Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd.

1520 N. Arlington Heights Road

Arlington Heights, IL 60004

(847) 253-0168

FACTS ABOUT CREMATION

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Effective January 1, 1993, the State of Illinois enacted the “Crematory Regulation Act.”  The Act clarifies a number of previously unregulated matters about cremation, including authorization of cremation both at-need and pre-arranged, procedures for funeral homes and crematories, disposition of cremated remains, etc.  This is meant to be an informative guide for those considering cremation, as well as those who may never have considered this form of disposition.  A complete copy of the act is available for you to look over at the Funeral Home.

The following are some terms used by the funeral and crematory industry:

Alterative Container-a receptacle, other than a casket, in which the human remains are transported to the crematory and placed in the chamber for cremation.  There are certain other guidelines that the container must meet.

Authorizing Agent- a person legally entitled to order the cremation and final disposition of specific human remains.

Cremated Remains- all human remains recovered after the completion of the cremation, which may possibly include the residue of any foreign matter that was cremated with the human remains.

Cremation- the technical process, using heat and flame, that reduces human remains to bone fragments.  The reduction takes place through heat and evaporation.  Cremation shall include the processing, and may include the pulverization, of the bone fragments.

Cremation Interment Container- a rigid outer container, subject to the cemetery’s rules and regulations, in which an urn is placed prior to being interred in the ground.

Niche- compartment or cubicle for the memorialization and permanent placement of an urn containing cremated remains.

Processing- is the reduction of identifiable bone fragments after the completion of the cremation to unidentifiable bone fragments by manual or mechanical means.

Temporary  Container- a closeable container of sufficient size to hold cremated remains until an urn is acquired or  the cremated remains are scattered.

Urn- a receptacle designed to encase the cremated remains.

THE CREMATION PROCESS

To start the cremation process the human remains are placed into a cremation chamber.  During the cremation the human remains are subjected to intense heat (1,600 - 2,000 deg. F) for up to five hours (2.5 -3 average).  Following a cooling period the reasonably recoverable fragments are processed by mechanical pulverization into granulated particles.  Any foreign objects, which may include jewelry, dental or medical implants, photos, glasses, mementos will be irretrievably altered and rendered unrecoverable.   Any remaining foreign objects are  removed from the cremated remains and discarded.  The cremated remains are then placed into an urn or temporary container if an urn is not provided. 

AUTHORIZING CREMATION

One of the more important aspects of the Cremation Act was to clearly define who can serve as an authorizing agent for cremation.  A surviving spouse normally has the primary right to authorize cremation.  The exception to this is when a person is acting on the written instructions of the decedent or a person with a valid Power of Attroney for Healthcare.  Next in priority are surviving adult children, parents,  and other relatives by degree of kinship. 

CREMATION AND FUNERAL SERVICES

Many people feel that, when selecting cremation as a form of disposition, traditional services are precluded.  They are surprised to learn that it is possible, in fact it is becoming quite common, to have a traditional funeral.  Other options are also available, such as a visitation and funeral service in the same day followed by cremation.  This offers the survivors the social and emotional benefits of funeral services along with the simplicity and cost savings of cremation.  Direct cremation (cremation without visitation, viewing, or services) is also available.  This can be followed by memorial services either at the funeral home, church or location of your choice.

At Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd. we offer a special selection of caskets, for rental or purchase, to be used when cremation is selected with funeral services. Urns are available for permanent placement of cremated remains for in home storage, burial or placement in niche/columbarium space.  For those who decide on burial of cremated remains, we also have grave markers and monuments.

PRE-NEED CREMATION ARRANGEMENTS

The Cremation Act also allows for a person to authorize his or her own cremation.  This involves signing the authorization form, as well as completing a statement, which, either prohibits anybody from selecting another form of disposition or allows you to specify certain named persons to have the option of canceling the cremation and selecting other arrangements.  A person always retains the right to cancel a pre-need authorization.

For those who have decided that they want cremation, they can relieve their survivors of great burden by authorizing cremation in advance.  All documents can be completed at your convenience, kept on file at the funeral home and are quickly available when the need arises.  And, as previously stated, you can always change your plans.  By authorizing cremation in advance you make your desires clearly known to your survivors.  This assures that your wishes are carried out and relieves others, who may be uncomfortable with your decision, of the burden of going against their own feelings.

MAKE SURE YOU GET THE FACTS

It is now, and has always been, the policy of Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd. to be honest, fair and open with the families we serve; regardless of the type of funeral arrangements or final disposition you request.   Those who select cremation, with or without services, will be given the same care and quality of service we show all of our clients.  Because cremation is an irreversible and often misunderstood process, it is important that those who are considering this option, get the facts and be aware of options in order to can make informed decisions. 

We hope that this brochure has answered some of your questions or cleared up concerns regarding cremation.  If you have any further questions or would like additional information on cremation or any of the other services offered at Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., please call us at (847) 253-0168.