What is Cremation?

What is Cremation?

What is cremation?

To begin with, it is probably easier to describe what cremation is not. Cremation is not final disposition of the remains, nor is some type of funeral service. Rather, it is a process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame.


How long does the actual cremation take?

It depends on the weight of the individual. For an average size adult, cremation takes from two to three hours at normal operating temperature between 1,500 degrees F to 2,000 degrees F.


What happens after the cremation is complete?

All organic bone fragments, which are very brittle, as well as non-consumed metal items, are "swept" into the front of the cremation chamber and into a stainless steel cooling pan. All non-consumed items, like metal from clothing, hip joints, and bridge work, are separated from the cremated remains. This separation is accomplished through visual inspection as well as using a strong magnet for smaller and minute metallic objects*. Remaining bone fragments are then processed in a machine to a consistent size and placed into a temporary or permanent urn, as selected by the family.

*Due to the nature of the cremation process, any personal possessions or valuable materials, such as dental gold and silver, or jewelry (as well as any body prosthesis or dental bridgework), that are left with the decedent and not removed from the casket or container prior to cremation, will be destroyed or if not destroyed, will be disposed of by the crematory. Any material that is able to be recycled will be, and proceeds will be donated to charity. Arrangements must be made with the funeral home to remove such possessions or valuables prior to the time that the decedent is to be cremated.


What do the cremated remains look like?

Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light gray in color. The remains of an average size adult usually weigh between four to eight pounds of cremated remains.


In what kind of container are the cremated remains returned?

The cremated remains are placed in a basic plastic urn at no charge to you. They may also be placed in the urn of your choice.


Are all the cremated remains returned?

With the exception of minute and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are given back to the family.


What can be done with the cremated remains?

There are many options. Remains may be buried in a cemetery lot or cremation garden, inurned in a columbarium, kept at home, or scattered on private property. We also have several other personalized options available, such as scattering by helicopter. Our staff will be happy to discuss these options with you and make any arrangements.

Concerns About Cremation

Are there any laws governing cremation?

Yes. There are laws specific to cremation in the state of Wisconsin concerning cremation. Please refer to state statutes.


Who can authorize my cremation?

The state of Wisconsin does not allow an individual to authorize their own cremation. At the time of one's death, according to Wisconsin Legislature 154.30, the right of control of final disposition is designated in a very specific order of kinship, beginning with a pre-designated "Authorized Agent"; next would be the spouse (must be legally married at the time of death); then (majority of) biological children; then parents; and so on. In most cases, there is usually no pre-designated Authorized Agent, therefore the control begins with a spouse. Sometimes an individual who does not have contact with their family, or simply wishes to designate someone other than family (for instance, a domestic partner or friend), may do so as long as the proper paperwork is filled out prior to death. The state has a special form titled "Authorization for Final Disposition". If you would like us to supply you with this form, please contact us and we will send it to you. Please note that "POA" ceases at death, and carries no legal right to authorize cremation.


Can two cremations be performed at once?

Per Wisconsin State Statute 440.78(5): "A crematory authority may not simultaneously cremate the human remains of more than one decedent within the same cremation chamber unless the crematory authority receives the prior written consent of the person directing the cremation of each decedent."


How long will it take to receive the cremated remains?

Timing from the date of death until the actual cremation is dependent on several outside factors. Wisconsin state law dictates that a minimum of 48 hours must pass from the time of death before any cremation may be performed.


Additionally, we must receive all signed documentation from the Authorized Agent. Once we have received all the required information about the deceased, we can enter that information into the state’s online vital records database. Once in the system, we must wait for the designated doctor (or in some cases the coroner or medical examiner) to issue a cause of death and sign the death certificate. At that point, we can request a cremation permit from the coroner or medical examiner in the county of death. Please note that each of these processes can take up to several days, depending on the workload of the doctor and coroner/medical examiner. Once we have received the cremation permit, we can schedule the cremation.


While we always do our best to complete the entire process as efficiently as possible, we respectfully request that prior to scheduling a memorial service where you wish to have the cremated remains present that you consult with the funeral director. They will be able to estimate a timeframe for you. This will help eliminate any confusion or frustration in planning the memorial service.


Can the family witness the cremation?

In most instances, yes. Please discuss this with the funeral director to make arrangements to do so.


How can I be sure I receive the correct remains?

We have developed the most rigorous set of operating policies and procedures in order to maximize our level of quality and minimize the potential for human error. Positive identification of the deceased is assured throughout each stage of the cremation process. We only allow certified professionals to operate our cremation equipment.

Questions About Urns, Caskets & Embalming

Do I need an urn?

An urn is not required by law. However, an urn may be desired if there is to be a memorial service or the cremated remains are to be interred in a cemetery. If an urn is not selected, the cremated remains will be returned in a temporary plastic urn.


Is a casket needed for cremation?

No, a casket is not required for cremation. All that is required by state law is a rigid container which is cremated with the body. However, some families choose to have their loved one cremated in a casket, and we will work with you to determine your best options.


Is embalming required prior to cremation?

Absolutely not and it is against the law for a funeral home to tell you otherwise.


Can the body be viewed without embalming?

We do our best to accommodate brief, private viewings (for immediate family members only) without the need for embalming. There may be an extra charge for this, depending on certain circumstances.


What if I want a service?

We would love to help you and your loved ones design a service tailored to your life. Whether you choose to have a service at our facility or somewhere else, we can help with some or all of the arrangements. You can even choose to be embalmed and have a traditional service, and be cremated afterwards. Contact us for details and pricing.

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