Embalming may be necessary, however, if you select certain funeral arrangements, such as a funeral with viewing. If you do not want embalming, you usually have the right to choose an arrangement that does not require you to pay for it, such as direct cremation or immediate burial."
What services does Lotz Funeral Home in Salem provide?
Lotz Funeral Home offers funeral home, burial, veteran services, memorialization, cremation, and life celebration services with experienced staff available 24/7.
What are the operating hours of Lotz Funeral Home - Salem?
Lotz Funeral Home is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including federal holidays.
How can I contact Lotz Funeral Home for immediate assistance?
You can contact Lotz Funeral Home by calling +1 540-389-9208 any time for immediate assistance.
What payment options does Lotz Funeral Home accept?
They accept American Express, Cash, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa for payment.
What should I do when a death occurs and I need funeral arrangements?
Bring vital information such as birthplace, parents' names, Social Security number, veterans details, education, and marital status. Contact your clergy, decide funeral details, and notify close contacts. The funeral home will help with death certificates, obituary, and cemetery coordination.
What are the differences between burial and cremation?
Burial involves interring a casket and is most common, while cremation is often less expensive and allows for memorial services at convenient times. Cremated remains can be placed in urns and buried, stored, or scattered according to state law.
Is embalming mandatory by law at Lotz Funeral Home?
Embalming is generally not required by law except in special circumstances. It may be necessary for funeral arrangements with viewing, but you can choose options like direct cremation or immediate burial to avoid embalming.
Are there memorial parks or cemeteries near Lotz Funeral Home where services can be held?
Yes, Sherwood Memorial Park is a nearby public service and retirement home that can be visited before or after funeral services at Lotz Funeral Home.
What nearby amenities are available for families visiting Lotz Funeral Home?
Families can access nearby services such as hair salons like All About You and Great Clips, various automotive dealers including Hart Motor Company, and dining options like Pizza Hut and Hibachi Express.
Are there recreational or entertainment options near Lotz Funeral Home for visitors?
Yes, Lakeside Amusement Park nearby offers arts and entertainment opportunities, which may provide a place for relaxing or family visits around funeral arrangements.