The recession hasn’t stopped funeral costs from rising, so one New York Mills, Minnesota carpenter is trying to reduce the burden by teaching people to build their own coffins.

Patrick Kilby, a woodworker with years of experience, offers classes where people can make their own casket, which can also be used as a book case until the owner dies.

Kilby says his business changed after his mother Carolyn died.

“We were looking at the cost of burial.””A nice wood casket started at approximately $3,500.” “My sister … volunteered me to make a casket for my mother.”

– WhatTheHayell