Natural burials, home funerals gain fans
Bob Butz is going to build his own coffin. It may double as a coffee table or bookshelves until he needs it. Butz, 38, is a Lake Ann author whose newest book, “Going Out Green: One Man’s Adventure Planning His Own Natural Burial” will be published July 1. While he was researching the book, he visited a burial preserve, talked to death midwives and even visited his father’s grave for the first time in more than 20 years. And, yes, he bought plans for a coffin, but says they’re also available for free. “Green burial to me,” Butz said, “was more than just picking the things I needed. It was about reclaiming a ritual we lost.” (Record Eagle, Michigan)
