Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service

What is Cremation, and Why is it Becoming So Popular?

Cremation is a dignified and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional burial. It involves reducing the body to its basic elements through high-temperature burning, leaving behind a few pounds of ash that can be scattered, buried, or kept in an urn. Today, over 50% of Americans choose cremation, and the number is rising. Why? Because it's a flexible, cost-effective, and eco-conscious way to say goodbye.

With cremation, you're not limited to a traditional funeral home or cemetery. You can hold a memorial service at a park, beach, or even your backyard. You can also delay the service, giving you time to plan a celebration of life that truly reflects the person who's passed.

The Cremation Process: What to Expect

While cremation might seem like a complex process, it's actually quite straightforward. Here's what happens:

• Initial Preparation: We prepare the body for cremation, which includes washing, dressing, and placing it in a cremation container.
• Cremation: The body is placed in a cremation chamber, where it's exposed to high temperatures (around 1800°F) for 2-3 hours.
• Processing: The remains are processed into a fine powder, known as cremated remains or ashes.
• Return of Ashes: The ashes are returned to you in an urn, which can be kept, buried, or scattered.

Throughout the process, we maintain the highest standards of dignity and respect for the deceased and their loved ones.

Cremation Services: From Traditional to Unique

At Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, we offer a range of cremation services to fit your needs and preferences. From traditional memorial services to more unconventional celebrations of life, we're here to help you create a farewell that's truly unforgettable.

• Traditional Memorial Service: A classic service with a eulogy, music, and a final goodbye.
• Celebration of Life: A more upbeat, personalized service that focuses on the person's life, interests, and passions.
• Direct Cremation: A simple, cost-effective option with no service or ceremony.
• Sea Burial: A unique and environmentally friendly way to scatter ashes at sea.

Whatever your vision, we'll work with you to bring it to life.

Cremation Urns and Memorialization Options

Once the cremation process is complete, you'll need to choose an urn to hold the ashes. We offer a range of beautiful, handcrafted urns in various materials, from wood to glass to bronze.

But that's not all. You can also choose from a variety of memorialization options, including:

• Burial: Bury the urn in a cemetery or on private land.
• Scattering: Scatter the ashes in a special place, such as a park, beach, or mountain.
• Keeping the Urn: Keep the urn at home, in a niche, or in a columbarium.
• Tree Planting: Plant a tree in memory of your loved one, with the ashes buried beneath.

We'll guide you through the process, helping you choose the perfect urn and memorialization option for your loved one.

Resources and Community Support: Your Next Steps

Losing a loved one is never easy, but with the right support, you can navigate the grieving process with confidence. Here are some resources to get you started:

• Grief Counseling: We offer one-on-one counseling sessions to help you cope with your loss.
• Support Groups: Join a community of people who have experienced a similar loss.
• Online Resources: Explore our library of grief-related articles, videos, and podcasts.

Remember, you're not alone. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cremation

Here are some answers to common questions about cremation:

1. Is cremation a popular choice?

Yes, cremation is becoming increasingly popular, with over 50% of Americans choosing it as their preferred method of disposition.

2. Is cremation environmentally friendly?

Yes, cremation is a more eco-friendly option than traditional burial, as it doesn't require the use of land, embalming fluids, or caskets.

3. Can I still have a funeral or memorial service with cremation?

Absolutely! You can hold a service before or after the cremation process, and we can help you plan a celebration of life that's truly unforgettable.

4. How do I know that the ashes are really my loved one's?

We follow a strict identification process to ensure that the ashes returned to you are indeed those of your loved one.

5. Can I scatter ashes anywhere?

While scattering ashes can be a beautiful way to say goodbye, there are some restrictions and guidelines to follow. We can help you navigate the rules and regulations in your area.