Here is where we look at the cremation process to familiarize yourself with some potential unknowns about it. Most have a good idea of what goes on, but for those who are curious about the details of the cremation process, this section is for you.
A Brief Overview of the Cremation Process
Cremation uses extreme heat to reduce the human body from its familiar form to bone fragments. In essence, the cremation process advances the natural process, accomplishing in just a few hours what would have taken months or years to occur. The cremation process involves the use of very specialized equipment called a retort.
After death, a licensed funeral professional takes possession of the physical remains and establishes a strict chain-of-custody to ensure the body of the deceased is accurately identified from the time of taking the body into our care, all the way through the cremation process.
Before the cremation process, a written authorization to cremate is completed by the funeral director and signed by the next of kin or legal authority. The funeral director will also complete the death certificate, obtain the signature of the attending physician or medical examiner, and file the documents with the county authorities.
At the Crematory
The body is placed in a cremation casket or alternative container selected by the family. The metal identification tag is then added, to ensure proper identification through the cremation process. The tag will be cremated with the body to allow for proper identification of the individual when removed from the retort. The individual will then be placed with all due care into the retort for cremation.
It usually takes two to two and a half hours for the cremation process to be completed. Once the cremation is complete, there is a cool down period and the cremated remains are then respectfully removed from the retort. The remains are then placed in the urn or container the family has selected for their loved one.
Turn to the Cremation Experts
We consider ourselves cremation professionals meaning we continue to pursue excellence in all things. Certainly we are very familiar with the cremation process, yet we add to our expertise by attending on-going continuing education courses regarding state-of-the-art crematory equipment and operations. If you have questions about any aspects of cremation, its history, the cremation process itself, or what is involved in making cremation arrangements, we are happy to assist you. Simply call us at 618-632-3713, or send us an email using the form on or contact page. We will be pleased to hear from you,