Cremation

Smith & Kernke is a licensed crematorium, and rites are performed under the American Society for Dignified Cremations trademark. Cremation is the process of reducing the body of the deceased to fragments of bone by way of heat and flame. We prefer to use "cremated remains" rather than "ashes" because we believe that the term "ashes" can be misleading. Our staff will be pleased to explain the consistency of cremated remains in as much detail as you prefer – if you are considering scattering we would recommend that you ask us to prepare you for what you will see.

If the deceased is Jewish, Christian Orthodox, Muslim, or Roman Catholic, you may wish to consult clergy or our staff for guidance (for example, the Roman Catholic Church strongly advocates the presence of the body – not the cremated remains – for the funeral Mass, with cremation to take place later. Scattering is not accepted by the Catholic Church.) our Cremation Authorization form goes into some detail in explaining the cremation process and our policies and procedures.

Our concern about proper cremation procedures led us to establish our own crematory. We are pleased to set up a personal visit to our crematory where we operate state-of-the-art equipment in a clean facility and observe strict procedures ensuring the highest legal and ethical standards are met. Our crematory is not located in a storefront, garage or warehouse facility or operated over the telephone. We believe you want value, not the problems often associated with something "cheap." If you compare our staff, procedures, prices and reputation for excellence, you will conclude we offer unsurpassed quality, value, and peace of mind. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at one of our two locations.


Cremation Service Options
It is our goal to provide our families with a dignified cremation service, while fulfilling your personal needs in honoring the life of your loved one. Our intention is to offer cremation options that allow you to select the desired service within your means. To insure your satisfaction, we offer a full range of services to accompany a cremation. This includes, but is not limited to, the following service packages.

TRADITIONAL SERVICE CREMATION OPTION

1. Full Service With a Suntan Cremation Casket or Ceremonial Casket With Cremation to Follow
This package includes basic services of funeral director and staff, transfer to funeral home from place of death, sanitary care, embalming, other preparation (dressing & casketing), one day of visitation, funeral service at a church, our facility, or other venue, hearse, utility vehicle, medical examiner’s permit, Suntan cremation casket or a ceremonial oak casket with cremation interior, and the crematory fee. Add urn and memorial package.

MEMORIAL SERVICE AND COMMEMORATIVE GATHERING OPTIONS

2. Cremation With A Memorial Service
This package includes the basic services of funeral director and staff, transfer to funeral home from place of death, sanitary care, refrigeration, memorial service at a church, our facility or other venue, crematory fee, alternative cremation container, medical examiner‘s permit, and use of a memory room.

DIRECT CREMATION OPTIONS

3. Direct Cremation (NO SERVICE)
This discounted package includes basic services of funeral director and staff, transfer to funeral home, sanitary care, refrigeration, service vehicle for certificates/permits, identification viewing available upon request, crematory fee, alternative cremation container, and medical examiner’s permit fee.