Iles Westover Funeral Home
5.0(205)
Compare 8 funeral homes and cremation providers in Des Moines. Providers in this area average 4.7 stars based on family reviews. Find pricing, services, and contact information to help your family make the right choice.
6337 Hickman Rd, Des Moines, IA 50322
2135 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
3211 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317
5400 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315
2121 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312
3500 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50313
4400 Merle Hay Rd, Des Moines, IA 50310
605 Lyon St, Des Moines, IA 50309
Des Moines, Iowa's capital and largest city, serves a metro population of approximately 215,000 residents with eight funeral homes maintaining an average Google rating of 4.71 stars. This above-average rating reflects the city's commitment to quality end-of-life services across diverse neighborhoods from the historic East Village to the suburban corridors of West Des Moines and Ankeny. Providers in this Polk County hub accommodate a range of cultural and religious traditions, including services for the city's growing refugee communities and established Lutheran, Catholic, and Methodist congregations.
Funeral costs in Des Moines typically range from $6,000 to $12,000 depending on services selected. Iowa does not regulate funeral pricing, so families should compare quotes from the 8 funeral homes in Des Moines, which collectively maintain an average rating of 4.7 stars. Direct cremation services generally start around $1,500, while traditional burials with viewing average $8,000 to $10,000 in the Des Moines metro area.
Cremation has become the preferred choice in Des Moines and throughout Iowa, now representing approximately 60% of final arrangements statewide. The 8 funeral homes in Des Moines offer both options, with cremation typically costing 40-60% less than traditional burial. Iowa law requires a 24-hour waiting period after death before cremation can proceed, and Des Moines providers must obtain authorization from the next of kin.
Families in Des Moines should compare the 8 available funeral homes based on services offered, pricing transparency, and verified reviews, with local providers averaging 4.7 stars. Requesting itemized general price lists from multiple Des Moines funeral homes allows direct cost comparison as required by federal FTC regulations. Consider location convenience for family gatherings, as Des Moines funeral homes serve neighborhoods throughout Polk County and surrounding areas.
Initial arrangements in Des Moines typically involve selecting between burial or cremation, choosing a casket or urn, and scheduling service details at one of the city's 8 funeral homes. Iowa law does not require embalming unless viewing extends beyond 24 hours or transportation crosses state lines. Des Moines funeral directors coordinate death certificates, permits, and cemetery arrangements, with most services completed within 3-7 days of death.
Iowa requires funeral homes in Des Moines to be licensed by the Iowa Department of Public Health and employ licensed funeral directors. State law mandates written authorization for cremation, and Des Moines providers must maintain refrigeration or embalming for bodies held longer than 24 hours. The 8 funeral homes in Des Moines must comply with FTC funeral rule requirements including providing itemized price lists before discussing arrangements.
All 8 funeral homes in Des Moines offer pre-planning services, allowing individuals to document wishes and secure current pricing. Iowa law protects prepaid funeral funds through trust accounts or insurance products, requiring Des Moines providers to deposit payments into regulated accounts within 30 days. Pre-planning in Des Moines typically reduces future financial burden on families and ensures personal preferences are honored under Iowa probate and funeral regulations.