How long does the cremation process take?

If you've recently lost a loved one, you might be unsure whether you should choose cremation or a conventional burial. One of the most common questions that families in mourning have is how long cremation will take compared to an ordinary burial. While the answer to this question varies, cremation usually takes a bit longer than a conventional burial.



This is not because the process of cremation is time-consuming. Instead, it's to ensure the proper paperwork has been completed including the cremation authorizations and cremation permits.

However, to have an idea of how long the cremation will take, it's important to understand what happens in each step of the cremation process. Here are the steps:

1. The Body Will be Placed in a Proper Container

After your loved one passes away, the funeral home will make the removal of the body from the place of death and bring them into our care. Out of respect for your loved one, we will complete the bathing and dressing for the ID viewing. The family will choose an alternative cremation container in which the body will be placed for the cremation process. This is also the container in which the ID viewing will take place. This cremation container is made of pressed wood and corrugated cardboard specially made for the cremation process.

2. Preparations for the Cremation Will Be Made

Not only does the body have to be prepared for cremation, but there is also paperwork to be filed. In some cases, this can be fairly extensive. The Cremation Authorization will need to be completed by all legal next of kin if the deceased did not complete one prior to death. If the death was unattended, the medical examiner will be contacted to permit the cremation following an examination of the body. Once all of the authorizations have been obtained and in the State of South Dakota, 24 hours from the time of death have passed, the cremation can take place. Please be aware that all states have their own set of laws surrounding cremation practices. 

3. Refrigeration May be Used

From the time the death occurs to the actual cremation taking place, your loved one will be kept in our on-site refrigeration facilities. Awaiting proper documentation may take longer than expected, but rest assured, your loved one will be kept in the proper environment. Having our own on-site refrigeration facilities also allows for families out of the area to have a proper ID viewing without the need for embalming prior to cremation.

Consider Any Steps Relevant to Your Specific Religion (if Applicable)

At Miller Funeral Home and on-site crematory, we make sure to take special care and consideration to honor the religious beliefs and traditions of families in our care. If you have special requests or questions about cremation services and your beliefs, please do not hesitate to call. It is our privilege to help.

4. The Cremation Process Will Take Place

The actual cremation process itself usually only takes a matter of a couple of hours, but the paperwork and waiting time can mean that having your loved one cremated could take a few days. Because at Miller Funeral Home & on-site crematory, we own our own crematory, we can ensure the cremation will take place in a timely manner, and memorial services can be scheduled.

What Happens After the Cremation is Complete?

The ashes will be placed in the urn that you have chosen after the cremation is complete. This urn will be placed in the room where the service will be held. Following the service, we will assist with the permanent placement of the urn at a cemetery or memorial park, or release the urn to the individual indicated on the cremation authorization. A form releasing the urn will be completed by the individual taking the urn into their care.

5. You Will Need to Arrange the Funeral/Service Just as You Would a Burial

Cremation only has to do with the disposition of human remains. We strongly recommend that you also have a ceremony, such as a funeral or memorial service. You can rest assured that everyone at Miller Funeral Home & on-site crematory will guide you on planning an event that meets your needs and honors your loved one.

6. Select a Location for Permanent Urn Placement

Following services, we recommend you consider a permanent place of rest for your loved one. The urn can be buried traditionally in a cemetery, placed in a niche which is part of a columbarium, or you may consider a private family estate in a beautiful cremation garden. It is important to have a place to visit and memorialize. The urn can also be released to the individual indicated on the cremation authorization. Memorialization is personal and open to your own preferences.

If you have any other questions about how long cremation takes, or if you need help planning a funeral or memorial service, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re here to help you handle all the details of your loved one’s cremation and funeral or memorial service.