Cremation = A Million and One Options

When someone is cremated, the end result is bone fragments that are turned into ash (cremated remains).

Years ago (more like decades, really) cremation was seen as “taboo.” Catholic churches and Priests would not even recognize cremation as a “final disposition.” Those days have certainly changed, as cremation is on the rise and actually is selected almost 55% of the time in today’s United States (per CANA: Cremation Association of North America).

So, what can you, or I, do with cremated remains once the cremation has occurred?

Keep Them

Funeral homes will have many urn options for you to select from.

Urns are an enclosure that stores the cremated remains (which should be inside a sealed bag, to begin with). Urns can be made of metal, marble, wood, you name it. I’ve had family members bring in their own “urns” as well. Jack Daniels bottle, jewelry box, tackle box, all will suffice.

Bury Them

A lot of people don’t realize that you can still bury cremated remains just as you would a body (casket).

Most cemeteries (in Wisconsin anyway) allow for urns to be buried in the ground as long as the urn is enclosed. Some cemeteries will have a mausoleum or niches that can encase urns as well. Think of them as mini crypts or buildings built to house urns in them.

Scatter Them

Perhaps there was a favorite fishing spot, or nature trail the decedent enjoyed.

Being in Wisconsin, we love our lakes. We also love our golf courses, nature trails, camp sites, cornfields, farms, country in the openness. Ergo, I have a lot of families that end up scattering their loved one’s cremated remains all over the state. Now, you’re “technically (ok, legally)” supposed to go through a few public ordinances and let higher ups aware, but let’s be honest, that doesn’t happen.

Whatever You Can Think Of

This is always a fun and creative one.

If you can think it, there are companies out there that will create it. I’ve had cremated remains turned into art glass pieces. Put into tattoo ink. Parting stones. Keepsake (mini) jewelry. Dog tags. Pocket knives. Books. Diamonds. Coffee grounds.

I know, a few of these are a little out there; but I’ve seen them all and then some.

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