Understanding cremation

What is Cremation?

 Cremation is the process that turns the physical remains of a person into the coarse, grey substance that many people may know as ashes. These cremated remains, or cremains, are then interred in a niche, placed in the ground, returned to the family for permanent possession, or scattered depending the family’s wishes.

How long does the actual cremation take?

A typical cremation will take between two and three hours, depending on the weight of the individual. 

How Does Cremation Work?

Your loved one will be placed in a casket or alternative cremation container, which will accompany them into the cremation chamber, also called a retort. Once the body is inside the retort, the crematory operator will close the door and begin the cremation process.

The activated incinerator temperatures in the retort will reach 1,625 - 1,800°F. This is the temperature required to cremate the body.

As this happens, the body will be reduced to bone fragments and the cremation container will disintegrate. Following this process, the resulting remains are collected and placed into a processor. The processing machine removes all non-organic materials by separating them from the remains. Things like metal from clothing, implanted joints, bolts and screws from previous surgeries are removed. Gold or silver dental work is unrecoverable and becomes part of the final remains for the individual. After the items are removed the remains are processed into a fine powder which is commonly referred to as ashes. 

What happens after the cremation is completed?

The cremated remains will be placed into a temporary container until an urn is selected. This container or urn are then interred in a niche, placed in the ground, returned to the family for permanent possession, or scattered depending the family’s wishes.

How Can I Be Sure I Receive The Correct Remains?

Molnar Funeral Homes will care for your loved one each step of the way. Before a final ID occurs the person is given a number that number correlates to a circular metal disk that will always be in our files so if ever ashes are misplaced the metal disk is documented so we can tell who those cremains are. The disk is selected in addition to rigorous operating policies and procedures that ensure high quality work, we only conduct one cremation at a time. This ensures you receive the correct remains.

Can I Be Present For The Cremation

Yes, you can. We provide you with the ability to view your loved one prior to the cremation at no additional cost. There’s no obligation to witness the cremation, so if you would prefer to wait in the reception area while the cremation takes place, you are welcome to do so.

Can I Have A Traditional Service With A Cremation?

Absolutely. You have many options when you choose cremation. We can help you plan the type of service you want, whether it takes place pre- or post-cremation. 

Do I Need a Casket?

No, you do not. While a casket is not required, a cremation container is. This container will be cremated along with your loved one.

Do I Need an Urn?

No, an urn is not required as we will provide you with a temporary container to hold the remains. We do recommend selecting an urn if you choose to have a service following the cremation. Our staff can help you select something appropriate.

What Can Be Done With The Cremated Remains?

Cremation allows for some beautiful, symbolic ways to honor your loved one. They can be buried in a cemetery, interred in a mausoleum, scattered, or kept with you. When you speak to us about cremation, our staff will review all of your options.

Can I inspect the crematory?

You should be able to inspect the facility prior to the actual process of a cremation, or even well ahead of the process if you are looking to plan a funeral where cremation is being considered. We are happy to provide you with a tour of the facilities used during our process and welcome all requests to view the crematory.