Cremation
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In recent years, cremation has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional burial. Like burial or entombment, cremation is simply another way in which the body is handled after death. In cremation, intense heat is used to reduce the human body to bone fragments in a chamber known as a retort. The remaining fragments are processed into a fine powder and placed in a temporary container or a special urn selected by the family.
There is a great misconception among the general public that, at the time of death, only two basic choices exist: immediate cremation of the deceased or a traditional funeral that includes viewing and burial. As you will see, that is simply not the case.
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At the Bauer Family Funeral Homes we offer many options to families who choose cremation as a means of final disposition. Just like burial, cremation can occur following a funeral where the casket is present. The only difference between a funeral followed by burial and one followed by cremation is that the deceased is taken to the crematory after the service instead of in a procession to the cemetery. The funeral itself may be preceded by the traditional period of funeral home visitation or a reception held at the funeral home or at another location chosen by the family. During this time the casket may be open or closed in accordance with family preference. As an additional alternative, a private gathering for family and close friends may be held in lieu of a public visitation.
Many families who have chosen cremation elect to conduct a memorial service to honor their loved one, which is like a funeral except the deceased is not present. In this instance, the cremation has already taken place and the family may wish to have the urn they have selected present. The urn may be placed on a table and is frequently surrounded by pictures, flowers and other items symbolic of the deceased.
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An immediate or direct cremation is the prompt cremation of the deceased following death without a funeral or memorial service. If a direct cremation is the family's desire, the Bauer Family Funeral Homes require that an identification viewing be performed by a member of the family or an authorized party to positively verify the identity of the deceased prior to cremation. This identification viewing usually takes place at the funeral home where the necessary authorizations then are signed.
In all of the instances described, the ashes, or cremains, of the deceased are returned to the family following cremation. The ashes may be buried, scattered at a special site or placed in a memorial urn.
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In the Bauer Funeral Homes' Display and Tribute Center there is an extensive display dedicated to the wide variety of cremation accessories available for cremains. Some families chose to place all of the cremains in an urn and to keep it at home or to bury the urn in a cemetery. Other families prefer to put some of the cremains in a keepsake such as a pendant or bracelet, wind chimes or a keepsake urn and to scatter or bury the rest. Sometimes families select a companion urn in which both spouses' cremains can be placed together. Special urns are also available for scattering the cremains or floating the cremains in water until the urn dissolves.
It is comforting to know that you have many choices of ways to remember your loved one. Cremation is one of these choices. With so many options available, our funeral directors will work with you and your family to create a ceremony that is comforting, memorable and as unique as the person being remembered.
If you would like more information or if you have any additional questions about the process of cremation, we will be pleased to answer them.
Call us at 724-545-9464.
