Cremation Process

Deciding to select the cremation process for your loved one's final disposition is a difficult decision. We, at Funeral & Cremation Emporium, Inc., are here to provide you with the proper guidance in making the most appropriate decision for you and your family. We have provided the explanation of the cremation process for you as a guide; use this information to help decide if cremation is the most dignified disposition for your family member. Please keep in mind, once the cremation process takes place it is final and irreversible.

The cremation process is performed to prepare the decedent for memorialization. The human remains of the decedent will be placed in a combustible casket or alternative container selected and delivered to the crematory. The crematory will place the casket or container and the human remains into the cremation chamber. During the cremation process incineration of the container and contents is accomplished by substantially increasing the temperature (maximum is approximately, 1400-2000 degrees Fahrenheit) in the cremation chamber until combustion is obtained. The cremation process takes approximately two hours. All substances are consumed or driven off, except bone fragments (calcium compounds) and metal, as the temperature is not sufficiently high enough to consume them.

Due to the nature of the cremation process, any personal possessions or valuable materials, such as dental gold or jewelry (as well as any body prostheses or dental bridgework) that are left with the decedent and not removed from the casket or container prior to the cremation process taking place will be destroyed or otherwise not recoverable. As the casket or container will usually not be opened by the crematory, you must understand that arrangements must be made with the funeral home to remove all possessions or valuables prior to the time that the decedent is transported to the crematory for the cremation process to take place.

Following the appropriate cooling period, the cremated remains will be swept or raked from the cremation chamber. The crematory makes all reasonable efforts to remove all the cremated remains from the chamber. It is impossible to remove all of them, as some dust and other minute particles from the cremation process always linger. During the cremation process residue from previous cremations may be left behind, and you must understand and accept this fact.

Once the cremation process is complete, the cremated remains are removed from the cremation chamber; the skeletal remains often contain recognizable bone fragments. Unless otherwise specified, after the bone fragments have been separated from the other material, they will then be mechanically processed. This final part of the cremation process is crushing or grinding which may cause incidental blending of the remains with the residue from the processing of previously cremated remains. These granulated particles of unidentifiable dimensions will be virtually unrecognizable as human remains.

Following the cremation process, the cremated remains will be placed into a designated urn / container that was selected by the family. The crematory will make a reasonable effort to place all of the cremated remains in the urn / container, with the exception of dust or other residue that may remain in the processing equipment after the cremation process. The funeral home agent will pick up the urn / container holding your loved one's cremated remains and deliver / dispose of them as directed by the family.

Deciding what to be done with the cremated remains after the cremation process is complete is another significant decision. A cremation urn may be selected for placement of the cremains. A memorial service may be held with or without the cremated remains present in celebration of your loved one's life. This allows family and friends to begin the healing process. The cremated remains may be buried at a cemetery, placed in a crypt, niche, kept in the home or scattered at sea or one's favorite place concluding the cremation process.

Making any kind of arrangements involves many choices and decisions. It is helpful to consider all of your options and take the time to ask questions before making a final decision about such an important event. Our funeral service professionals are here to assist you 24 hours a day to make this experience as emotionally satisfying as possible. We hope that the explanation of the cremation process provided above helps you make an informed decision. Making an educated choice can help assure peace of mind.