Cremation FAQ

The legal authority to authorize cremation follows a specific hierarchy in Wisconsin:

• The deceased's written wishes (documented in a will or cremation authorization form)
• Surviving spouse
• Adult children (age 18+)
• Parents
• Siblings

The person with legal authority must sign the cremation authorization form. If there's any dispute about who has the right to authorize cremation, the matter may need to be resolved legally. Proko Funeral Home staff will guide you through this process and ensure all proper authorizations are obtained.

To authorize cremation, you'll need to provide:

• Cremation Authorization Form: Signed by the person with legal authority
• Death Certificate: Required before cremation can occur
• Identification: Proof of identity for the person signing the authorization
• Proof of Authorization: Such as a will, power of attorney, or documentation showing your legal right to make disposition decisions
• Coroner's Release (if applicable): If the death is under investigation

Proko Funeral Home will provide the cremation authorization form and explain what documentation you'll need. We'll help you gather these documents to ensure the cremation process can proceed smoothly.

If the death is under investigation by the coroner or medical examiner, cremation cannot proceed until:

• The coroner completes their investigation and releases the body
• A Release for Cremation is obtained from the coroner's office
• All necessary autopsy or examination procedures are completed

Once the coroner releases the body, cremation can be arranged. The timeline depends on the nature of the investigation. Proko Funeral Home coordinates directly with the coroner's office to ensure all procedures are followed and to keep your family informed of the timeline. We understand this can be a difficult and uncertain time, and we're here to help guide you through the process.

There is no strict legal requirement for how quickly cremation must occur after death. However, the timing depends on several factors:

• Death Certificate: Must be obtained and filed before cremation can proceed (usually 2–5 business days)
• Viewing: If you want to view your loved one before cremation, this must be scheduled
• Authorization: All necessary paperwork and authorizations must be completed
• Religious or Cultural Requirements: Some traditions prefer cremation within a specific timeframe

Once the death certificate is obtained and authorizations are complete, cremation can typically be scheduled within 24–48 hours. Proko Funeral Home will work with your family to find a timeline that accommodates your wishes and preferences.

Yes, pacemakers and other implanted medical devices must be removed before cremation because:

• High temperatures in the crematory can cause the device to explode, potentially damaging the crematory
• It's a safety hazard for crematory staff
• It's an ethical requirement in the funeral industry

The removal is done by the crematory staff or a medical professional, typically at no additional cost. When you arrange cremation, inform Proko Funeral Home if your loved one had a pacemaker, defibrillator, or other implanted device. This information is important for the crematory to know in advance so they can prepare accordingly.

Yes! Many families choose to have a viewing before direct cremation. This allows you to:

• Say goodbye to your loved one in person
• Allow family and friends to pay respects
• Hold a formal visitation if desired
• Still benefit from the cost savings of direct cremation (no embalming or casket needed for burial)

Proko Funeral Home can arrange a viewing period before cremation occurs. This can be brief (just a few hours for close family) or extended (an evening of visitation). After the viewing, the body is then cremated. This option provides a meaningful way to honor your loved one while keeping costs manageable.

Crematories follow strict identification and tracking protocols to ensure proper identification throughout the process:

• Unique Identification Number: Your loved one is assigned a unique ID number that stays with them from arrival at the crematory through the entire process
• Metal ID Discs: Metal identification discs accompany the body through cremation
• Detailed Records: The crematory maintains meticulous documentation and chain-of-custody records
• One-at-a-Time Cremation: Only one person is cremated at a time, ensuring no mixing of remains

After cremation is complete, the remains are immediately placed in the urn you've selected, and you'll receive documentation confirming the entire process. You can have peace of mind knowing the ashes returned are your loved one's.

Many crematories allow family members to witness the beginning of the cremation process as a way to honor their loved one and gain closure. This typically involves:

• Being present as your loved one is placed into the crematory chamber
• A brief ceremony or personal remarks if desired
• Viewing the crematory equipment and understanding the process

However, not all crematories allow witnessing due to safety regulations and operational procedures. Proko Funeral Home can discuss whether witnessing is available and help arrange this meaningful experience if it aligns with your family's wishes. Contact us to inquire about this option.

If you haven't selected an urn before cremation, the crematory will place the ashes in a temporary container, which is typically:

• A sturdy, leak-proof plastic container provided by the crematory
• Suitable for safe storage and transportation
• Clearly labeled with your loved one's name and identification

You can then take time to choose a permanent urn from our selection. Proko Funeral Home offers a wide variety of urns in different styles, materials, and price ranges. You can select one immediately or take time to decide. If you choose to scatter the ashes or keep them at home temporarily, the plastic container is perfectly adequate for safe storage.

Yes, ashes can be legally scattered in Wisconsin, but certain guidelines must be followed:

• Private Property: Scattering on private property requires written permission from the property owner
• Public Lands: Scattering on public lands (state/national forests, parks) may be prohibited or require permits
• Water: Scattering over water (lakes, rivers) is generally permitted, but check local regulations
• Designated Gardens: Many cemeteries have scattering gardens specifically for this purpose

Proko Funeral Home can advise on the best locations for scattering based on your loved one's wishes and preferences. We can also coordinate scattering services if you'd like professional assistance, or provide guidance if you prefer to scatter ashes yourself.

Yes, cremated remains can be transported by air and across state lines, but TSA and airline regulations apply:

• TSA Requirements: Ashes must be in a sealed, labeled container
• Carry-On Only: Cremated remains must be transported in carry-on luggage, never in checked baggage
• Documentation: You'll receive an official cremation certificate to present at security
• Container Restrictions: Metal or ceramic urns cannot be opened for inspection; inform TSA if this is the case

If you're planning to travel with ashes—whether to scatter them at a meaningful location or to keep them at a family residence—let Proko Funeral Home know in advance. We can ensure the urn meets all transportation requirements and provide the necessary documentation for air travel.

Yes, ashes can be divided among family members if that aligns with your loved one's wishes or family preferences. This can be done using:

• Keepsake Urns: Smaller urns designed to hold a portion of ashes for each family member
• Jewelry Urns: Necklaces, bracelets, or rings that hold a small amount of ashes
• Multiple Locations: Scattering portions in different meaningful locations
• Divided Storage: Some families keep ashes in separate urns in different homes

Dividing ashes can be a meaningful way to ensure all family members have a connection to their loved one. Proko Funeral Home can advise on the best way to divide ashes and provide keepsake urns or jewelry options to honor everyone's preferences.

There is no time limit on how long you can keep cremated ashes at home. Many families keep ashes for extended periods while they decide on final disposition:

• Indefinite Storage: Ashes can be kept at home indefinitely in a sealed urn
• Time for Decisions: Taking time to decide on scattering, burial, or memorialization is normal
• Proper Storage: Keep ashes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Multiple Families: Some families keep ashes until extended family can gather for a scattering ceremony

There's no rush to make a final decision about ash disposition. Some families scatter ashes within weeks, while others keep them for years. Proko Funeral Home is here to help whenever you're ready to discuss or arrange final disposition options.

There are important differences between funeral homes and cremation-only societies:

• Funeral Home: Full-service facility offering viewing, embalming, burial, cremation, memorial services, and counseling. More options but typically higher costs
• Cremation Society: Specializes only in cremation with minimal services. Lower costs but fewer options for viewing or ceremonies
• Proko Funeral Home: Full-service funeral home offering both traditional services and cremation options with flexible, transparent pricing

Choosing Proko Funeral Home means you have access to all services (viewings, ceremonies, memorials) in addition to cremation, with the flexibility to select only the services you need. This gives you options and personalization that cremation societies cannot provide.

Yes, absolutely! Many families choose to have a memorial marker or gravestone even when choosing cremation. Options include:

• Cemetery Monument: A traditional headstone or marker placed where ashes are buried in a cemetery
• Columbarium Niche Plaque: A plaque marking an above-ground niche where the urn is placed
• Memorial Bench: A bench in a scattering garden or cemetery with an engraved dedication
• Scattering Garden Plaque: A dedication plaque in a designated scattering area
• Home Memorial: A shelf, urn, or display in the home with a personalized dedication

A memorial marker provides a permanent, meaningful place for your family to remember and honor your loved one. Proko Funeral Home can help you select and arrange for a memorial marker that fits your budget and reflects your loved one's life.

These terms are often used interchangeably and refer to cremation that occurs shortly after death without a prior viewing or funeral service:

• Direct/Immediate Cremation: Body is cremated within 24–48 hours of death with minimal services
• Cost Savings: No embalming, viewing facilities, or formal service costs—typically the most affordable cremation option
• Memorial Service: Family may still choose to hold a memorial service later after receiving the ashes
• Flexibility: Allows time for family to gather or plan a meaningful memorial at a later date

Direct cremation is a popular choice for families who prefer a simpler, more private arrangement or who are budget-conscious. However, you retain the option to hold a viewing before cremation or a memorial service afterward. Proko Funeral Home offers direct cremation packages with transparent pricing and the flexibility to add services as needed.