What happens during the cremation process?
The casket or container is placed in the cremation chamber, where the temperature is raised to approximately 1650 degrees Fahrenheit. After approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours, all organic matter is consumed by heat or evaporation. The remaining bone fragments are known as cremated remains. The cremated remains are then carefully removed from the cremation chamber. Any metal is removed with a magnet and later disposed of in an approved manner. The cremated remains are then processed into fine particles and are placed in a temporary container or placed in an urn purchased by the family. The entire process takes approximately three hours. Throughout the cremation process, a carefully controlled labeling system ensures correct identification.
How long does it take to cremate a body?
Cremating at the optimum temperature (1600-1850 degrees), the average weighted remains takes 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Several more hours may be required before the cremated remains are available to the family.
Are cremations done individually?
Yes. State law generally provides that only one body may be cremated at a time. However, in some states, the remains of family members may be cremated together with the consent of the next of kin.
Is the body exposed to an open flame during the cremation process?
Yes, the body is exposed to direct heat and flame. Cremation is performed by placing the deceased in a casket or other container and then placing the casket or container into a cremation chamber or retort, where they are subjected to intense heat and flame.
What are the differences between Crematory and Cremation Services?
Crematory means we have an on-site crematory at our facility. This means your loved one never leaves our care. Cremation services means the funeral home provides cremation services but the cremation process takes place at another facility, usually owned by another company.
When after death can a cremation take place?
Because cremation is an irreversible process and because the process itself will eliminate any ability to determine exact cause of death, the state of Ohio requires a twenty-four hour waiting period and a signed death certificate from the physician.
Is any other preparation required prior to cremation?
It is essential that pacemakers and other medical devices be removed prior to cremation. They may explode when subjected to high temperature, which can be hazardous to crematory staff and equipment. In addition, any special mementos, such as jewelry, will be destroyed during the cremation process. Anything you wish to keep should be removed by the funeral director before the casket or container is transferred to the crematory.
Is it true the bones are crushed after cremation? I’ve heard you don’t get ashes back — what do you get?
A complete cremation is a two-step process. First, the actual exposure of the deceased to several hours of intense heat and flame, after which the remains are mostly ash except for certain bone fragments. Then, the remaining ash and fragment volume is gathered and run through a processor, creating a uniform, powder-like texture.
Why is refrigeration of the remains necessary?
Due to the irreversible nature of cremation, the state of Ohio requires a waiting period before the actual process may begin. Unless a body is embalmed, refrigeration is the only alternative available that will retard tissue decomposition. Refrigeration is a necessity that protects family, friends, the crematory operator, and the general public from potential health hazards.
Is embalming necessary for cremation?
No. In most cases, it is your choice. It may depend on such factors as whether the family selected a service with a public viewing of the body, whether there is to be a funeral service, or whether there is refrigeration available. Embalming may also be necessary if the body is going to be transported by air or rail, or because of the length of time prior to the cremation.
Is a casket required?
No. For sanitary reasons, ease of placement and dignity, many crematories require that the deceased be cremated in a combustible, leak proof, rigid, covered container. This does not need to be a casket. What is required is an enclosed, rigid, container made of wood or other combustible material to allow for the dignified handling of human remains. The type of casket or container selected is really a personal decision. Caskets and containers are available in a wide variety of materials ranging from simple cardboard containers to beautifully handcrafted oak, maple or mahogany caskets.
Are there special cremation caskets?
There is a choice of very affordable cremation caskets that are completely combustible. The selection includes options from a simple pine or cloth-covered casket to a hardwood casket.
Can a casket be rented instead of purchased when choosing cremation?
Many funeral homes offer a hardwood ceremonial casket for viewing or funeral services prior to cremation. The ceremonial (or rental) casket is specifically designed to provide a very aesthetically pleasing, affordable and environmentally prudent alternative to purchasing a casket for a cremation service.
Can I bring my own urn?
Yes, it would be advisable that you discuss this situation with your cremation provider prior to the cremation. The size of your urn will be of great importance if you plan to have all of the cremated remains included in this container.
Do all funeral homes and cemeteries have a crematory?
No, actually only a small percentage of cremation service providers have their own cremation units. Many funeral homes advertise “Cremation Services” which means they handle cremations but there is no crematory on the premises. Wonderly-Horvath Funeral Home & Crematory is the only crematory located in Sandusky County.
Is cremation a substitution for a funeral?
No, cremation is simply a method of preparing human remains for final disposition.
Do I have to make different funeral arrangements if I chose cremation?
It really depends entirely on how you wish to commemorate a life. One of the advantages of cremation is that it provides you with increased flexibility when you make your funeral and cemetery arrangements. You might, for example, choose to have a funeral service before the cremation, a memorial service at the time of cremation or after the cremation with the urn present, or a committal service at the final disposition of cremated remains. Funeral or memorial services can be held in a place of worship, a funeral home, or a designated place preferred by the family.
Can we have the service before or after the cremation?
It’s completely a matter of family preference. Many times when a family is split regarding the decision to cremate, a compromise may be achieved by having a traditional service first – to be followed by cremation.
What can be done with the cremated remains?
With cremation, your options are numerous. The cremains can be interred in a cemetery plot, i.e., earth burial, retained by a family member, usually in an urn, scattered on private property, or at a place that was significant to the deceased. (It would always be advisable to check for local regulations regarding scattering in a public place.) Cremation is just one step in the commemorative process—the preparation of the human remains for memorialization. Today, there are many different types of memorial options from which to choose. Memorialization is a time-honored tradition that has been practiced for centuries. A memorial serves as a tribute to a life lived and provides a focal point for remembrance, as well as a record for future generations. The type of memorial you choose is a personal decision. The limit is set only by your imagination.
Can I scatter the remains on private property?
Yes, with permission of the owner.
If I am cremated, can I be buried with my spouse even if he or she was in a casket?
Yes, depending upon the cemetery’s policy, you may be able to save a grave space by having the cremains buried on top of the casketed remains of your spouse, or utilize the space provided next to him/her. Many cemeteries allow for multiple cremated remains to be interred in a single grave space.
Can I take the cremated remains home?
Yes, the remains are normally placed in an urn. Most families select an urn that is suitable for placement on a mantle or shelf. Urns are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials.
How big of a price difference is there with cremation compared to standard ground burial?
The cost depends on the type of permanent memorial, location of the memorial, urn, and placement selected.
Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home & Crematory is participating in a national consumer education campaign, “For a Life Worth Celebrating” in an effort to help consumers make wise and informed decisions related to funeral service. Visit wonderlyhorvath.com or nfda.org for more information.
