Someone recently observed that Americans dont attend funerals much anymore. Its not a very pleasant thing to do, so we just dont go.
Funerals are sad, but they are also very important. A funeral puts things into perspective. We need to face the reality of our friends passing away. Were reminded then about the things that are eternal, and that our life today really ought to be spent on ministering to others, taking care of family, kids, grandkids. And that our life is not totally made up of keeping a job and retirement; its made up of dealing with peopleloving them, serving them, ministering to them, and eventually joining them in Heaven.
And funerals for Christians, by the way, are happy and powerful, becuase our hope is eternal. Our life never really ends!