What is Cremation?
A crematorium, or crematory, is a facility where the cremation process occurs. At the heart, is the cremation chamber; a space where your loved one is gently cared for during the final steps of their journey. Crematoriums are managed by licensed professionals who are specially trained in legal and safety measures.
Some funeral homes own and operate their own crematory, which may be located on the same property or nearby. While that is not essential, a funeral home with its own crematory can provide families with greater peace of mind, ensuring complete care and oversight throughout the cremation process. At Smith Funeral Chapel & Eau Claire Memorial Crematory, we proudly own and operate our on-site crematory in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, allowing us to offer families the highest standard of care since 1982.
Funeral homes that do not have their own crematory may partner with trusted third-party providers. However, choosing a funeral home with an in-house crematory can offer additional reassurance and ease during a difficult time.
Types of Cremation Services
What cremation options are there?
A common misconception about cremation is that it precludes having funeral or visitation; however, this is not true. Opting for cremation does not limit your ability to celebrate and honor your loved one’s life in meaningful ways. We encourage families to consider hosting a visitation, memorial service, or celebration of life. The type of cremation service you choose is a personal decision, and there are various options to consider.
- Traditional Funeral Service followed by Cremation
This provides families with a dignified way to honor their loved ones. This option encompasses a complete funeral service prior to cremation, which may involve embalming, hairdressing, and makeup, as well as the use of a rental or cremation casket. Additionally, families have the opportunity to gather at the funeral home or their place of worship, allowing for a personal farewell. This option is often preferred by those who appreciate traditional rituals and desire a full viewing. It provides a meaningful space for family and friends to come together and pay their respects.
- Cremation with a Memorial Service or Celebration of Life
This typically includes memorable, personalized urn for your loved one, a visitation and memorial service, held at our newly remodeled chapel, or your place of worship, or another meaningful location. It offers flexibility, particularly for families who desire more time to plan or prefer a less traditional tribute that focuses on celebrating the life lived. This approach allows for a personalized and meaningful farewell.
- Direct Cremation Without a Service
This option is a simple offering including transportation and cremation without embalming or a formal funeral service. While still having the caring support of our dedicated staff.
It’s an affordable option and is often chosen in cases where there are few surviving relatives. While more affordable, some families may feel a lack of closure due to the absence of a final gathering or goodbye.
- Witness Cremation (Cremation Viewing)
Some crematories offer the option for families to be present during the start of the cremation. This may include watching the loved one being placed into the chamber or even participating by pushing the container in or pressing the start button. This can be a deeply emotional but meaningful experience.
Not all facilities offer witness cremations, so it’s important to ask about this early in the planning process.
What can you do with cremated remains after cremation?
After the cremation and any services, you choose to hold, there are many thoughtful and personal options for your loved one’s final resting place. Whether it’s a traditional inurnment at your family’s cemetery or columbarium, scattering the ashes at cherished location, or bringing them home with you to keep them close to your heart, we are here to guide and support you and your family in making decisions that can reflect the unique life and legacy of your loved one, providing a meaningful tribute.
- Inurnment: This involves burying or entombing your loved one’s cremated remains. Options include a family plot, memorial site, cremation niche, urn garden, or other indoor and outdoor locations.
- Graveside Services: Similar to traditional burial services, this allows family and friends to gather at the site of inurnment, offering prayers, reflections, or other meaningful tributes as the remains are laid to rest.
- Scattering: Cremated remains can be scattered in a cemetery scattering garden, over water, or at any meaningful personal location. Some families choose to scatter a portion while keeping the rest in an urn for inurnment or safekeeping.
- Multiple Urns: Dividing cremated remains into more than one urn allows loved ones in different locations to each keep a part of the person close, offering comfort and connection across distance. Placing cremated remains in customized jewelry is another way of keeping your loved one close.
Plan a Cremation with Smith Funeral Chapel
We understand that planning a cremation can feel overwhelming, especially during a time of loss. At Smith Funeral Chapel & Eau Claire Memorial Crematory, our experienced planners are here to walk you through every step—from funeral service planning to cremation arrangements and selecting a final resting place and managing all legal and logistical arrangements with care and clarity.
Whether you’re looking for a full funeral service with cremation, or a simple cremation we’re committed to providing compassionate, professional, and detail-focused care.
Learn more about planning a cremation and reach out when you’re ready. We’re here to support you and help honor your loved one’s life with dignity and respect.