The number of people choosing cremation has increased significantly in the past few years, yet cremation carries a long tradition and remains largely unchanged. Cremation simply expedites the process of reducing a body to bone fragments through application of intense heat.
Contrary to what many believe, cremation is not an alternative to a funeral nor does it limit choices, but in fact, increases one's options. It is performed in a respectful and dignified manner and can be memorialized in many ways.
The Johnson Family Crematory & Tribute Center
In 2O14, we opened our own Crematory and Tribute Center as an addition to our formal chapel at the Stuart facility. We are the only full-service funeral home in Guthrie, Adair, Dallas and Madison Counties with its own on-premises crematorium. Let us tell you about our unique facility and the benefits to our community of performing cremation directly under our supervision.
A funeral service followed by cremation may be exactly the same as a funeral followed by burial. It can be elaborate or simple and traditional or nontraditional.
Customary Cremation Service will be just like a complete funeral except cremation will follow instead of burial. This can be accommodated by the use of a special cremation casket or a ceremonial (rental) casket. Following the viewing or ceremony, and eventual cremation, the cremated remains can be buried, scattered, or returned to the family for safe keeping. Urns are used to hold the cremated remains. They are constructed of semi-precious metals, ceramics, woods or bio-degradable materials.
Memorial Service/Commemorative Gathering involves cremation soon after the death followed by a service at the funeral home or other location where the body is not present. Often the urn will be at the service as an appropriate focal point. A period of visitation may be held before or after the ceremony.
A Non-Ceremonial Cremation refers to a cremation without any formal ceremonies.
Niches - The cremated remains of your loved one may be safely held in a nice of a columbarium at a cemetery or one's place of worship.
Cemetery Burial - In ground burial on a family plot - Urns may be buried at the head or foot of a grave site.
Scattering - Ashes may be scattered freely within a dedicated, natural environment. Often people wish to retain some portion of the remains for commemorative purposes. We maintain a large selection of special, small keepsake urns for reserving some amount of the ashes.
Personalized Memorialization - Inscribing your family member's name and a special saying on a tree plaque, park bench or other special memorial.
What is cremation?
To begin with, it is probably easier to describe what cremation isn't. Cremation is not final disposition of the body, nor is it a type of funeral service. Rather, it is a process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame.
How long does the actual cremation take?
It depends on the weight of the individual. For an average size adult, cremation takes from three to four hours at normal operating temperature between 1,600 degrees F to 2,000 degrees F.
What do the cremated remains look like?
Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to light grey in color. The remains of an average size adult usually weigh between four to five to eight pounds of cremated remains.
Is a casket needed For cremation?
No, a casket is not required for cremation. All that is required by state law is an alternative container constructed of fiberboard or wood which is cremated with the body. The only time a casket is required is when the family chooses a public service with the body present prior to cremation. For these occasions we offer a selection of cremation caskets and/or economical rental casket.
Is it possible to have a funeral before cremation?
Yes. A common misconception is that cremation is an alternative to a funeral rather than an alternative to burial. In all cultures outside America, where practiced widely, cremation is highly ritualized and done with ceremony at which the deceased is present. Today we find people choosing cremation simply as one step in the overall process and not as a substitute for the funeral. It is one of the reasons we offer ceremonial (rental) caskets for the funeral prior to cremation.
Don't most funeral homes have a crematory?
No. Most funeral homes subcontract this delicate procedure to a third party provider. Often, the family incurs additional transportation expenses and needless delay. By contrast, we own our cremation equipment at our Stuart facility which is operated by our fully licensed and highly trained staff.
How are the cremated remains returned?
The cremated remains are placed in a plastic bag and urn of your choice. We have a large selection of urns for you to choose from.
Are all the cremated remains returned?
With the exception of minute and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are given back to the family.
Can the family witness the cremation?
Yes. Our cremation facility is set up to allow family members to be present when the body is placed into the cremation chamber. ln fact, some religious groups include this as part of their funeral custom. There is a viewing window through which this may be observed,
How can I be sure I receive the correct remains?
We have developed the most rigorous set of operating policies and procedures in order to maximize our level of quality and minimize the potential for human error. Positive identification of the deceased is assured throughout each stage of the cremation process. We only allow certified Johnson Family personnel to operate our cremation equipment.
Your Rights
Identification of The Body
The Cremation Process
Cremation Authorization Form
Download Cremation Authorization Form
The phenomenon of cremation is still largely unfamiliar and emotionally uncomfortable for some Catholics. Although cremation has been a practice of the Catholic Church since 1963, restrictions allowed very few Catholics to choose it, In recent years, changes to these conditions made by the Catholic Church have enabled cremation to be considered an acceptable option.
Johnson Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Stuart Chapel • 123 Northeast Secon Street, Stuart, IA 50250 • Phone: (515) 523-1200
Dexter Chapel • 814 Wash Ave. Box 57, Dexter, IA 50070 • Phone: (515) 789-4621
Earlham Chapel • 140 NW 2nd Street, Earlham, IA 50072 • Phone: (515) 758-2500
Redfield Chapel • 902 1st Street Box 404, Redfield, IA • Phone (515) 789-4621
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