What is cremation?

Cremation is the process of reducing human remains to bone fragments and ashes.

Why choose cremation?

The reasons people choose cremation vary widely, from environmental, to spiritual, economic, or simplicity. The ease and affordability of cremation can be attractive to families who are mourning.

Can the body be viewed before cremation?

Finding closure is important when losing a loved one and viewing the individual can often be helpful. Bodies can be viewed briefly before cremation, or traditional viewing is possible if the body is embalmed.

Does the body have to be embalmed before cremation?

The body does not have to be embalmed if the cremation is initiated within 72 hours of death.

Is a casket required for cremation?

The cremation process can be done with or without a casket. All that is required is some type of container made of wood or cardboard which can be burned with the body.

Can the cremation be witnessed by family members?

We will allow family members to witness the cremation, if the family requests it. Our facility and staff are professionals and give the utmost respect to the deceased and their loved ones.

Is it possible to bring urns into a church?

Most churches will allow an urn in the church for a memorial service, but we advise consulting the church leader.

What can be done with the cremains?

There are a variety of alternatives concerning disposition of the cremains depending on the local laws. Cremains can be buried in a cemetery or inurned in a columbarium. Most states, including Nebraska, allow you to keep the cremains in your home or to be scattered in approved locations.

Do most funeral homes have a crematory?

In Lincoln there are only three cremation facilities, one of which is ours. In many cases, other funeral homes sub-contract cremation services, with the family paying a fee for transporting the body.

What do the cremains look like?

After the cremation process the cremains are similar to a coarse, light gray sand and weigh between four to six pounds for an average size adult.

Is commingling (mixing) of the cremains possible?

It is illegal to cremate two bodies at the same time and most cremation chambers are built for only one adult, minimizing the chances for commingling. We also have developed a strict procedure when performing cremation that ensures the correct cremains are returned to your family. When you choose a crematory, ask them about their procedure for your peace of mind.

Is an urn required?

Some type of container is required. We have a variety of urns available for purchase or one may be provided by the family.

What do some of the terms associated with cremation mean?

Cremains – Ashes remaining after the cremation of a body.
Urn – The container which holds the cremains.
Inurnment – Placing the cremains into an urn.
Scattering – Spreading the cremains over an area of land or water.