Wake etiquette?

Asked by hearkat (22917) September 7th, 2007 from iPhone

I suppose I am fortunate in having no experience in this area, but I am unsure what is expected. The deceased is the parent of a former teammate of my son’s. The boys are teenagers, were never really friends, and we parents shared casual chit-chat as well as carpooling to games on occasion. The wake is at the funeral home tonight, and my son and I want to pay our respects.

Is it customary to bring a sympathy card, or are those primarily for those who can’t attend? How long is one expected to stay? What else should my son and I know prior to attending?