Cremation is one of several ways to complete the disposition of the body. The choice of cremation does not limit the options available. If you choose cremation, a funeral or memorial service is appropriate. Survivors still need the time to grieve and say good-bye.

Some of the options available for those choosing cremation are:

• Traditional funeral service followed by cremation.

  While any casket may be used if cremation is desired, we do have several options which may be lower in price than other caskets we sell, as well as an oak rental casket which contains a cremation liner.

• Memorial service following cremation.

  This is the same type of ceremony as a funeral ceremony except that instead of the presence of a casket, an urn containing the cremated remains may be present.

• Private family viewing followed by cremation.

  Viewing the body helps the family accept that death has occurred and allows them the opportunity to say good-bye.

• Direct Cremation.

  The body is cremated shortly after death and the cremated remains are placed in an urn or other container. There is no viewing or visitation.

There are a variety of ways for disposition of cremated remains:

• Interment in an existing family plot. Most cemeteries permit the burial of both a casket and single cremated remains in the same grave space. They also have cremation plots available which are smaller in size and allow for the burial of two cremated remains. Some cemeteries require the cremated remains be placed in an urn vault prior to burial. Having remains interred on cemetery grounds ensures that future generations will have a place to go to remember the deceased and also allows them to place a memorial of some type on the grave.



• Interment in a columbarium. A columbarium may be located within a mausoleum or chapel or may be free-standing, either indoor or outdoor, and is constructed of numerous small compartments (niches) designed to hold urns containing cremated remains. Each niche is identified with a plaque of some type containing the name of the deceased.



• Interment in a designated memorial garden. Some churches have a designated outdoor area in which the cremated remains of church members may be buried. An urn may be required, depending on church regulations.



• Family retention of the cremated remains. Some families choose an urn suitable for placement on a mantle or shelf. The cremated remains also may be divided and placed in one or more portion urns, or in keepsake jewelry, which is then given to each family member.



• Scattering in a place meaningful to the family. May be done if permitted by local regulations. Once scattered, cremated remains cannot easily be retrieved. Funeral homes usually don’t participate in the scattering of cremated remains.

Because there are so many variables with cremation, we would need to know more precisely what your family desired before being able to give you an estimate of the costs involved.

What is cremation?

Cremation is the reduction of the body to bone and ash. After the body is placed in a casket or cremation container, it is taken to a crematory where it is put into a specifically designed furnace and subjected to intense heat. This is followed by a process which reduces the remaining bone fragments to a pebbly or powdery substance known as the cremated remains. Throughout the cremation process, which takes approximately three hours, a carefully controlled labeling system ensures correct identification.

How soon after death can cremation take place?

Because cremation is an irreversible process and because the process itself will eliminate any ability to determine the exact cause of death, Minnesota law requires authorization by a medical examiner or physician before cremation may take place. In most instances this procedure may only take a day but may take longer if death occurs over a weekend or holiday. Once the funeral director obtains the medical examiner’s/physician’s written authorization and the family’s written authorization the cremation process can take place.

Is embalming necessary for cremation?

In most cases embalming is not necessary if there is no public viewing of the body. Embalming is required by law in Minnesota if public modes of transportation are used and if the body does not reach the crematory within 72 hours after death.

Is a casket required for cremation?

No. What is required is an enclosed, rigid container made of wood or other combustible material to allow for the dignified handling of the human remains. The type of container selected is a personal decision and may range from a casket to a simple cardboard container.

Is any other preparation required prior to cremation?

It is essential that pacemakers and other medical devices be removed prior to cremation because they may explode when subjected to high temperatures. In addition, any special mementos such as jewelry, will be destroyed during the cremation process. Anything you wish to keep should be removed by the funeral director prior to cremation.

Do all religions permit cremation?

While some religions do not recommend cremation, most permit you to choose. Should you have any questions or concerns, we suggest you speak with a member of your clergy.

Is it possible to view before cremation?

We encourage families if they are not present at the time of death to view their loved one if they so feel a desire to do that. We offer that opportunity for a private family viewal if they were unable to be with the person at the time of death at no extra charge.

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