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When it comes to choosing the final disposition method for your loved one, options such as burial and cremation are available. In Chicago, more families are trending towards cremation as their preferred option. This article explores all you need to know about cremation services in the city, from the procedure to the cost, and even offers some places to consider.
What is Cremation?
Cremation is the procedure of transforming a deceased person's body into ashes through high temperatures in a specialized furnace. The process takes between two to three hours and results in cremated remains that families can choose to scatter, bury, or keep in a container known as an urn.
Cremation Trends in Chicago
Chicago, like many other cities globally, has seen a surge in cremation over traditional burial methods. This trend can be attributed to factors such as less cost, environmental concerns, and flexibility in memorial services.
Cost of Cremation in Chicago
The exact cost of cremation in Chicago varies from provider to provider, but on average, residents can expect to pay between $700 and $3,000. Factors influencing the price include the type of service chosen, the urn selection, and whether a memorial service is held concurrently.
Cremation Options
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Beyond cost, cremation offers families diverse ways to remember and honor their loved one. Some choose to scatter the ashes in a place significant to the deceased, others plant them with a tree seed, some keep them in an urn at home, while others may decide to bury them in a cemetery.
Where to access Cremation Services in Chicago?
Chicago is home to a variety of services providing cremation assistance. Some notable establishments include:
- Cremation Society of Illinois: Offering both direct cremation and memorial cremation services.
- Chicago Cremation Services: Known for their affordable, straightforward services.
- Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory: Offering a full range of memorial, cremation, and services.
Cremation Chicago Example:
Consider this scenario: John, a Chicagoan resident, recently lost his mother. He knows his mother had wanted her ashes scattered on Lake Michigan. John chooses the Cremation Society of Illinois to provide direct cremation services, ensuring that his mother's wishes are fulfilled. With the influx of love and support from friends and family, he holds a small, intimate memorial service by the lake, releasing the ashes in the water in a serene and moving ceremony.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cremation and how does it work?
Cremation is the process of reducing a body to ashes and bone fragments through the application of intense heat. It generally takes place in a designated facility known as a crematorium or crematory. The process typically involves placing the body in a combustible container, which is then put into a cremation chamber where temperatures reach 1400-1800°F. This reduces the body to ashes within a couple of hours, after which the remains are processed into a finer consistency before being returned to the family.
Is cremation a popular choice in Chicago?
Yes, cremation has become an increasingly popular choice in Chicago, mirroring national trends in the United States. Many families choose it for reasons such as cost-effectiveness, simplicity, environmental concerns, or personal preference.
How much does cremation cost in Chicago?
The cost of cremation in Chicago can vary widely depending on the service provider and the type of services chosen. On average, direct cremation, which does not include a memorial service or viewing, can range from $600 to $4000 or more. The addition of services like a memorial ceremony or a viewing can significantly increase costs.
Are there different types of cremation services available?
Yes, families can choose from several types of cremation services, including direct cremation without a ceremony, cremation followed by a memorial service, or a traditional funeral service followed by cremation. Choices can be personalized to fit the family's wishes and cultural or religious practices.
Can I pre-plan my cremation in Chicago?
Pre-planning a cremation is a common practice that can ease the burden on family members during a time of grief. It allows an individual to make decisions about their own final arrangements in advance. Most crematories and funeral homes in Chicago offer pre-planning services with various options for funding the arrangements.
What occurs during the cremation process?
The body is identified, and all necessary paperwork is completed before the cremation process begins. Typically, any medical devices or prosthetics are removed. The body is then placed in a combustible container and transferred to the cremation chamber, where it is exposed to high temperatures, and everything but the bones is incinerated. The remaining bone fragments are then processed into the ashes, technically known as "cremains," that are returned to the family.
Is a casket required for cremation?
No, a casket is not required for cremation. However, the body does need to be enclosed in a combustible and rigid container for dignity and safety reasons. A simple cremation casket or a heavy cardboard or plywood box often satisfies this requirement.
How do families receive the cremated remains?
After the cremation process, the cremains are placed in a temporary container provided by the crematory or in an urn chosen by the family. The remains can be picked up by a family member, delivered by the crematory, or sometimes mailed if regulations allow.
Can the cremated remains be divided among family members?
Yes, cremated remains can be divided among family members if this is the wish of the deceased or the family. Separate urns or keepsake containers are available for this purpose.
What can be done with the cremated remains after the cremation?
Cremated remains can be kept in an urn at home, interred in a cemetery plot, placed in a columbarium, scattered in a place that was significant to the deceased, incorporated into jewelry or glass art, or handled in other ways according to the family's wishes or cultural customs.
Are there any legal restrictions on scattering ashes in Chicago?
Scattering ashes in Chicago does have some legal restrictions. It is not permitted to scatter ashes on private property without consent from the owner and public parks often have specific regulations. Scattering ashes in Lake Michigan is governed by federal law, which generally requires that scattering be done at least three nautical miles from shore.
What is a green cremation or alkaline hydrolysis?
Green cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation. It uses a solution of water and potassium hydroxide to break down the body at a lower temperature than fire-based cremation. This process has a smaller carbon footprint and is offered by some providers in the Chicago area.
How long does the cremation process usually take?
The actual cremation process typically takes 2 to 3 hours. However, the entire procedure, including paperwork, scheduling, and return of the cremains, can take several days to a week or more, depending on various factors such as the chosen services and the crematory's schedule.
Can I attend the cremation?
Some crematories in Chicago offer families the option to attend the start of the cremation process. If this is important to you, make sure to choose a provider that accommodates this request and be aware there may be additional fees associated.
What paperwork is needed for cremation in Chicago?
Before cremation can occur, several documents are required including a death certificate, a cremation authorization form usually signed by the next of kin, and a permit for disposition issued by the local health department. Your funeral home or crematory will guide you through the necessary paperwork.
Do religions permit cremation?
Many religions now accept cremation, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and Protestant Christianity. However, Orthodox Jews and Muslims typically do not cremate, and the Catholic Church has specific instructions about how cremains should be handled. It is best to consult with your religious leader if you have concerns about adherence to faith-based practices regarding cremation.
Can personal items be cremated with the body?
Some personal items may be cremated with the body if they meet the crematory's safety standards and are made of combustible materials. However, items such as jewelry or electronic devices are usually removed before the cremation process.
Is it possible to view the body before cremation?
Yes, most funeral homes in Chicago will accommodate a viewing or a private farewell before the cremation takes place, depending on the services selected and the state of the body. Do note that this may incur additional costs for the preparation of the body and use of the facilities.
What kind of urn should I purchase for the cremated remains?
The type of urn you purchase can depend on what you plan to do with the ashes. A wide range of urns are available in materials suitable for burial, display, scattering, or as keepsakes. Consider the size, material, style, and personal significance when choosing an urn.
How are cremation ashes returned if a family cannot pick them up?
If a family is unable to pick up cremation ashes, many providers offer shipping services. Usually, this will involve additional fees, and there are strict postal regulations governing the transportation of cremated remains. Confirm with your provider for specific details and options.
Cremation can be a difficult topic, but understanding the process and the options available in your city can make a difference when planning for the inevitable. Knowing what to expect, pricing, and where to get these services in Chicago empowers you to make informed decisions that will honor your loved one's memory. Feel free to share this guide with friends, family, and anyone else who may find value in it. Also, take a moment to explore the various other guides available on Eulogy Assistant to bring comfort during such trying times.