Cremation is an option that many families consider while going through the funeral planning process. If you’ve considered this option, you may have wondered what the cremation process entails. Today, Locke Funeral Services wants to walk you through our process to help you better understand your options.
As we explore cremation, please note that there are many factors that determine the overall process. Your funeral director can walk you through everything if or when you decide that cremation is the route you wish to go. We also have additional information regarding our cremation options or the costs associated with cremation here.
We proudly offer onsite cremation which means that you or your loved one is in our care from the beginning. If you’ve chosen cremation, here is a breakdown of that process.
Identification
The first step will be for the body to be identified. This identification may have happened at the place of death as we took them into our care. Depending on which level of services you are asking for our help with, it is possible that the identification can take place at the funeral home or via photograph.
Throughout the cremation, an ID tag will be present with the decedent. This tag will remain with them throughout the process and will even be placed within the urn to ensure identity.
Authorization
Iowa code outlines who has the right to control final disposition – or give authorization for the cremation. We can help you understand what the code says and who has the legal right to give authorization.
Cremation
The deceased will be placed into a casket or alternative container depending on the option chosen. The casketed body will be placed into the retort and then the chamber will be closed. Once closed, the retort, which has been preheated, will be turned on and the process will begin. The actual length of the procedure varies anywhere from 1-3 hours and is based on different factors including the size of the deceased. Temperatures in the retort can vary anywhere from 1400-2000 degrees which also affects the overall timing.
Recovery
Once the cremation procedure is complete and the unit is cooled, our certified crematory operator will respectfully remove the remains. The remains are then processed into a granular consistency utilizing another machine.
Urn
After the remains have been processed into their final form, they are added to an urn that has usually been chosen in advance. Temporary cremation urns are also available if needed.
When Remains are Returned to the Family
If the urn or temporary container is being returned to the family, we require personal identification at the time of pickup to ensure that the person receiving the remains is the person authorized to do so on the Cremation Authorizations signed at the funeral home.
If you or a loved one is considering cremation as a burial option, please allow a member of our team to assist you. We understand the complexity of the situation, both legally and emotionally, and our compassionate team is here to help. If you’re ready to talk to someone, you can reach our team by calling 319-233-6138 or by clicking here.
