Cremation Services in Iowa - Understanding the Details to Make Final Decisions
Iowa cremation services have become a growing trend in the last decade - not only because of its affordability but also because it has become more accepted by various religions. If you have a loved one that has just died or will pass on very soon, consider cremation as opposed to casket burial for their final disposition. Cremation services in Iowa can be conducted with dignity and respect and may or may not include public viewing and memorial services. It all depends on your wants and needs in laying your loved one to rest.
Iowa Cremation Services - Law Requirements
In this state, a coroner in the parish where your loved one died must issue a permit to allow cremation. In addition, a death certificate must be issued by the coroner or attending physician. As next of kin or primary authorizing agent, you must complete a cremation authorization form before cremation services in Iowa can commence. A funeral specialist can help you complete the necessary paperwork to ensure all legalities are followed.
The good news is that with Iowa cremation services, embalming is not required by state law. However, you have only thirty hours after time of death before the deceased must be refrigerated or embalmed. This is not necessarily because of public health but rather to slow down the decomposition process until cremation services in Iowa have been fully planned. Long distance transportation by land or by air may require embalming and if you want a public viewing, the funeral establishments may require it as well.
Can a Funeral Be Held Even with Iowa Cremation Services?
A funeral can be held even with cremation. In fact, pastors and grief counselors recommend some type of funeral ceremony for family and friends as it provides a sense of closure and presents an opportunity to say goodbye. Cremation services in Iowa are a separate event from a memorial or funeral ceremonial ritual. It is at your discretion as to whether a public visitation is scheduled or even a traditional funeral service or memorial.
Timing and scheduling both play a part in what you choose to do. If family and friends are coming from a great distance, perhaps a memorial ceremony scheduled after Iowa cremation services is best. However, if local family and friends need to see the deceased for closure, a public visitation followed by a formal funeral ceremony can happen before cremation services in Iowa are carried out.
The Finer Details in Review
While you are planning the Iowa cremation services, the deceased must be housed within a rigid, leak-proof container. Typically, this is supplied by the funeral establishment of your choosing and often is made from a strong fiberboard or cardboard. This container is also cremated with your deceased when cremation services in Iowa begins. If the funeral planning includes a public visitation, you can rent a casket with a removable liner for better presentation of your deceased loved one.
Did you know that you might be able to witness the actual proceedings with Iowa cremation services? Some crematoriums have a viewing booth from which you can watch your loved one enter the cremation chamber. Another aspect of cremation requires the removal of pacemakers and other implantable medical devices, especially those with batteries or radiated materials. For the safety of crematory personnel and property, these devices should not be superheated to the high temperatures that the crematory chamber reaches as they could explode. A funeral specialist can advise you of the removal of these devices before cremation services in Iowa commence.
Final Disposition of Remains from Iowa Cremation Services
As a default, the crematory places the cremated remains of your loved one within a temporary, rigid container. This could be an option you choose with cremation services in Iowa should you be planning an ash scattering ceremony. While there are no official rules in place regarding ash scattering, you should garner permission from the landowner if it happens on private property. You may also consider memorial gardens too.
An urn becomes necessary if you plan to display the ashes in your home in a place of honor on a mantle or other area. An urn is also a requirement if you are planning to bury it in a cemetery plot or house it within a columbarium. Urns can be a very personal choice and there are many options available as you will find out during the planning of Iowa cremation services. There are simple wooden boxes, fine porcelain containers and even memorial furniture such as benches.
Ultimately, the final choice is yours, as designated next of kin or as the chosen authorized agent. Cremation is not impersonal as some people would be led to believe. Your deceased loved one is treated with deference and decorum from the beginning of the process until you receive their ashes. Just keep in mind that even with cremation services in Iowa you do have options with funeral ceremonies, memorials, urns and more.
I found Heritage Cremation when I was calling funeral homes in the area to make cremation arrangements for my brother. The cremation cost was a big concern for me and compared to the other funeral homes I found Heritage Cremations had the best price and the most compassionate staff. I was a bit worried because the cremation services price at Heritage Cremation was so much less than the other cremation services I was quoted, but I have to say the cremation service was beautiful. Visitors actually complimented me on the cremation service, and the kindness of the staff at Heritage Cremation. 
