Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home

04/06/2026

An irrevocable funeral trust is a specialized financial arrangement used to prepay funeral or cremation services. Once established, the trust cannot canceled, ensuring that the funds are securely set aside for funeral expenses. This type of trust is particularly important for individuals planning for Medicaid eligibility, as it protects assets from being counted toward Medicaid limits and resources.

Prearranging and paying for funeral or cremation services offers peace of mind and financial security. It allows families to plan ahead, ensuring that their wishes are honored and eliminating unexpected expenses during a difficult time. For those facing upcoming care needs that require Medicaid, prepaying funeral costs through an irrevocable trust helps families meet Medicaid requirements without jeopardizing their eligibility.

Specific prepaid funeral arrangements must be opened with an irrevocable trust under the following circumstances:

• The beneficiary of the trust is an applicant or recipient of SSI (Supplemental Security Income) benefits or medical assistance through Medicaid.
• The purchaser of the funeral arrangement is an applicant or recipient of SSI and/or Medicaid, and the beneficiary is an immediate family member (such as a spouse, parent, child, or sibling).

Benefits of an Irrevocable Trust for Funeral and Cremation Planning

• Asset Protection: Funds placed in an irrevocable trust are not counted as assets for Medicaid purposes.
• Guaranteed Services: Prepaid arrangements guarantee the chosen services will be provided when needed.
• Family Support: Planning ahead relieves families of financial and administrative burdens during times of loss.
• Peace of Mind: Ensures that final wishes are respected and paid for, regardless of changes in financial circumstances.

How to Establish an Irrevocable Trust for Funeral Arrangements

1. Contact us to discuss prearrangement options.
2. Determine eligibility for Medicaid or SSI, or whether you are planning for an immediate family member.
3. Set up the irrevocable trust with the funeral home, specifying the beneficiary and details of the prepaid services.
4. Ensure all documentation meets Medicaid and SSI requirements to secure your eligibility.

By planning ahead with an irrevocable trust, families can confidently prepare for future care needs and ensure that funeral and cremation expenses are covered without impacting Medicaid eligibility. Our funeral home is here to guide you through every step of the process—please reach out for more information or to begin your prearrangement today.

04/05/2026

Wishing you and your family a peaceful and meaningful Easter.
May this season of renewal bring comfort, hope, and moments of reflection.

Easter is also a time for traditions. In our family, it usually includes gathering together, sharing a meal and plenty of sweet treats.

We’d love to hear—what are your family’s Easter traditions? 💚

04/02/2026

It appears both of our business Facebook accounts have been hacked. If you receive messages from us through Facebook today, please disregard them. We have changed and updated our security settings, so hopefully that will prevent any further disruptions.

04/01/2026

After 197 years of serving the Elizabethtown community, it is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of Heidrick Funeral Home in Elizabethtown effective May 1, 2026.

Over the past several months, we have carefully explored every possible option to rebuild and continue operations. Unfortunately, due to excessive and unsustainable construction costs, rebuilding is no longer a viable path forward. We have redesigned the building several times, looked at existing properties, and even the option of relocating the firm to other areas, all unsuccessfully. We have invested a significant amount of time and money to design a building which would meet all requirements and codes, but as construction costs continue to rise it is simply no longer feasible.

This was not a decision made lightly. We want to recognize the Marvin family who owned and operated the firm for seven generations and to Jay Heald who purchased it after there were no successors within the Marvin family. Chris and Jerod Heidrick purchased the firm from Jay in August 2023, and while they only owned it for a short time, they were welcomed to the community with open arms, and they will be forever grateful. The Marvin family, Jay, and Chris and Jerod have had the honor to serve generations of families in this community, and we are deeply grateful for the trust and support you have given us over the years.

For families who have prearrangements with our Elizabethtown location, please know that your arrangements are safe and will continue to be honored. In the coming days, you will receive detailed information outlining the next steps. We will also personally assist anyone who wishes to transfer their prearrangements to another funeral home or keep their arrangements with us through our Au Sable Forks location.

We remain committed to serving the families of our region through our Au Sable Forks and Plattsburgh locations, and we are here to support you during this transition in any way we can.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives for nearly two centuries.

— The Heidrick Family

03/30/2026

In Loving Memory of Nathan Farb

View Nathan Edwin Farb's obituary, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/30/2026

At our funeral home, we believe in keeping our community informed. Many people are surprised to learn that, under New York State law, funeral homes are not permitted to own or operate crematories. This regulation ensures that funeral homes and crematories remain separate entities, each dedicated to their own specialized services.

When you choose cremation, rest assured that your loved one will be cared for with dignity and respect. We work closely with trusted, family-owned crematories to ensure every step of the process meets the highest standards.

If you have any questions about cremation or funeral arrangements, please reach out to us. We are here to help and support you every step of the way.

Serving our community with compassion and transparency.

03/23/2026

At our funeral home, we believe in honoring your loved one in a way that feels right for you and your family. While obituaries are a traditional way to share memories and details about a person’s life, publishing one is entirely your choice.

Some families find comfort in publicly celebrating a loved one’s life and sharing their story with the community. Others may prefer privacy, choosing not to publish an obituary or to share information only among close friends and family. Both options are perfectly acceptable and respected.

If you’re unsure about whether to publish an obituary, our caring staff is here to help you explore what’s best for your situation. There is no “right” way—just what feels right for you.

You are never alone in making these decisions. Reach out to us anytime for support or guidance.

03/17/2026

03/16/2026

In Loving Memory of Paul Benway.

View Paul John Benway's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/16/2026

Many families have questions about embalming when planning a funeral. We want to clarify that New York State does not require embalming by law. However, funeral home policies may require embalming in certain situations—for example, when a visitation with an open casket is requested or when it is necessary for public health reasons.

Our goal is to ensure the comfort and safety of all families and guests and maintaining the dignity of those in our care. If you have concerns or questions about embalming or any aspect of funeral planning, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you understand your options and make the best decision for your loved one.

Contact us today for more information or guidance.

03/11/2026

Today we honor National Funeral Director and Mortician’s Day, recognizing the dedication and compassion of those who guide families through life’s most difficult moments.

03/10/2026

In Loving Memory of Kathryn "Kay" O'Neill

View Kathryn Helen O'Neill's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.