Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct term: Ashes, Cremains, Human Cremated Remains or Cremated Remains?

The legal term is Human Cremated Remains but biblically we may use the term Ashes. None of the terms are wrong, they can all be used interchangeably.

Can more than one decedent be cremated at the same time?

No! It is illegal to cremate multiple decedent’s in the same retort at the same time.

Is a casket required for cremation?

For a funeral or viewing with the decedent present, you will likely need a casket. That does not mean that you have to buy one. Many facilities offer caskets for rental, however, you will need an appropriate container to hold the decedent during cremation. You will likely see the term “alternative container” used. This refers to a combustible, environmentally safe container to hold the decedent for the cremation.

Do they embalm before cremation?

No, unless you want to have a public viewing of the deceased prior to the cremation process. Embalming is not necessary for a cremation or service taking place after the cremation is complete. Check the policy of the Funeral Home you are using, they may require embalming the decedent for cremation.

How soon after death do they cremate?

In most cases, you will have to wait somewhere between 24-72 hours after death before a body can be cremated. The waiting period for IL is 24 hours and 48 hours for WI. Certain paperwork is required and may take several business days to obtain, such paperwork includes; death certificate information, obtaining decadent’s cause of death, cremation permits and final death certificates filed with the local registrar. Most often the process is delayed while waiting for cause of death to be submitted by the doctor or medical examiner.

How is the decedent prepared for cremation?

If you have a funeral with the decedent present, the deceased will be prepared in much the same way they would be for an in-ground burial. The decedent will be cleaned and perhaps embalmed. If you have a cremation without a viewing, the decedent will be cleaned and medical devices removed.

Cremation reduces the decedent into their basic elements through a process that exposed them to open flames, intense heat and evaporation. This is done in a specially designed furnace called a cremation chamber or retort. Any non-flammable material is removed and then the decedent is placed into a proper container and then is placed into the chamber, or retort, for the cremation process.

What do you get back after cremation?

After the body goes through the cremation process, what you’re left with is bone. When complete, the bones are allowed to cool to a temperature that they can be handled, placed into a processing machine, and transferred to a temporary container or Urn.

Are Cremated Remains sterile?

During the cremation process, organic matter is burned away and the remains are essentially sterile.

Can I bury Cremated Remains?

With cremation, your options are numerous. The cremains can be interred in a cemetery plot (earth burial), retained by a family member, scattered on private property, scattered in a designated area of a cemetery or scattered at Sea.

Can I scatter cremains on a family grave?

It is often possible to inter the cremains in an existing grave or family plot in a cemetery of churchyard although scattering is often not possible. Many cemeteries and churchyards have a space set aside for interment of cremains and small headstones may be permitted. Placing cremains on a grave without permission of the cemetery or churchyard is illegal.

Can I view the cremation?

The answer to this question is dependent on the specific crematory responsible for the care of your loved one, but generally speaking, the answer to this question is ‘yes’. The degree to which you can participate may differ from crematory to crematory (depending on their facilities); please ask your funeral director if this is an option for you, or another family member.

Are there any keepsakes available?

We have plenty of memorialization options for you, some can include your loved one’s cremains. Look at the Urn/Keepsake tab on our website to see the different keepsakes you can purchase.