Mich. funeral home offers drive-thru viewings

In this photo taken on Oct. 9, 2014, a van pulls up to the Drive-thru Viewing window at Paradise Funeral Chapel in Saginaw, Mich. The funeral home recently started offering the option, which allows mourners to pay their last respects on the go. (AP Photo/Mike Householder)

In this photo taken on Oct. 9, 2014, an empty casket on the other side of the Drive-thru Viewing window sits inside a room at Paradise Funeral Chapel in Saginaw, Mich. The funeral home recently started offering the option, which allows mourners to pay their last respects on the go. (AP Photo/Mike Householder)

In this photo taken on Oct. 9, 2014, a sign welcomes visitors to Paradise Funeral Chapels Drive-thru Viewing area in Saginaw, Mich. The funeral home recently started offering the option, which allows mourners to pay their last respects on the go. (AP Photo/Mike Householder)

In this photo taken on Oct. 9, 2014, the curtains are drawn back to show the Drive-thru Viewing window at Paradise Funeral Chapel in Saginaw, Mich. The funeral home recently started offering the option, which allows mourners to pay their last respects on the go. (AP Photo/Mike Householder)

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By MIKE HOUSEHOLDER ASSOCIATED PRESS

October 17, 2014 - 4:54 pm

SAGINAW, Mich. — Only a couple of families have taken advantage of a new service available at a Saginaw funeral home.

Drive-thru viewings.

Paradise Funeral Chapel recently started offering the option, which allows mourners to pay their last respects on the go. It was designed in part to cater to those with physical limitations.

The funeral home’s president, Ivan (EYE’-vuhn) Phillips, says he expects more customers to opt for the drive-thru once they learn it’s not a gimmick and is safe to use.

Curtains covering the window open when sensors underneath the pavement recognize the presence of a car. Mourners then get three minutes to view the body as music plays.

Phillips says drive-thru viewings are set up so they don’t conflict with traditional indoor viewings.