Cremation Information & Services
Understanding cremation options, process, and costs. Proko Funeral Home provides compassionate guidance and professional cremation services with flexible options to honor your loved one.
What Is Cremation?
Cremation is a process where the body is exposed to intense heat (approximately 1,400–1,800°F) in a specialized crematory chamber, reducing it to cremated remains commonly called "ashes." Despite the temperature, the process is respectful, dignified, and conducted with professional care by trained specialists.
Key Facts About Cremation
- Respectful Process — The body is treated with dignity throughout the cremation process by trained professionals
- Individual Identification — Only one person is cremated at a time, ensuring accurate identification and preventing any mix-up
- Duration — The process typically takes 2–3 hours depending on the individual and crematory equipment
- Regulated — Cremation is subject to strict regulations and safety protocols in Wisconsin
- Environmentally Considered — Cremation uses less land and resources than traditional burial
- Flexible Timing — Cremation can occur before or after a memorial service, allowing maximum flexibility
Understanding Cremated Remains
After cremation, the cremated remains (ashes) are carefully processed and placed in a temporary container. These remains typically weigh 3–7 pounds and are not actually "ashes" like fireplace ash, but rather bone fragments that have been reduced by the intense heat. They are then placed in an urn of your choice and returned to your family. You have complete control over what happens to the cremated remains.
Cremation Service Options
Cremation offers flexibility in how you plan services and honor your loved one. You can choose from various options depending on your preferences, budget, and beliefs.
Direct Cremation
The most affordable option. The body is cremated without a service or viewing beforehand. The cremated remains are returned in an urn, and families can hold a memorial service later at any time and location convenient to them. This option is ideal for families seeking affordability and maximum flexibility.
Cremation with Viewing
The body is placed in a casket for viewing by family and friends, allowing for farewell visits. After the viewing period, the body is cremated. This option combines the traditional viewing experience with the flexibility and cost-effectiveness of cremation.
Cremation with Funeral Service
A traditional funeral service is held with the casket present (though typically closed), followed by cremation. This allows family and friends to gather, celebrate the person's life, and participate in a meaningful ceremony before cremation. The service can be religious or secular.
Cremation with Memorial Service
The body is cremated first, and then a memorial service is held without the body present. This option offers flexibility in timing—families can hold the service whenever it's convenient (days or weeks later), at any location, and can invite extended family and friends. There's no time pressure.
Graveside Committal with Cremation
A brief ceremony at the cemetery where the cremated remains are buried or entombed. This combines cremation's flexibility with the permanence and visitation opportunity of a cemetery location. Families can gather at the graveside for a focused moment of remembrance.
Scattering Service
A ceremony where cremated remains are scattered at a meaningful location—such as the ocean, mountains, a favorite garden, or another significant place. Scattering services can be private family ceremonies or larger gatherings, and can include readings, music, and personal remarks.
The Cremation Process
Understanding the cremation process can help families feel confident in their choice. Here's what happens at each stage:
1. Authorization and Documentation
The family provides authorization for cremation, and we verify all necessary documentation including the death certificate. This ensures proper procedures are followed and the deceased is correctly identified throughout the process.
2. Preparation and Identification
The body is prepared respectfully and placed in a cremation container (casket substitute). A metal identification disc is placed with the body to ensure proper identification throughout the cremation process, maintaining accuracy and integrity.
3. Cremation Chamber Processing
The body is placed in the crematory chamber where it's exposed to intense heat (1,400–1,800°F). The process takes approximately 2–3 hours depending on factors like the individual's size and the specific crematory equipment. Throughout this time, the body is the only one in the chamber.
4. Processing and Cooling
After cremation, the cremated remains are removed from the chamber and allowed to cool in a designated area. The metal identification disc is recovered and compared to the cremation authorization to confirm proper identification.
5. Cremated Remains Processing
The cremated remains are carefully processed to reduce them to uniform fragments. They're placed in a temporary container and prepared for placement in the urn of your choice. The entire process is conducted with respect and care.
6. Return to Family
The cremated remains are placed in your chosen urn and returned to your family. You receive certification of cremation and a record of the process. You now have complete flexibility regarding what to do with the cremated remains.
What to Do With Cremated Ashes
After cremation, you have many meaningful options for the cremated remains. The choice is entirely personal and can reflect your loved one's personality, values, and your family's preferences.
Burial in Cemetery
- Bury urn in cemetery plot
- Marker or headstone identifies grave
- Permanent location for visiting
- Family gathering place
- Combines cremation with cemetery permanence
Columbarium Niche
- Above-ground wall in cemetery
- Urn placed in individual niche
- Accessible, easy to visit
- Smaller space requirement
- Often less expensive than ground burial
Scattering
- Ocean, mountains, garden scattering
- Meaningful location ceremony
- Freedom and release symbolism
- Can include family gathering
- Environmental return option
Home Display
- Urn displayed at home
- Urn can be decorative and personalized
- Easy access for family
- Personal memorial space
- Can be later buried or scattered
Memorial Jewelry
- Small portion in pendant or bracelet
- Keep loved one close
- Meaningful keepsake
- Can be worn daily or special occasions
- Remainder can be buried or scattered
Memorial Gardens
- Scattered in designated garden
- Memorial plaque marking location
- Beautiful, peaceful setting
- Community of remembrance
- Maintained by cemetery or organization
Choosing an Urn
Cremated remains are placed in an urn that you select. Urn options include:
- Traditional ceramic or wooden urns in various styles
- Decorative urns reflecting personality or interests
- Eco-friendly or biodegradable urns for scattering
- Keepsake urns for dividing ashes among family
- Custom urns personalized with names, dates, or artwork
We can show you urn options and help you select one that honors your loved one's memory and matches your plans for the cremated remains.
Cremation vs. Burial: Comparing Your Options
Both cremation and burial are valid and meaningful choices. Understanding the differences can help your family make the decision that best aligns with your values, budget, and preferences.
Cremation Advantages
- Generally more affordable than burial
- Flexible timing for services
- Multiple options for remains placement
- Can divide ashes among family members
- Environmental consciousness
- No ongoing cemetery maintenance fees
- Ashes can travel with family
- Direct cremation option available
Burial Advantages
- Permanent grave site for visiting
- Supports traditional practices
- Full-body viewing possible
- Established gathering place
- Clear legacy and identity
- Religious traditions honored
- Familiar ritual and ceremony
- Multi-generation visitation
Combining Options
Many families find that combining approaches works best. For example:
- Cremation with a memorial service combining modern and traditional elements
- Cremation with burial of ashes in a cemetery providing permanence and visitation
- Scattering with a meaningful ceremony honoring your loved one's life
- Dividing ashes so different family members can honor the person in their own way
The best choice is the one that honors your loved one's wishes and brings comfort to your family.
Cremation and Religious Traditions
Cremation acceptance varies significantly across different religious and cultural traditions. Understanding your faith's perspective can help your family make an informed decision aligned with your values and beliefs.
Religious Perspectives on Cremation
- Catholic — Cremation is now permitted after 1963 revision, though burial is still preferred. Cremated remains should be treated respectfully
- Protestant — Most Protestant denominations accept cremation, though some have specific preferences. Check with your pastor or church
- Jewish — Cremation is generally discouraged in Orthodox and Conservative Judaism but accepted in Reform Judaism. Check with your rabbi
- Islamic — Cremation is not permitted in Islam. Burial is required following Islamic tradition
- Hindu — Cremation is preferred and central to Hindu tradition. Bodies are typically cremated within 24 hours
- Buddhist — Cremation is often preferred, though practices vary by tradition. Consult with your temple or spiritual leader
- Secular/No Religion — Cremation is a common choice, offering flexibility and affordability
If you have concerns about whether cremation aligns with your family's religious traditions, we encourage you to discuss this with your clergy member or spiritual leader. We respect all traditions and can help coordinate services that honor your beliefs.
Understanding Cremation Costs
One of the advantages of cremation is often lower overall cost compared to traditional burial. However, understanding what affects pricing helps you plan accordingly.
Cremation Cost Factors
Direct Cremation
- Most affordable option
- No viewing or service
- Crematory fee
- Basic temporary container
- Typically $1,000–$2,500
Cremation with Service
- Cremation fee
- Funeral home services
- Venue use (if applicable)
- Casket or container
- Staff coordination
Urn Selection
- Temporary container: included
- Basic urn: $100–$500
- Decorative urn: $500–$2,000
- Custom/specialty: $1,000–$5,000+
- Keepsake urns: varies
Additional Services
- Viewing/visitation
- Memorial service
- Cemetery plot/niche
- Burial of ashes
- Scattering ceremony
Cost Comparison: Cremation vs. Burial
Direct cremation is typically significantly less expensive than traditional burial:
- Direct Cremation: $1,000–$2,500
- Cremation with Service: $2,000–$5,000
- Traditional Burial: $5,000–$12,000+ (depending on casket, cemetery, monument)
For detailed pricing specific to your situation, view our general price list or contact Proko Funeral Home for a personalized quote.
Pre-Planning Cremation Services
Pre-planning cremation provides peace of mind for you and your family. It ensures your wishes are documented and can ease the burden on loved ones when the time comes.
Benefits of Pre-Planning Cremation
- Lock in today's prices before costs increase
- Document your preference for cremation
- Reduce decision-making burden on family
- Explore service and urn options at your own pace
- Discuss what to do with ashes while you have time
- Arrange pre-funding if desired
- Ensure your wishes are honored
- Provide guidance and comfort to family
Pre-Planning Questions to Consider
- Do you prefer direct cremation or a service beforehand?
- What type of service would be meaningful to you?
- What kind of urn appeals to you?
- What would you like done with your cremated remains?
- Who should make decisions if you cannot?
- Do you want your preferences documented in writing?
- Would you like to pre-fund your cremation?
Contact Proko Funeral Home today to schedule a pre-planning consultation and discuss cremation options that align with your values and preferences.
Learn More About Our Services
For comprehensive information about funeral and memorial services, explore these resources:
- ✓ What Is a Funeral? — Understanding funeral services and importance
- ✓ Burial Services — Complete burial information and options
- ✓ Traditional Funeral Services — Detailed guide to traditional funerals
- ✓ Funeral FAQ — Answers to common questions about funerals
- ✓ General Price List — Transparent pricing for all services
- ✓ All Services — Complete range of funeral services available
Let Us Help You Understand Your Options
Whether you're pre-planning or arranging services for a loved one, our compassionate funeral directors are here to answer your questions and guide you through the cremation process with care and professionalism.