Cremation is a service we offer to families. We, along with eight of our colleagues in southwest Minnesota, own and operate a crematory; therefore, we personally care for your loved one throughout the cremation process. In the State of Minnesota, cremation is considered final disposition of a human body.

Contrary to what most people believe, cremation does not limit one's choices, nor does the choice of cremation eliminate a funeral service. With cremation services, we believe you should be able to choose the type of service that you find most meaningful. That's why our list of services includes many options. Please contact us to receive an insightful book on planning a meaningful cremation service or to find answers to any of your questions.

A Funeral Service Followed by Cremation need be no different than a funeral service followed by earth burial. Following the funeral service, the body and cremation casket are carried and placed in the funeral coach. The family will usually then make their way to a lunch and time of fellowship. The following day or at a later date, the family will come together and the cremains may be buried, placed in a columbarium or ossuary, or may be scattered.

Scattering cremated remains may be done at a designated place on land or water in accordance with state and local laws. Scattering cremated remains on someone's private property requires their permission. It is not recommended to scatter on your personal property (should your home be sold) or on public property where others may come into contact with the cremated remains. For many people, it is important to have a permanent place to go to visit. This allows family and friends the ability to remember and celebrate a life that has been lived and touched others.

A Visitation Followed by Cremation and Memorial Service is when a family wishes to have their loved one’s body viewed by other family and friends for their own healthy grieving process. After the visitation, the loved one’s body will be taken to the crematory. The cremains are then present for the memorial service. Following the memorial service, family and friends will typically make their way to a cemetery where the cremains may be inurned into a grave, columbarium or ossuary, may be scattered, or may be kept at home.

A Cremation Followed by a Memorial Service is when a family chooses that the body need not be present at the time of service. Following the memorial service, family and friends will typically make their way to a cemetery where the cremains may be inurned into a grave, columbarium or ossuary, may be scattered, or may be kept at home.

With Direct Cremation, the body is cremated shortly after death, without embalming. The cremated remains are placed in an urn or other container. No viewing or visitation is involved, although a memorial service or graveside service is usually held. The cremains can be kept in the home, buried or placed in a crypt or niche in a cemetery, or buried or scattered in a favorite spot. Direct cremation usually costs less than the “traditional,” full-service funeral. Costs include the funeral home’s basic services fee, transportation and care of the body, and crematory fee. There also may be a charge for a container used for the cremation process, an urn for the cremated remains, and/or cemetery costs.
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Cremation Policy

Although cremation is a common form of disposition, proper authorizations need to be obtained before the cremation process can begin. In the State of Minnesota, a signature from the funeral director, physician, and medical examiner/coroner needs to be obtained giving approval to cremate. In the State of Minnesota, a signature from the funeral director, physician, and medical examiner/coroner needs to be obtained giving approval to cremate. Also, an “authorization to cremate” form needs to be signed by any/all authorizing agents. This form may be completed prior to one’s death and will be recognized at their time of death. Even though a person may be choosing to be cremated, out of professionalism and respect, we prepare and clothe each body prior to cremation and will ask for clothing to be placed on the deceased prior to cremation. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have regarding cremation or pre-planning your cremation service.