Cremation: A Guide To Your Options

Why Cremation?

People choose cremation for a variety of reasons. Some based on environmental considerations, others have philosophical or religious reasons. Still others choose cremation because they feel it is less complicated. We're here to help you with any questions you may have regarding cremation. Cremation is not necessarily less expensive than earth burial in North Iowa. The cost comparison is often made by not comparing equal service to equal service. Often cremation is less expensive in large metropolitan areas due to the cost of the grave and opening and closing costs. Price is determined by the merchandise and services that you select whether choosing cremation or traditional services. Let us help by comparing both cremation and traditional costs.

A Variety Of Options

A Variety Of Options

Many people believe that choosing cremation means limiting your options actually, there is a wider variety of options with cremation. Most families hold some form of service, which psychologists state, that it helps the bereaved cope with the loss of a loved one. Many people find that opting for cremation gives opportunity to create and personalize the various service options for a more meaningful experience. Cremation offers families choices for final disposition. With cremation you have the opportunity to select from a wide array of caskets, urns and urn vaults. Visitation or a gathering is also a starting point for grief and bereavement and may be used for both cremation or traditional services.

The Funeral Director's Role in Cremation

Our licensed funeral directors Jim Fullerton and Alyssa Fullerton are available 24/7 to answer any questions about the cremation process or procedure and provide you with guidance through the entire planning process.  We are there to assist you with whatever products and services you determine are appropriate and we can advise you on the final disposition of the cremated remains. By law, most areas require that a licensed funeral director transport the deceased and obtains necessary permits for the final disposition of the remains.

Gatherings and Ceremonies An Important Part of Healing

The greatest misunderstanding about cremation is the belief that with cremation, there is no need for services. However, a service or memorial ceremony is an important step in helping the bereaved overcome their grief, and offers family and friends the opportunity to honor a loved one.

Throughout the ages, people have relied on the comforting rituals and ceremonies of funeral and memorial services to help them through their grief. The value of those services hold true today for those who choose cremation.

Gathering together for a service acknowledges the grief of relatives and friends by helping them feel included in the grieving process. Gatherings also allow loved ones to share stories, give eulogies and otherwise reaffirm the value the deceased person had in others lives. And, most important of all, these gatherings, help the immediate family with the healing process.

Types of Services

Types of Services

Services or ceremonies can precede or follow the actual cremation. Prior to cremation there may be a gathering which can be either public or private, with an open or closed casket. When the service follows the cremation, a receptacle (or urn) containing the cremated remains may take the place of prominence. Following the ceremony, the final disposition of the cremated remains takes place.

Ceremonies can be simple, contemporary, religious or secular. Music, readings, stories and poetry can be added to personalize the event to both reflect on and celebrate the life that was lived. Some families arrange a memorial table with personal items that reflect the personality, accomplishments and interests of the person's life, allowing others to share positive and happy memories. Most services, with the exception of some religious ceremonies, can be held in the funeral home. This enables the staff to assist with the many details involved.