In a world filled with options, many individuals and families are choosing to keep things simple when death occurs. That’s where cremation care can be helpful. Over recent decades, cremation care has steadily increased in popularity as a means of laying a fallen loved one to rest. People appreciate direct cremations in Greenfield, WI for several reasons ranging from practical to ideological, and everything in between. The truth is, there is no right or wrong reason to choose cremation care for you or your loved one in death.
Why Direct Cremation in Greenfield, WI May Be the Right Choice
We offer simple, affordable cremation so you don't have to worry about all the expensive, complicated arrangements of funeral care. That means your money will not be spent on large chapels or expensive vehicles. This helps us in keeping our prices low without making any compromises. As a matter of fact most of our clients make all the arrangements right from the comfort of their own home. The process is very simple and should you have any questions our helpful staff is only a phone call away.
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Benefits of Direct Cremation
Here are several points to consider as you research why cremation care may be the right choice for your situation:
Simplicity:
If desired, direct cremation in Greenfield, WI can be performed in a quiet, dignified manner without the parade of flowers and mourners. It streamlines the care and disposition of the fallen and avoids extensive planning and logistics involved with embalmment, casket and plot purchase, burial, and cemetery scheduling, etc.
Cost:
These days, cremation care is significantly more affordable than a traditional burial. The cost of funeral home care is not cheap, with funeral service arrangements, embalmment services, casket expense, gravesite and burial plot purchase, venue rental and cost of flowers and decor, family luncheon, or refreshments, etc. There are ways to keep these costs down, particularly through pre-needs planning long before death occurs.
Environment:
Many people are concerned about the health of the planet. Cremation care is viewed as more environmentally friendly than a traditional burial since it can avoid the use of embalming chemicals. It also has the advantage of not burying elaborate caskets made of artificial materials, including paint and plastic. In time, these things will all degrade and contribute to the pollution of the earth. Cremation care also avoids tying up choice land, limiting future generations from using the land in productive ways.
Proximity:
For some families, the thought of burying a loved one in a cold, dark grave is too much to bear. They would rather their remains be kept nearby. Cremation provides people with this option. The ashes of a loved one can be placed in an urn and enshrined at home in a meaningful way. The ashes can also be divided among family and friends so that all who wish it may keep a small part of their loved one near. Another popular choice is to commission a piece of jewelry that uses some of the ashes as material in its fabrication.
Convenience:
In the course of a traditional funeral, the body of the fallen is present at the service. Since burial usually occurs relatively soon after death, those who wish to attend the funeral must choose to be there, despite competing priorities that are also important. Choosing a direct cremation in Greenfield, WI
changes the timeline. The cremation can happen immediately, and a memorial service can be held at a future date. In so doing, friends and families will find it easier to arrange work and travel schedules around the occasion.
Final Rest:
Sometimes, people misunderstand cremation, believing that it represents the final place of rest for the deceased. This is not correct. The place you choose to lay down your loved one’s ashes is up to you and your family. It may be in an urn on the fireplace mantle, or perhaps lovingly placed in a columbarium niche at the cemetery. It may be that you choose to scatter the ashes in a beautiful place that the deceased loved in life. The choices of where to rest your fallen loved one are many, providing you a range of options that are not possible with burial.
Direct Cremation Care in Greenfield, WI
Choosing to cremate the remains of a loved one can be a deeply personal decision. Only you and your family can decide whether it is the best choice. In addition to the advantages of cremation care listed above, it’s also important to consider what the deceased would have wanted, were they still here to make their wishes known. If they did make their preferences clear in life, then you already know what they would have wanted. If not, then take time to think about who they were as a person, what their world views were, whether their culture or faith tradition informed their views on cremation, what their personal feelings might have been about it, etc. It’s also a good idea to review financial constraints that may affect the choice of care in death. Lastly, what do family and friends need to begin healing?
Consult with a Professional that Cares
If you’d like to have a conversation with a compassionate funeral professional about direct cremation care in Greenfield, WI, get in touch with us today. The Cremation Society of Milwaukee has its own on-site crematory at 2729 S. 108th Street, West Allis, WI 53227. Call us at (414) 384-2424.
Cremation FAQs
How Quickly Does Cremation Take Place After Death?
Cremation usually happens within 1 to 3 days after someone passes, but the timeline can vary depending on several factors. Legal requirements, such as waiting 24 to 48 hours and securing paperwork like a death certificate and cremation authorization, often affect the timing. If a funeral service or embalming is involved, the process may take longer, while direct cremation can happen more quickly. Availability at the crematorium and transportation arrangements also play a role in how soon cremation can occur.
How Can I Ensure My Family Knows I Want a Direct Cremation?
If you want your family to honor your wish for direct cremation, it's essential to communicate clearly and thoughtfully. Sit down with your loved ones, explain your decision, and share your reasons to help them understand. Put your wishes in writing, distribute the document, and consider working with a funeral home to pre-plan or even pre-pay for arrangements. You can also include your choice in legal papers and seek support from a funeral counselor if needed—these steps make it easier for your family to follow through when the time comes.
Who Can Authorize a Direct Cremation?
In Wisconsin, direct cremation must be authorized by someone legally permitted to make that decision, typically following a set order. The surviving spouse is usually first in line, followed by adult children, then the next of kin, such as parents or siblings, or a person named in the deceased's will. The county medical examiner or coroner may authorize the cremation if no one is available or designated. Since laws can vary, it's best to speak with a Wisconsin funeral professional or legal advisor for guidance.